You’ve already discovered what copywriting is, and the fact it has a huge demand for professional copywriters.
But can copywriting actually replace a professional income?
Or even pay the bills?
This section will answer all your questions about how much money you can expect to make as a copywriter.
What Are Your Income Goals?
Rather than simply crunching numbers and seeing how much you can earn as a copywriter, a more realistic place to start is to determine your personal income goals.
What income do you want to make, either through copywriting or other means?
Is your goal to make six figures a year? Or do you only want some extra spending money each month?
There’s room for nearly any income goal in the copywriting industry.
To calculate a rough figure of how much you want to make each month, try the following steps:
- Write down all your current bills and expenditures each month. You can average things like how much you spend on entertainment or travel, but be as accurate as possible.
- Ask yourself if you’re happy with your current situation. Do you have enough money to cover expenses every month? Or would you like more?
- If your current income is enough, then write it down as your copywriting income goal.
- If your current income is not enough, determine how much you would need to cover all the bills and have the standard of living you want.
This will give you a good idea of how much you’ll need to make each month as a copywriter.
Now, let’s see if you can meet that goal.
A Look at Copywriter Salaries
The following statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics breakdown the most current copywriter average salaries:
Salary Category | Salary Amount per Year | Equivalent Hourly Wage (based on a 40-hour workweek) |
---|---|---|
Salary Category | Average copywriter salary | |
Salary Amount per Year | $62,170 | |
Equivalent Hourly Wage (based on a 40-hour workweek) | $29.89 | |
Salary Category | Highest 10% of copywriters | |
Salary Amount per Year | Over $121,670 | |
Equivalent Hourly Wage (based on a 40-hour workweek) | $58.50 | |
Salary Category | Lowest 10% of copywriters | |
Salary Amount per Year | $31,700 | |
Equivalent Hourly Wage (based on a 40-hour workweek) | $15.24 |
So, how much do copywriters make? The median yearly salary in the U.S. for a copywriter is $53,575, with 80% earning between $48,397 and $66,436 according to data collected from Salary.com
That’s already pretty good, but keep in mind this is an average.
The statistics also show that the top 10% of copywriters make over $121,670 per year.
On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest-earning 10% of copywriters make less than $31,700 per year.
But this salary is actually getting close to the national average, and only represents the lowest end of copywriting salaries.
The remaining 90% of copywriters make more than that.
In addition, the hourly wage estimates given above are based on an average, full-time 40-hour workweek. But not all copywriters work full time. In fact, many purposefully work part time so they can maintain the lifestyle they want.
So, the average hourly wage of a copywriter may actually be much higher than those statistics suggest.
How do these average salaries look when you compare them to your personal income goals?
The vast majority of our members find that copywriting provides more than enough income to meet their goals. And especially if you’re a freelance copywriter, it’s easy to pick up a bit of extra work when needed.
Overall, most copywriters do not earn six figures a year. But if this is your goal, it’s still very possible through copywriting.
A few copywriters’ annual incomes have even hit the seven- or eight-figure mark. That said, the majority of these copywriters have also started their own businesses where they offer information products, such as coaching, online courses, membership sites, or hosting live events.
Earning significantly over six figures a year usually requires starting a similar business.
Still, making into the low six figures a year, even as a part-time copywriter, is more than realistic. It won’t happen overnight, but by consistently using the steps we outline in this guide and practicing your skills, you can achieve a very good income as a copywriter.
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How Much Can You Make with Copywriting Royalties?
You’ve likely heard of musicians, such as The Beatles, receiving ongoing royalties for their songs as they’re used and sold by others.
But copywriters can also earn royalties on their work.
In direct-response copywriting, some companies will pay a copywriter a percentage of the total sales generated by a sales letter or promotion they wrote.
For example, if you have a 2% royalty and you wrote a promotion that resulted in $100,000 in sales, your royalty payment will be $2,000.
And this royalty is on top of the fee you earned to initially write the promotion.
In addition, companies sometimes run their top-performing promotions, also known as “controls,” for years at a time. If your promotion becomes a control, the royalties from that project will keep coming in.
Royalties are only really applicable to direct-response copywriting because direct-response promotions can be easily tracked and linked to the author.
Content writers rarely earn royalties, simply due to the fact it’s difficult to link the content they create to an actual sale. White papers, blog posts, and other content will help make sales, but these types of copywriting projects are nearly impossible to track.
So, if you’re interested in writing direct-response copy, going after royalties is another way to boost your income.
Roy Furr gives you all the details in his article on how to get copywriting royalties.

Do All Areas of Copywriting Pay the Same?
No, all copywriting work is not created equal.
Some businesses will always try to get the best deal possible for any services they buy, and copywriting is no different.
The lowest-paying area of copywriting is generally working for advertising agencies that specialize in providing their customers with cheap and plentiful written content. These agencies are sometimes known as “content mills.”
