Copywriter Salary in USA 2025
Content writing, specializations, and freelance vs in-house pay
Average Copywriter Salary
How Much Do Copywriters Earn in 2025?
Copywriters are creative professionals who craft persuasive written content for marketing materials, advertisements, websites, emails, and sales collateral to drive conversions and brand engagement.
2025 copywriter salaries show solid earning potential: average $55,000–$75,000, with entry-level starting at $40,000–$50,000 and senior copywriters earning $80,000–$110,000+. Technical writers command $78,060 median (BLS), while UX writers at tech companies earn $95,000–$130,000.
Specialization significantly impacts pay: conversion copywriters and UX writers earn 30–50% more than general content writers. Freelance copywriters have unlimited earning potential—top freelancers charge $100–$500 per hour and earn $150,000–$300,000+ annually. For context, see the average salary in the US and easy jobs that pay well.
Copywriter Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| National Average | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Median (Writers/Authors BLS) | $73,690 |
| Technical Writer Median (BLS) | $78,060 |
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $40,000–$50,000 |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | $80,000–$110,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $25–$50/hour (employed) |
| Freelance Rate | $50–$200/hour |
Use our salary calculator to convert hourly to annual rates.
Copywriter Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | $40,000–$50,000 | Blog posts, social media, basic web copy |
| Mid-level (3–5 yrs) | $55,000–$75,000 | Email campaigns, landing pages, brand voice |
| Senior (5–10 yrs) | $75,000–$95,000 | Strategy, conversion optimization, mentoring |
| Lead/Principal (10+ yrs) | $95,000–$130,000 | Creative direction, campaign leadership |
Entry-Level Copywriter (0–2 Years)
Salary: $40,000–$50,000
Focus: Blog posts, social media copy, basic website content, product descriptions.
Path in: No degree required, though English/Communications/Marketing degrees help. Build portfolio with spec work, internships, or freelance projects.
Mid-Level Copywriter (3–5 Years)
Salary: $55,000–$75,000
Focus: Email sequences, landing pages, ad copy, brand voice development, A/B testing.
Senior Copywriter (5–10 Years)
Salary: $75,000–$95,000
Focus: Conversion optimization, campaign strategy, mentoring junior writers, client relationships.
Lead/Principal Copywriter (10+ Years)
Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Focus: Creative direction, brand strategy, team leadership, executive presentations.
Copywriter Salary by Specialization
Specialization creates significant salary premiums:
| Specialization | Salary Range | Premium vs General |
|---|---|---|
| UX Writer | $95,000–$130,000 | +50–80% |
| Technical Writer | $65,000–$100,000 | +30–50% |
| Conversion Copywriter | $70,000–$110,000 | +30–60% |
| SEO Copywriter | $55,000–$80,000 | +10–20% |
| Brand Copywriter | $60,000–$90,000 | +15–30% |
| Grant Writer | $55,000–$75,000 | +10–20% |
| General Content Writer | $45,000–$65,000 | Baseline |
UX Writer (Highest-Paying)
Salary: $95,000–$130,000 (+50–80% premium)
Creates microcopy for apps and websites—button text, error messages, onboarding flows. Requires understanding of user psychology and product design. Tech companies pay highest.
Technical Writer
Salary: $65,000–$100,000 (BLS median $78,060)
Creates documentation, user guides, API docs, and technical content. Requires subject matter expertise. Software, healthcare, and manufacturing industries pay well.
Conversion Copywriter
Salary: $70,000–$110,000
Specializes in sales pages, email sequences, and landing pages that drive revenue. High demand in e-commerce, SaaS, and direct response marketing.
Freelance vs. In-House Copywriter Salary
| Factor | In-House | Freelance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Income | $55K–$95K | $40K–$200K+ |
| Hourly Rate | $25–$50 | $50–$300 |
| Benefits | Full (health, 401k, PTO) | None (self-funded) |
| Income Stability | High | Variable |
| Earning Ceiling | Limited by salary bands | Unlimited |
| Work Flexibility | Moderate | High |
In-House Copywriter
Salary: $55,000–$95,000
Pros: Stable income, benefits (health insurance, 401k, PTO), team collaboration, professional development, clear career path.
Cons: Income ceiling, less variety, potential for repetitive work.
Freelance Copywriter
Income: $40,000–$200,000+ (highly variable)
Hourly rates: $50–$150/hour (mid-level), $150–$300/hour (expert/specialized)
Project rates: $500–$2,000 (blog posts), $2,000–$10,000 (landing pages), $5,000–$25,000 (email sequences)
Pros: Unlimited earning potential, client variety, schedule flexibility, location independence.
