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Creative, Arts, & ExpressionStable

Poet, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Mid-level

Also known as: Author, Blog Content Writer, Blog Writer, Blogger

Creative, Arts, & ExpressionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a creative writer, you craft original pieces like poetry, song lyrics, essays, or scripts for publication and performance. You spend most of your time sitting, deeply engaged in writing and revising your work. You have significant freedom to make decisions about your projects, setting your own tasks and goals. This career suits those with strong writing, reading, and critical thinking skills who enjoy learning and active listening.
PoetryLyric WritingCreative WritingScriptwritingArtsHumanitiesCommunicationCreativeMediaEntertainment

A Day in the Life

You wake up in your apartment in Austin, Texas, the morning light filtering through your window. There’s no boss punching a clock for you; your workday begins when your creativity sparks. You grab a coffee and settle at your desk, opening your MacBook Pro. First, you scan emails for any urgent messages about a lyric submission or a pitch for an essay, then review your self-imposed writing goals for the day, feeling that familiar blend of freedom and pressure.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe AcrobatAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopFacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWordPress

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-0.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

11,900

per year (US)

Jobs today

140,300

in 2025 → 139,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
Low
Contact with others
Moderate
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field has a stable outlook, with about 11,900 job openings expected each year. While overall employment is projected to have a slight decline of 0.3% through 2035, the median annual wage is $76,910. People typically advance by gaining experience, building a portfolio, and specializing in areas like screenwriting or editing.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Content Creator (Junior)
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Copywriter Intern

Where it can lead

  • Editor-in-Chief
  • Creative Director
  • Screenwriter/Playwright (established)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI tools will significantly impact creative writers by assisting with brainstorming, drafting, and editing, potentially streamlining the creation process and personalizing content. While AI can generate text, the unique human voice, emotional depth, and originality of creative writers will remain crucial for truly impactful and resonant works, shifting their role towards curation, refinement, and injecting distinct artistic vision.

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Salary

$76,910

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Creative Writing

Bachelor • Languages & Literature • 4 years

General Literature

Bachelor • Languages & Literature • 4 years

Media & Communications

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

Journalism

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

Drama

Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years

American Literature (United States)

Bachelor • Languages & Literature • 4 years

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