They tend to pay extremely low rates to their copywriters. In his article here, AWAI member Steve Maurer shares how he first got started writing in-depth web articles for content mills for a paltry $4.95 each.
He has greatly increased his fees and his income since, but content mills and other low-paying businesses will continue to exist as long as they can find writers to write for them.
But keep in mind that not all advertising agencies are content mills. Many agencies also pay copywriters very well, so agency work can still be quite lucrative.
In addition, if you’re a new writer starting out — like Steve was — low-paying work can help you get some experience and writing samples under your belt.
Just make sure you don’t stay in low-paying positions very long. Use them as a stepping stone to find higher-paying work.
At the other end of the scale, we’ve mentioned previously that the financial industry tends to pay copywriters extremely well, but this isn’t the only high-paying industry.
A huge range of other industries also pay high rates, from alternative health, to emergency preparedness, to the pet industry.
Remember that the average salary of a copywriter is around $62,170 per year. This means that the majority of copywriters are, in fact, finding higher-paying work and earning significantly more than the U.S. national average.
Low-paying copywriting work does exist. But, by following our suggestions in this guide, you can easily avoid it and start earning good money as a copywriter from the start.
Freelance Copywriter Salary
As a freelancer, you have the opportunity to “set your own salary.”
According to data collected from Salary.com, the median hourly rate for a freelance copywriter is $26.00, but can be much higher depending on a number of factors, such as:
- Specialty or niche
- Experience level
- Number of hours you work
Being a freelance copywriter means you get to set your hours and your rates. You’re the boss!
So, how do make sure you’re charging the right fees as a freelancer?
Start by reviewing the types of copywriting you want to write, then find out the standard industry fees for these projects.
AWAI’s Copywriting Pricing Guide is an excellent free resource that will give you a full breakdown of 75 common copywriting projects and how to price them.
When you’re first learning the basics of copywriting, you should likely charge toward the lower end of the ranges we’ve given in the Copywriting Pricing Guide. But, as you gain more skill and experience in copywriting, you can start moving your way up that range.
If you’re interested in delving into pricing in more detail, AWAI’s Simplest Guide to Pricing Copy Projects program will take you through everything you need to know to set your fees like a pro and reach your income goals as quickly as possible.
Summary
How much money you can make as a copywriter depends on a few different factors.
First, you need to define your income goals and how much money you want to make as a copywriter.
You’ll also need to decide which type of copywriting you’d like to do and what the earning potential of those projects are.
And most importantly, you’ll need to take action to start building your career as a professional copywriter and exploring ways to find high-paying copywriting jobs.
These are the topics we’ll cover in two other sections.
What’s Inside this Essential Introduction to Copywriting?
FAQs
Can copywriters make good money? ›
You can make up to six figures annually, and some copywriters even pull down seven-figure incomes. There are plenty of examples out there of successful copywriters making great money. So, yes, making good… heck, great money as a copywriter is absolutely possible.
Is copywriter a good career? ›Copywriting is a very lucrative, special type of writing that is often mistakenly overlooked as a career choice. The skill of copywriting is in high demand.
Can copywriters make 10k a month? ›If you want to command $10,000 per month as a copywriter, you must have the skills to generate much more than that in value for your clients. This is not easy, but it's certainly doable. Only two things are required: practice and patience.
Is it hard to be a copywriter? ›Is copywriting hard to learn? It's not easy to learn copywriting. It takes a lot of hard work, experimentation, and dedication. Learning copywriting rules isn't that hard, what's hard is understanding the market and the customer.
Is copywriting a stressful job? ›Copywriters will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Is copywriting still in demand? ›The demand for quality copywriting is almost endless: billboards, brochures, catalogs, emails, flyers, jingle lyrics, scripts for inbound phone calls, etc. In short, copywriters make the sales and marketing process come alive — they are its voice.
Do copywriters need a degree? ›In order to become a copywriter, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or marketing and gain relevant experience to develop your skills and writing portfolio. An MBA or master's degree in marketing is encouraged to advance into a leadership role or increase your earning potential.
Is copywriting a high demand skill? ›skilled copywriters continue to be in demand. The need for copywriters continues to grow. Especially in the digital world. For those with the skills needed to succeed in the field, there are plenty of opportunities.
How do I start copywriting? ›- Understand copywriting basics. Being an effective copywriter is more than following basic directions or writing information clearly. ...
- Be aware of why industries use copywriters. ...
- Identify and establish your niche. ...
- Create a portfolio. ...
- Learn the market and know how to brand yourself.
Copywriting is the perfect side hustle for many reasons. Not only can it pay well, but you can work as a freelance copywriter from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. Plus, all kinds of industries and companies need copywriters to craft stories and messages about their brand.
How many hours do copywriters work? ›
How Many Hours Do Copywriters Work? Many copywriting jobs require a typical 40 hour work week, while options like freelancing provide a writer more freedom in working hours. Some copywriters only work with a few clients, and others pack their schedules full of as many clients as they can find.