Cons: No benefits, income variability, client acquisition required, self-employment taxes.
Top Freelancer Earnings
Elite freelance copywriters (direct response specialists, SaaS specialists) earn $150,000–$300,000+ annually. Some charge $10,000–$50,000 per sales page or royalties on sales generated.
Copywriter Salary by Location
| Location | Salary Range | Premium vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $75K–$110K | +35–50% |
| New York, NY | $70K–$100K | +30–40% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $65K–$95K | +20–35% |
| Seattle, WA | $65K–$90K | +20–30% |
| Austin, TX | $55K–$80K | +5–15% |
| Remote (US-based) | $50K–$85K | Variable |
| National Average | $55K–$75K | Baseline |
Remote Work Impact
Copywriting is highly remote-friendly—70%+ of roles offer remote or hybrid options. Some companies pay location-adjusted rates, while others offer flat national rates. Remote work allows geographic arbitrage: earning coastal salaries while living in lower-cost areas. See our remote job salary guide.
Copywriter Salary by Industry
| Industry | Salary Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Technology/SaaS | $70K–$110K | UX writing, product copy, highest pay |
| Finance/Fintech | $65K–$95K | Compliance requirements, technical |
| Healthcare/Pharma | $60K–$90K | Regulatory knowledge needed |
| E-commerce | $55K–$85K | Conversion focus, high volume |
| Advertising Agency | $50K–$80K | Creative variety, fast-paced |
| Non-profit | $40K–$60K | Mission-driven, lower budgets |
How to Increase Your Copywriter Salary
Specialize in High-Value Niches
UX writers earn $95K–$130K versus general copywriters $55K–$75K (+50–80%).
Learn Conversion Optimization
Conversion copywriters earn $70K–$110K. Understanding A/B testing, analytics, and sales psychology commands premiums.
Target Tech/SaaS Companies
Tech industry pays $70K–$110K versus non-profit $40K–$60K (+50–80%).
Build Portfolio with Results
Document conversion rates, revenue generated, and engagement metrics.
Consider Freelancing
Top freelancers earn $150K–$300K+ versus in-house ceiling of $95K–$130K.
Relocate or Go Remote for High-Paying Employers
SF/NYC pay $70K–$110K versus national $55K–$75K (+30–50%).
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Junior Copywriter | $40K–$50K |
| Mid | Copywriter | $55K–$75K |
| Senior | Senior Copywriter | $75K–$95K |
| Lead | Lead/Principal Copywriter | $95K–$130K |
| Management | Creative Director | $120K–$180K |
Advancement Paths
Creative Director: $120,000–$180,000 (management track)
Content Marketing Manager: $75,000–$110,000
Brand Strategist: $90,000–$140,000
Freelance Consultant: $100,000–$300,000+ (entrepreneurial track)
Related Roles
Content Creator: $0–$500K+ (variable)
SEO Specialist: $52K–$85K
Marketing Manager: $75K–$120K
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average copywriter salary in 2025?
Copywriters earn $55,000–$75,000 on average. Entry-level earns $40,000–$50,000, mid-level $55,000–$75,000, senior $75,000–$95,000, and lead/principal $95,000–$130,000. Specialized copywriters (UX, technical, conversion) earn 30–80% premiums.
Can copywriters make $100K?
Yes. Senior in-house copywriters at tech companies earn $95K–$130K. Freelance copywriters commonly reach $100K+ with established client bases. Specialized roles (UX writers, conversion specialists) earn $95K–$130K. See jobs that pay $100K.
Do freelance copywriters make more than in-house?
Potentially much more. In-house copywriters earn $55K–$95K with benefits. Freelancers earn $40K–$200K+ with no ceiling. Top freelancers earn $150K–$300K+, but average freelancers may earn less than in-house due to inconsistent work. Freelancing requires business development skills.
What type of copywriting pays the most?
UX writing ($95K–$130K), conversion copywriting ($70K–$110K), and technical writing ($65K–$100K) pay highest. Direct response copywriters who work on commission can earn $200K–$500K+ based on results generated.
Do you need a degree to be a copywriter?
No degree required. Portfolio and demonstrated results matter more than credentials. English, Communications, Marketing, or Journalism degrees help but aren't essential. Many successful copywriters are self-taught through courses, books, and practice. See high-paying jobs without degree.