Work for students who like to write does not need to be limited to journalists or authors. Although they are great writing careers (more details below), there are many ways students can enter a career where they can place their pen on paper (or fingers on a keyboard) and listen to ideas.
According to Franklin University, writers’ pay ranges are broad, ranging from $40,914 to $148,000 a year. Of course, pay depends on how long the writers have worked, the expertise they have built, and the area they are in. And many writing careers require a university degree to learn the writing skills and establish a specialist field. If you have students interested in writing life’s work, please take a look at this job list. It is important to know that it takes time for students to become writers. You can also expect to spend time building expertise and reputation, even if you go to university and take writing courses.
*Note: All pay information is from Endquien.com and represents the average salary for each US job in March 2025.
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Career Exploration Lesson Plan
Inspire students to explore all the writing careers available to them with free career exploration lesson plans and handouts.
Engin_akyurt via Pixabay
1. journalist
A journalist is the perfect writing job for students who want to know all the news that is happening right now. Journalists research and write news articles that explain and analyze what is happening at current events. It’s a good job for students who like to talk to people, not be afraid to ask harsh questions, and can synthesize what they’ve learned into clear and informative articles.
Average Salary: $45,553 per year Education/Training: University Degree Pexel via Pixabay
2. author
Authors who write fiction and non-fiction often work to hone their craft over the weekend or after “normal work.” But that doesn’t mean that people who love to write and have a story to tell should not pursue writing as a passion until it becomes a career.
Average Salary: $43,332 per year Education/Training: University Degree Farmbee via Pixabay
3. Ghostwriter
For students interested in everything, being a ghostwriter (who works with experts and editors to write books) would be a great option.
Average Salary: $55,000 per year Education/Training: University Degree Neva79 via Pixabay
4. News Producer
News producers are another job for students who love to know what’s going on in the world. The producer writes, edits, prepares interviews, and oversees news production.
Average Salary: $61,777 per year Education/Training: University Degree Kerdonoart via Pixabay
5. Blogger or Webwriter
A webwriter or blogger creates ongoing content for your website blog. Being a webwriter offers writers some paths. They can work in the company, manage their blogs, and write and manage their own blogs.
Average Salary: $53,025 Education/Training: University Startup Stock Photo via Pixabay
6. Personal assistant
Personal assistants write communications such as emails, press releases and other presentation materials. Perfect for students who enjoy working as part of a team and implementing ideas.
Average Salary: $46,517 per year Education/Training: High School Diploma Pixabay
7. Proofreader
The proofreader will review the written material and check for errors and inconsistencies. Another job perfect for a detail-oriented writer.
Average Salary: $48,416 per year Education/Training: High School Diploma and Additional Training via Pixabay
8. Copy the editor
A copy editor similar to the proofreader reviews written material and checks for accuracy, grammar and style before publishing it. This job is fun for students who want to check out the details and for those who are the first to read the news.
Average Salary: $50,595 per year Education/Training: University Degree
Pexels via Pixabay
9. English teacher
It’s fun to teach writing too! English teachers can teach the components of writing and read many developing writing. Perfect for students who love to read and write and talk a lot about both.
Average Salary: $52,684 per year Education/Training: University Degree Fotografierenda via Pixabay
10. Copywriter
A copywriter is a generalist who writes (copy) for a variety of publications, including marketing materials, online and printed publications. It’s a great job for writers who like to write about everything.
Average Salary: $57,828 per year Education/Training: University Degree Kaboompics via Pixabay
11. Web Content Specialist
Students who love writing blog posts and seeing what is trending online may be heading towards writing online content as a career. Web content strategists apply Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to target writing and online posts in a strategic way, and click on people.
Average Salary: $53,809 per year Education/Training: University Degree Advogadoaguilar via Pixabay
12. Paralegal
Paralegals write legal documents and briefs. This job is perfect for students who are interested in law but don’t want to become the lawyer themselves.
Average Salary: $56,463 per year Education/Training: Associate Degree or Paralegal Training via pixabay
13. Social Media Manager
Managing a company’s social media involves working with teams to create and manage outgoing messages about your business or organization. There is also a data analysis component when analyzing which communications are most effective.
Average Salary: $56,830 Education/Training: University Degree Startup Stock Photo via Pixabay
14. Grant Writer
Grant Writing is a specialized writing that requires research, compelling writing, and knowledge of the grant process. These writers often work for nonprofits and apply for grants to advance the organization’s work.
Average Salary: $57,008 per year Education/Training: University Degree Pixa Bay
15. Freelance writer
Freelance writers can become generalists or experts, depending on their area of expertise. Freelance writers work with clients to create content for websites, publications and other projects. Compared to other writers who are generally employed by the company, freelance writers are self-employed.
Average Salary: $48,806 Education/Training: University Degree Kaboompics via Pixabay
16. Managing Editor
The Managing Editor combines writing and project management. They oversee the process of creating publications and manage a team of editors.
Average Salary: $60,105 per year Education/Training: University Degree
StockSnap via Pixabay
17. Technical Writer
Students who love reading and writing to be able to do new things are perfect for technical writing. A technical writer will create instructions on how to perfect something, from putting together furniture to developing a computer program.
Average Salary: $60,632 per year Education/Training: University Startup Stock Photo via Pixabay
18. Educational designer
Educational designers create pathways for students and adults to learn. This means writing the curriculum, assignments and content that students use. Skills are about creating learning experiences, allowing education designers to work on a variety of projects.
Average Salary: $68,011 per year Education/Training: University Degree Pixa Bay
19. Video Game Designer
Video game designers need to write scripts for the stories they are building. This non-traditional writing job involves using writing techniques (structure, communication) to create engaging video games.
Average Salary: $78,279 per year Education/Training: University Degree Dayyamay via Pixabay
20. Marketing Assistant
Marketing Assistant will support the Director of Marketing or Public Relations. They write online, print materials and study effective strategies. Depending on who you work for, a marketing assistant can work on multiple clients and projects.
Average Salary: $42,960 per year Education/Training: University Degree Farmbee via Pixabay
twenty one. Director of Public Relations
Public relations, or marketing, is about communication through social media, marketing briefs, white papers, and press releases. The Director of Public Relations oversees the communications of the company or client.
Average Salary: $71,113 per year Education/Training: University Degree
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