National Average Content Writing Rates in the United States
Content writing is a broad term used to describe various types of writing generated for websites, blogs, articles, publications and other online and print materials. While content writing tasks and skills can vary widely, there are some national average rates that professional content writers typically charge per word or per project in the United States. Of course, content writing rates can be higher or lower depending on factors like the writer’s experience, specialized expertise, type of content, complexity, deadline and more. Understanding average industry rates provides a useful baseline for both clients looking to hire writers and writers seeking work.
Freelance Per Word Rates
For freelance per word content writing assignments with normal deadlines and complexity, the typical national average rates are as follows:
Basic informational articles, blog posts, web copy: $0.10 to $0.15 per word
Intermediate articles, guides and reports requiring some research: $0.15 to $0.20 per word
In-depth long-form articles, eBooks and manuals requiring extensive research: $0.20 to $0.30 per word
Very specialized or technical content requiring subject matter expertise: $0.30 to $0.50 per word
These per word rates assume the writer is responsible for light editing themselves and minor revisions requested by the client. Significant rewrites or multiple rounds of extensive edits could warrant a higher per word rate.
Full-Time Staff Writer Salaries
Full-time in-house content writer positions with branded companies tend to offer the following average annual salary ranges nationally based on level of experience:
Entry-level staff content writer: $40,000 to $50,000 per year
Mid-level staff content writer: $50,000 to $60,000 per year
Senior staff content writer: $60,000 to $75,000 per year
Lead or executive-level staff content writer: $75,000 to $100,000 per year
Staff writers generally work on set production quotas and receive benefits in addition to their salary. More established companies with large content teams in major metro areas tend toward the higher end of these salary ranges.
Project-Based rates
Many content writers also take on content projects on a fixed fee basis. The amounts a writer can expect to earn per project naturally vary based on the specifics like:
Type/topic of content
Word count or scope of the project
Deadline for completion
Required level of research, sourcing, and original content
Creative planning or strategy involved
Need for graphics, visuals or other multimedia elements
Level of editing required from the client during review
Number and extent of revisions requested
As a general guide, national average project rates fall within the following ranges based on complexity and other factors:
Basic single blog post or article (300-750 words): $75 – $150
Standard informationalarticle or guide (750-1,500 words): $150 – $300
In-depth long-form article or case study (1,500-5,000 words): $300 – $600
eBook, white paper, magazine article (5,000-10,000 words): $600 – $1,200
Major report, textbook chapter or reference manual (10,000+ words): $1,000 – $3,000
Adjusting Rates
All of the averages outlined here are general approximations that can and should be adjusted based on a writer’s individual qualifications, portfolio and experience with certain topics or industries. Freelance writers are encouraged to confidently charge higher rates if they have considerable publishing credits, college degrees, specialized certifications or other attributes to justify it.
Writers should also account for rush orders or tight deadlines that require premium pricing. Contract and legal work may also warrant a higher rate. At the same time, new or less experienced freelance writers building their portfolio may need to initially work for slightly lower rates.
The key is finding a fair rate that both satisfies the client’s budget while also valuing the writer’s time, skills, lost opportunities and business overhead. Open communication is important to settle on a price that works for both parties. Understanding typical industry rates provides a constructive starting point.
From here, both clients and freelance writers can determine if any adjustments up or down make sense based on individual case details. With experience, writers’ rates should gradually rise as their knowledge, speed and reputation in the field increase over time. Remaining competitive yet also reasonably compensated is an ongoing balancing act.