How Much Do Freelance Writers Make [Update]

Are you curious about the earning potential of freelance writers? We’re here to give you the inside scoop!

In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that a staggering 68% of self-employed writers were freelancers. While many still consider freelance writing as a temporary gig, the truth is that freelance salaries are rapidly surpassing those of full-time positions.

Whether you’re a content marketer looking to hire freelance writers or aspiring to delve into freelance writing yourself, you’ve probably wondered: How much do freelance writers actually make?

In this article, we’ll explore the world of freelance writing and uncover how much writers earn across various industries, niches, and even worldwide. We’ll also share practical insights on how you can scale your freelance writing business to turn it into a full-time career.

Curious about how freelance writers charge for their services? Understanding their pricing structure is key to understanding their annual salary. Let’s delve into the different methods they use to determine their rates.

Method #1: Charging by project

Charging per project is the most common pricing method among freelance writers in the US. According to a study by freelancer Ashley Cummings, 40% of writers prefer this approach. And Twitter polls confirm that per-project pricing is the preferred choice among writers.

From our research, we’ve found that freelance writers charge anywhere from $50 to $1500 for long-form articles. For more extensive content like ebooks and case studies, the average cost tends to be around $2000. Notably, experienced writers like Priscilla Tan and Ashley Cummings often charge at least $2000 for such projects.

Method #2: Charging by word count

Many freelance content writers opt to charge per word. Rates can range from $0.01/word to $2/word. However, it’s worth noting that lower rates are often associated with writing for content mills or taking any available jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. In their first year, freelance writers typically charge less since they’re still learning the ropes of the industry.

According to polls, most writers who charge per word fall on the lower end of the income spectrum. For example, Jessica Clark, a freelance writer and blogger, currently charges $0.07 per word (equivalent to around $105 for a 1500-word article). While this rate is common in the low-paying lifestyle site niche, experienced writers like Ashley Cummings can charge as high as $1 per word or more.

Curious about how much freelance writers charge per hour? While it’s not the most common method of pricing, we’ve compiled some insights for you!

According to Payoneer’s 2020 global freelance income survey, freelance writers around the world earn an average of $15-$16 per hour. In the US, Payscale reports that freelance writers make about $24.19 per hour on average.

But let’s dive deeper into the world of copywriters. Many of them have a “Day Rate” where clients pay for their services for an entire day. Typically, copywriters charge around 8 times their hourly rate to come up with the day rate, which can range from $200 to $600 or more. For example, UK freelance copywriter Laura Jane Johnson charges a day rate of £395.

Some copywriters even offer rush day rates, like freelance copywriter Sarah Jane Burt, who charges $2500 for a VIP day to deliver website copy within 48 hours or less.

Of course, several factors come into play when determining how much freelance writers earn. Let’s explore three key reasons for these variations and how they can help writers increase their income.

1. Industry:

Different industries have different content budgets, with some paying higher rates than others. For example, technology, eCommerce, SaaS, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency industries typically offer higher rates compared to lifestyle websites focusing on fashion, pets, parenting, and health and wellness.

2. Niche:

Writers can specialize even further within industries, targeting specific niches. Certain niches, like long-form content, technical writing, and business plans, tend to pay better, although some writers may find them less exciting.

3. Experience:

Writers with more experience tend to charge more confidently and higher rates. According to Cummings’s study, writers with over 8 years of experience often charge more than $100 per hour. However, newer writers may need to build their experience and reputation before commanding higher rates.

If you want to hear firsthand accounts of freelance writers’ incomes, we’ve gathered five reports from writers in different niches. From US freelance writer Kat Boogaard, who earned $127,000 in 2020, to Paul Maplesden, specializing in B2B content writing, these reports offer valuable insights into the possibilities of freelance writing earnings.

Explore the Earnings of Freelance Writers

Curious about how much freelance writers make? Let’s hear from five writers who are willing to share their experiences. Each writer has their own niche and level of expertise, giving you a comprehensive look at the earning potential in this field.

1. Kat Boogaard:

A Closer Look at 2020 Income

Kat Boogaard, a freelance writer based in the US, has devoted over seven years to freelance writing. She specializes in creating career and productivity content for SaaS brands like Trello and Quickbooks. In her 2020 income report, Kat revealed that her average fee for an article project is $550. Over the year, she worked with 23 different clients and earned a gross income of $127,000.

2. Paul Maplesden:

A Breakdown of 2020 Earnings

Another US freelancer, Paul Maplesden, has been in the business since 2015. He focuses on B2B content writing and marketing in areas such as business, technology, and finance. Paul takes on a variety of projects, from supply chain and SaaS content to accounting and tech reviews. For an 800-1,200 word article, he charges $395 on average. His hourly rate is $160.

3. Jessica Pereira:

Insights into October 2021 Income

Jessica Pereira started her freelance writing journey in 2020, aiming to reach a monthly goal of $10,000. She writes for digital marketing and B2B SaaS brands, and she keeps readers informed by sharing monthly income reports. Through her reports, new freelancers can learn from her experiences and gain valuable insights into the ups and downs of freelancing.

4. Lindy West:

A Look at December 2020 Income

Lindy West, an Australian travel writer, crafts content for magazines, newspapers, and corporate clients. She has been openly sharing her monthly income reports for years, offering inspiration to fellow freelance writers. Lindy’s transparency provides valuable guidance and showcases the financial possibilities of freelancing.

5. Zuli Rane:

A Full-Time Freelancer’s Income Report

Zuli Rane is a freelance content creator who writes for various clients and also maintains her own Medium account. Her income reports demonstrate how she earns a living as a freelance writer while also diversifying her income streams. In her most recent monthly report, Zuli reveals earnings exceeding $6,000. Her example serves as an inspiration for writers looking to expand their income sources.

Take Your Freelance Writing Business to the Next Level with Jasper

As a freelance writer, you constantly juggle various tasks, from generating ideas to crafting compelling content. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s a solution: meet Jasper, your AI writing assistant. With over 52 templates, Jasper can assist you in all aspects of your writing journey. Whether you need help with blog posts, long-form articles, or web copy, Jasper has got your back.

Jessica Clark, a freelance writer who uses Jasper, describes it as an “absolute lifesaver” for her business. Jasper streamlines the writing process, allowing her to generate content more efficiently. Clark adds, “Jasper has helped me become more productive, enabling me to take on more clients and increase my earnings. It takes no time at all for me to create a content brief, introduction, and conclusion.”

Don’t let the burden of writing hold you back. Scale your freelance writing business with Jasper and experience the benefits for yourself.