Content Writing Vs Copywriting Salary

When considering a career in writing, one of the key factors to assess is the potential earnings. Both content writing and copywriting offer numerous opportunities for financial success, but the salary ranges can differ based on the type of work, industry, experience level, and the demand for specialized skills.

In this article, we’ll explore the salary differences between content writing and copywriting, and what factors can influence earnings in each profession.


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What is Content Writing?

Content writing focuses on creating informative, engaging, and long-form content designed to educate, entertain, or provide value to readers. Content writers often work on blog posts, articles, guides, case studies, and web content that help businesses build authority and engage their audience.

Average Salary for Content Writers

Content writer salaries can vary significantly based on experience, industry, and location. Below is an overview of typical salary ranges:

  1. Entry-Level Content Writers: $25,000 – $40,000 per year
    • Freelance writers may earn on a per-article or per-word basis, with typical rates ranging from $0.03 to $0.10 per word.
  2. Mid-Level Content Writers: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
    • Writers with 3-5 years of experience or those with specialized skills (e.g., SEO writing) tend to earn higher salaries.
  3. Senior Content Writers: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
    • Senior writers often work for larger corporations or agencies, and they may handle strategic content creation or team management.
  4. Freelance Content Writers: $0.05 to $0.20 per word or $50 to $200 per blog post/article
    • Freelancers can set their own rates, which vary based on the complexity of the project, expertise, and client type.

Factors Influencing Content Writer Salary:

  • Industry: Certain industries, such as finance, healthcare, and technology, tend to offer higher pay due to the need for specialized knowledge.
  • SEO Skills: Writers who can craft SEO-optimized content may command higher rates.
  • Freelance vs. Full-Time: Freelancers have the flexibility to charge per project, which can be more lucrative, but full-time writers enjoy consistent pay.

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What is Copywriting?

Copywriting involves crafting persuasive, conversion-focused content with the goal of encouraging readers to take immediate action, such as making a purchase, subscribing to a service, or clicking a link. Copywriters often work on sales pages, email campaigns, advertisements, product descriptions, and landing page copy.

Average Salary for Copywriters

Copywriting tends to be more lucrative than content writing because of its direct impact on a business’s bottom line. Here’s a breakdown of average copywriting salaries:

  1. Entry-Level Copywriters: $30,000 – $50,000 per year
    • Freelancers in this range may charge $0.10 to $0.25 per word, depending on the complexity of the project.
  2. Mid-Level Copywriters: $50,000 – $80,000 per year
    • Mid-level copywriters with a few years of experience or a portfolio of successful campaigns can command higher rates.
  3. Senior Copywriters: $80,000 – $120,000+ per year
    • Senior copywriters often work for large corporations, agencies, or high-profile brands. They may also manage copy teams or handle high-stakes projects like ad campaigns.
  4. Freelance Copywriters: $0.15 to $1.00+ per word or $100 to $1,000 per project
    • Experienced freelance copywriters often charge premium rates, especially when working on sales or high-converting copy.

Factors Influencing Copywriter Salary:

  • Conversion Expertise: Copywriters who have a proven track record of increasing sales or generating leads can command premium rates.
  • Niche Specialization: Copywriters who specialize in high-demand industries, such as SaaS, finance, or e-commerce, tend to earn more.
  • Freelance vs. Full-Time: Freelancers can often charge higher rates for project-based work, while full-time copywriters may receive a consistent salary with additional benefits.

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Key Differences in Salary: Content Writing vs. Copywriting

  1. Earning Potential:
    • Copywriting generally pays more than content writing because businesses directly associate copywriting with revenue generation.
    • While content writing builds brand awareness and trust, it doesn’t have the immediate, measurable ROI that copywriting often provides.
  2. Project Complexity:
    • Copywriting projects (e.g., sales letters, ad copy) are often shorter but require deep understanding of consumer psychology and persuasive techniques, which justifies higher pay.
    • Content writing, especially for long-form pieces, tends to take more time but may be less complex in terms of persuasion, which can result in lower rates.
  3. Freelance Rates:
    • Freelance copywriters tend to charge more per word or project compared to freelance content writers.
    • Specialized copywriting for high-stakes campaigns (e.g., product launches or marketing funnels) often comes with premium pricing.
  4. Job Stability:
    • Content writing jobs are often in higher demand for businesses looking to build their blogs, websites, and online presence.
    • Copywriters, especially those skilled in sales and conversion copy, may experience fewer but higher-paying projects.

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Which Pays Better: Content Writing or Copywriting?

Copywriting tends to pay better than content writing due to its direct impact on revenue and business outcomes. Copywriters, especially those with strong conversion-focused skills, can command higher rates and salaries compared to content writers.

That said, content writing can still be very lucrative, particularly for experienced writers with SEO expertise or those working in specialized industries. Freelance content writers with a large client base and consistent projects can also achieve high earnings, though copywriters may have the edge in terms of overall pay potential.


Both content writing and copywriting offer rewarding careers, but copywriting generally offers higher earning potential. The choice between the two depends on your personal interests, skills, and career goals. If you enjoy crafting persuasive messages and working on short, impactful projects, copywriting might be a better fit. If you prefer creating in-depth, informative content and building long-term relationships with readers, content writing could be your path.

Ultimately, both professions offer flexibility and the chance to build a fulfilling career, whether you’re working full-time or freelancing.

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