Freelance writing has become a popular career path, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere. Whether you're writing blog posts, creating service pages or crafting technical documents, the income potential varies widely.
Understanding how much you could make as a freelance writer and the factors that impact earnings will help you navigate this potentially lucrative field and negotiate your earnings. Here’s what to know before diving into a freelance career.
Average Income of Freelance Writers
Freelance writing incomes are vast and varied. Some writers make just a few hundred dollars a month and treat their writing as a side hustle, while others pull in six-figure annual salaries. This wide disparity can make it challenging to pin down an average income, but let’s look at some figures to give you a general idea.
What Is the Average Freelance Writing Income?
The average annual income for freelance copywriters hovers around $73,000. It’s crucial, however, to approach this figure with caution. This average includes those just starting out and seasoned professionals, making it a broad generalization that may not reflect individual experiences accurately. Additionally, location can impact salary. For example, you might make more as a freelance writer in Los Angeles than in Indianapolis.
This range accounts for variations in experience, specialization and the complexity of the work involved. However, keep in mind that as a freelancer, your billable hours may not constitute a full 40-hour work week, as you’ll need to dedicate time to administrative tasks, marketing and finding new clients.
Many freelance writers, especially those working in content marketing or for online publications, charge by the word rather than by the hour. Per-word rates can range from as low as $0.05 for entry-level work to $1.50 for more for highly specialized or expert-level content. Top-tier writers in lucrative niches can command even higher rates.
These figures represent a wide range because freelance writing encompasses many types of work, from blogging and content writing to technical writing and ghostwriting. As you gain experience and build a portfolio, your income potential increases.
Factors That Impact Freelance Writing Income
Several factors determine how much freelance writers earn.
- Experience and expertise: Clients are often willing to pay more for writers who have proven skills and deep knowledge in a particular niche.
- Type of writing work: The kind of writing you do also impacts your earnings. For example, copywriting, technical writing and search engine optimization content writing tend to pay more than general content writing or blogging. The complexity and research involved in the project often dictate the price.
- Clientele: The type of clients you work with can affect your income. Large corporations and established businesses generally pay more than small businesses or startups. Agencies often have set budgets that can influence how much they pay freelancers.
- Freelance platforms and their rates: The platform a writer uses to find gigs can influence their earnings. Some sites offer higher average rates than others, so research different options to find the best fit.
- Geographic location: Although freelance writing can be done from anywhere, your location can still influence your gains. Writers in countries or states with a higher cost of living often charge more than those in regions with a lower cost of living.
- Negotiation skills: Your ability to negotiate rates and terms with clients can make a big difference. Freelancers who are confident in their value and can communicate effectively tend to earn more.
How to Increase Your Freelance Writing Income
Aiming to maximize your earnings as a freelance writer involves strategic decisions and continuous improvement. Consider implementing these strategies.
- Develop a specialty: Specialization positions you as an expert, which can justify higher asking rates.
- Upskill regularly: Learning new skills like SEO, user experience writing or technical writing can expand your service offerings and help you command higher rates. Stay updated on industry trends, improve your writing skills and learn new techniques. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops or seeking mentorship from experienced writers to expand your skills.
- Build a strong portfolio and personal brand: A well-crafted portfolio showcasing your best work helps attract higher-paying clients. Invest time in creating a professional website and maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn to build your brand and attract higher-paying clients.
- Network and build relationships: Building strong connections with potential professionals in the industry opens doors to new opportunities and referrals. So, make a point of attending industry events, joining online communities and actively participating in relevant discussions.
- Pitch to high-paying clients: Don’t be afraid to approach companies directly or apply to premium job boards. Tailor your pitches to show how you can add value to their business, and be prepared to negotiate your rates confidently.
- Set and negotiate rates: Set competitive rates and negotiate effectively with prospects. Research industry standards, consider your experience and expertise and be prepared to justify your rates.
One crucial aspect of being a business owner is managing your taxes and benefits. As a freelancer, you don’t have an employer withholding taxes from your paycheck or providing benefits like health insurance and retirement savings. You’ll need to set aside a portion of your income for taxes by yourself. The exact amount can vary depending on your location and income level, but many self-employed individuals set aside close to 20–35 percent of their earnings.
You’ll also need to arrange for your own health insurance and plan for your retirement. You should factor these additional costs into your rate calculations to ensure you’re charging enough to cover all your expenses and still make a profit.
The Reality of Freelance Writing Income
While the potential for high earnings exists in freelance writing, it’s best to have realistic expectations, especially when starting out.
Your income is largely in your hands. It depends on your skills, work ethic, business acumen and ability to find and retain high-quality clients. With dedication, continuous improvement and smart business strategies, you can build a rewarding and financially viable career as a freelance writer.
Success in this industry isn’t just about the money. It’s also about finding fulfillment in your work, achieving a work-life balance that suits you and continuously growing as a professional. As you embark on this journey, focus on developing your skills, building your network and providing value to your clients.