Can I become a millionaire by copywriting? ›Like money rich.
Yes, of course it can. But like I said in the beginning of this article, you get out what you put in. Don't expect to make a million dollars in your first year. It takes time to build up the experience, expertise, and social proof you need to charge the big-bucks.
As a copywriter, it's your job to find out what's exciting about the subject. This is the true challenge of a copywriter – to really understand the audience, you've quickly got to become an expert in the area and THEN find something unique the audience doesn't know about.
Why do copywriters fail? ›Usually copywriters who “fail” fall into one of two camps: they don't have training or a system for landing clients, or they have training, but are afraid of failure. If you fall into the first camp, you'll want to first get training. If you fall into the second camp, you'll want to listen to today's episode.
What qualifications do I need to be a copywriter? ›- English.
- creative writing.
- journalism.
- communication studies.
- advertising.
Copywriters are tasked with writing text for advertising or other marketing purposes. They may write blogs, content for websites, copy for advertisements, television and radio scripts, social media posts, brochure material, or direct mails.
What industry hires the most copywriters? ›...
4 Hot Industries for Copywriters
- Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals. ...
- Technology. ...
- Finance/FinTech. ...
- Startups.
Copywriting as a Job: Disadvantages
Churning out copy day in, day out can get tiring. Smart writers know they can't write for hours each day without filling their “creative tank.” To do so means burnout. Most writers work alone to produce copy, even when they're part of a creative team.
Medical copywriting, finance copywriting, legal copywriting, and tech copywriting aren't the only high paying copywriting niches out there, but in 2022, they're some of the most lucrative.
Is copywriting a fun job? ›Just like any job, copywriting isn't for absolutely everyone. But those who enjoy writing, enjoy solving problems, enjoy collaborating with stimulating, dynamic people, and want to get paid well for it may find that copywriting is an excellent career path for them.
How much time does it take to learn copywriting? ›
While it's certainly essential to consume some of the fantastic materials out there on copywriting, once you've spent 12-15 hours reading, you've learned as much as you're going to learn just from reading. Now it's time to start doing. It's time to start writing copy, landing clients, and writing more copy.
Is copywriting worth learning? ›It's A Valuable Skill For Anybody. Copywriting can be applied to a multitude of professions. When you learn how to copywrite — you'll become a better marketer, a better content creator, a better CEO, a better designer, a better researcher, a better video editor — you name it!
What are the 6 core copywriting skills? ›- Research Skills. ...
- Staying Up To Date. ...
- Adaptability. ...
- Knowing Your Audience. ...
- Awareness Of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) ...
- Ability To Hook The Reader.
Work your networks and online forums and let them know you're open for copywriting work. Find prospect companies and follow them — strike up a conversation, study their Web site, maybe provide some useful marketing-article links, then make your pitch. Use your blog to discuss your quest for copywriting work.
Can I teach myself copywriting? ›The quickest way to learn copywriting is to hire a good coach who can tell you what you're doing wrong and how you can improve. The next best way is to join a good course that demonstrates with examples how to make average copy more persuasive. But you can also do this by yourself. It just takes more time.
Is copywriting in demand 2023? ›The great thing about copywriting is that it will always be in demand. In fact, as the world increasingly moves online, the demand for copywriters will only continue to grow. After all, someone has to write all those website descriptions, social media posts, and email newsletters. And who better to do it than you?
Are copywriters in high demand? ›Copywriting is one of those skills that will always remain in high demand. It will keep growing in the years to come. According to statistics, the job market for copywriters is expected to grow by 7.6% by 2026. If you think about it: Every business out there needs a copywriter to promote their products and services.
What type of copywriting makes the most money? ›Medical copywriting, finance copywriting, legal copywriting, and tech copywriting aren't the only high paying copywriting niches out there, but in 2022, they're some of the most lucrative.
How do I become a copywriter with no experience? ›- Join a freelance writing agency. A digital copywriting agency like Copify is a great place to start your freelancing journey. ...
- Reach out to potential clients. ...
- Network with other writers. ...
- Establish a niche for yourself. ...
- Continue to grow your freelance writing business.
Clayton Makepeace. Clayton has more than four decades of direct-response experience under his belt. His promotions have made over $1.5 billion in sales in the alternative health, financial, and information product industries. But Clayton doesn't just write 'killer copy.
Is copywriting a rare skill? ›
Great copywriters are rare. They know how to use their writing skills to make people do what they want. So what skills do you need to become a great copywriter?
How can a beginner start copywriting? ›- Keep it Simple. ...
- Focus On the Benefits. ...
- The More You Write, The Better You Get. ...
- Write in the Active Voice. ...
- Use Free Copywriting Tools. ...
- Research Your Subject Matter. ...
- Know What Value You're Adding. ...
- Develop a Brand Voice.
Copywriters typically have at least a bachelor's degree in English, journalism or another related major. Some employers may hire copywriters with a high school diploma or GED certificate, an appealing work portfolio and experience.