Career Opportunities in Writing and Salaries

This article highlights the career opportunities in writing. Also, it gives a brief description of these jobs and their salaries.

Many people believe that there are not many careers in writing or that writing careers do not pay well enough. However, this is untrue, as, with writing, you are open to many opportunities and also have the chance to either use writing as your main job or as an avenue to earn passive income. 

In this post, you will learn about some writing jobs and careers, including how to become one. In addition, you get insight into the salary range from the salary estimates provided in the post. 

Career Opportunities in Writing 

The careers available in the writing space include: 

• Technical Writer
• Grant Writer
• Columnist
• Speech Writer 
• Editor 

Also, check out Career Opportunities in Travel and Tourism.

Technical Writer 

A technical writer knows technical concepts and uses such knowledge to help translate them into straightforward writings for those without technical knowledge. 

As a technical writer, one can work in medicine, technology, engineering, science, politics, research, production, and many more areas that need spelling out the technical processes in writing. 

Instruction manuals, guides, scholarly articles, whitepapers, research papers, technical reports, and documentation are the types of writings a technical writer writes. The writings can be done digitally or in print, as the case may be. 

How to Become a Technical Writer 

Although there are academic routes to becoming a technical writer, we still have some paths which can be self-taught or through training and certifications. However, to become a technical writer, you must do the following.

Ability to Write: 

The first and fundamental step is to understand and be able to write and understand the rules of grammar and the styles involved in writing. In addition, you must have solid eyes for spotting errors in writing and editing your work to a reasonable level. 

Have a good knowledge of the niche you are writing

You need to have a good understanding of the niche or the area of specialization you are writing about. For instance, If you are doing technical writing in the medical field and you do not have the basic knowledge of what the medical field entails, it will be difficult to pass the message across to your audience. 

Apply for certification programs 

There are now certification programs aimed at technical writing that one can engage in to expand one’s network and knowledge of technical writing. Some of the certifications one can apply for our 

• TechWriter-Certification
• Technical Writer HQ
• Certified Professional Technical Communicator by the Society for Technical Communication

A technical writer’s salary depends on the job’s scope, location, and whether it is a freelance or a full-time job. However, the average income of a technical writer is $62,310 annually, following Payscale’s salary survey. 

Grant Writers 

In recent years, grant writing has been among the highest demand and high-paying writing jobs. Grant writers are responsible for developing and writing proposals for seeking grants from organizations. The writing can be on behalf of an individual, a group, or a company. 

The job of grant writing is not solely based on writing; a grant writer will also have to research finding potential donors for their clients’ funding. In addition, they ensure the requirements are met to help position them for the financing. 

How to Become a Grant Writer

A degree in journalism, marketing business, or any relevant field that involves writing, business, and marketing will suffice to kick-start one’s career in becoming a grant writer. 

• Have a proven record of writing grant proposals by creating a portfolio of your works, whether those you do for your clients or not. 
• Earning certifications will demonstrate your expertise in the field. 
• Participate in volunteer programs for non-profit organizations as this would help develop your portfolio and work experience. 

According to Payscale, the average salary of grant writers in a year is $50,231

Also, check out The Career Objectives of a Nurse.

Columnist 

A columnist writes articles for publications such as newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Commentaries and opinions are generally provided about recent and past events, education, and information on the topics covered.

Politics, entertainment, music, food, and other exciting topics are part of the many topics that can be discussed by a columnist depending on their niche. 

The articles written by a columnist can be published daily or periodically (weekly, monthly, or yearly), as the case may be. Most columnists opt for specialty rather than becoming a generalist. 

How to Become a Columnist 

Most columnists have a degree in the niche they chose to write on. Therefore, you become a columnist by combining your writing skills with a degree in the fields you chose as a niche. However, a degree in communications, journalism, or a relevant field is also part of the path to becoming a columnist. 

• Make research on publications you admire or related to your field to gain insights on how to write columns and create your style. 
• Stay abreast of the vital information about the niche in which you want to write columns. 
• You can start as a copy editor and work up the ladder to become a columnist. 

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary of a columnist is $61,149 per year.

Speech Writer 

Speechwriters are writers who specialize in creating and editing speeches to be free from errors and meet the client’s objectives, which are to inform, educate, describe or persuade. 

Politicians, government officials, C-level company executives, and public relations are the kind of people that require the service of a speech writer—also, a speechwriter can engage in freelancing. 

How to Become a Speech Writer 

There is no definite route to becoming a speechwriter; however, a degree in journalism, English, communications, or related fields can be a step toward becoming a speechwriter. 

Furthermore, you can use training in public speaking as a stepping stone into speechwriting. Gathering knowledge of speechwriting books, materials, and public speaking resources can also be helpful. 

• Make a habit of dissecting and understudying famous speeches of great men and women. 
• Create a network with other professional speechwriters by joining their society or going to a mentorship program. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a speech writer is $68,745 annually. 

Editor 

Before a publication is officially released, an editor is a specialist tasked with the duty of reviewing, editing, correcting, and fact-checking it. They ensure that each publication complies with grammar and style requirements and is appropriately coordinated.

Editors assist in revising periodicals, newspapers, and articles and editing book manuscripts.

How to Become an Editor 

A degree in journalism or communication will suffice and lead you on the road to becoming an editor. However, you need experience, which is why most editors start as reporters before climbing the ladder to becoming an editor. 

According to Payscale, the average salary of an editor is $56043.annually. 

Other career opportunities in writing include:

• Copywriter
• Reporter
• Transcription Writer 
• SEO Writer 
• Novelist 
• Scriptwriter 
• Blog Writers 
• Content Strategist 
• Communication Manager 
• Medical Writer 

Final Notes on Career Opportunities in Writing

A rewarding profession in writing encourages creativity and critical thinking, which is beneficial. Another benefit is that you can earn money passively while doing what you love.

Writing is not always a natural ability; with enough preparation, anyone can acquire the fundamentals and establish themselves as a successful writer. It is untrue to think or be afraid that a profession in writing is not a good one. There are many options in the writing industry; pick your specialty and work to excel.

Before you go, apply for Available Jobs.