Hiring guide · Arts, Media & Design
How to Hire a Writer
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring writers, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $76,910), recruit through portfolio sites and creative communities, verify MFA in creative writing where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for writers
There are about 140,300 writers employed in the U.S., with roughly 11,900 openings each year. Employment is projected to change -0.3% from 2025–35 (little or no change). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $44,310–$58,230 | $21.30–$28.00 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $76,910 | $36.98 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $101,950 | $49.01 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $139,870 | $67.25 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Bachelor's degree (typical entry level)
- Writing
- Discipline
Nice-to-haves
- MFA in creative writing
- Copywriting course
- Grant writing certificate
- Experience with word processors
Where to find writers
- Portfolio sites and creative communities
- Art, design, film and journalism school career centers
- Freelancers who have already worked with your team
- Professional associations such as AIGA and PRSA
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Author, Copywriter, Content Writer, Screenwriter
Screening checklist
- Portfolio or reel review
- A short paid test project
- Software proficiency check
- References from clients or creative directors
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Show writing samples.”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
2. “How do you research?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
3. “How do you meet deadlines?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
4. “How do you take feedback?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
5. “Why writing?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Pitch a Story to an Editor (see the steps)
- Write a Query Letter for a Novel (see the steps)
- Build a Daily Writing Habit (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Deadline, Style guide, Byline
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Writer 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Writer training. Show them the path forward: Freelance or Staff Writer → Senior Writer → Author or Lead Writer → Editor or Showrunner.
Hiring writers: FAQ
How much should I pay a writer?
The U.S. median wage for writers is $76,910 per year ($36.98/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($58,230), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($101,950). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a writer have?
BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for MFA in creative writing and Copywriting course where relevant, plus skills such as writing, research, and storytelling.
How long does it take to train a new writer?
Becoming qualified typically takes Years of practice. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “long-term on-the-job training.”