Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers earn a median of $76,910 per year ($36.98/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 0.3% through 2035, with about 11,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 27-3043
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $76,910a year, or $36.98/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $44KTop 10% $140K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -0.3%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−0.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −0.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 11,900140,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025140.3K
- Projected 2035139.9K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 140.3K Projected 2035 139.9K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school13.6%
- High school9.1%
- Some college27.3%
- Bachelor's31.8%
- Master's9.1%
- Professional degree9.1%
Highest education held by poets, lyricists and creative writers Segment Value Less than high school 13.6% High school 9.1% Some college 27.3% Bachelor's 31.8% Master's 9.1% Professional degree 9.1%
Also advertised as: Author, Creative Writer, Fiction Writer, Freelance Writer, Librettist, Lyricist.
Pay
How much do Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers make?
Every poet, lyricist and creative writer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$76,910
Middle half earn $58,230 to $101,950
- 10th
- $44,310
- 25th
- $58,230
- 75th
- $101,950
- 90th
- $139,870
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $44,310 |
| 25th | $58,230 |
| Median | $76,910 |
| 75th | $101,950 |
| 90th | $139,870 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $76,910
- Median hourly wage
- $36.98/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $86,090
- People employed
- 47,940
Versus all US occupations
At $76,910, Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers earn 51% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $25,930 a year.
Versus arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
Inside the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media group, where the middle occupation pays $68,060, this is 13% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $139,870 or more while the bottom 10% earn $44,310, a gap of 3.2×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 53% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
District of Columbia pays the most at $129,300, and still leads at $117,651 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1District of Columbia | $129,300 | $117,651 | 1,050 |
| 2Maryland | $104,330 | $99,401 | 540 |
| 3Connecticut | $98,460 | $95,029 | 480 |
| 4Vermont | $94,430 | $96,398 | 110 |
| 5Louisiana | $89,520 | $101,489 | 480 |
| 6California | $86,480 | $78,107 | 8,390 |
| 7Washington | $85,700 | $80,084 | 770 |
| 8Massachusetts | $85,260 | $80,619 | 1,350 |
| 9Virginia | $85,000 | $84,072 | 1,530 |
| 10New Jersey | $81,590 | $74,987 | 1,180 |
Job outlook
Is Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -0.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | −0.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers to change -0.3% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 500 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 11,900 openings are projected each year, 8.5% of the 140,300 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite declining employment, about 11,900 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) for writing is projected to dampen demand for these workers. However, these workers will continue to be needed for online media and advertising. Additionally, demand for reading for pleasure will continue to support some writers and authors.
Getting in
How to become a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer
A college degree in English, communications, or journalism is generally required for a salaried position as a writer or author. Experience gained through internships or any writing that improves skill, such as blogging, is beneficial.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as poets, lyricists and creative writers.
- Bachelor's Degree31.8%
- Some College Courses27.3%
- Less than a High School Diploma13.6%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9.1%
- Master's Degree9.1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 31.8% |
| Some College Courses | 27.3% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 13.6% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 9.1% |
| Master's Degree | 9.1% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer do?
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Writers and authors develop content for various types of media, including advertisements; blogs; books; magazines; and movie, play, and television scripts.
Day-to-day tasks
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
- Confer with clients, editors, publishers, or producers to discuss changes or revisions to written material.
- Attend book launches and publicity events, or conduct public readings.
- Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.
- Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Some writers and authors work part time. Most keep regular office hours, either to stay in contact with sources and editors or to set up a writing routine, but many set their own hours. Others may need to work evenings and weekends to produce something acceptable for an editor or client. Self-employed or freelance writers and authors may face the pressures of juggling multiple projects or continually looking for new work.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayConflict situations are rare.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes are not usually serious.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where poets, lyricists and creative writers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Self-employed workers65%
- Professional, scientific, and technical services9%
- Information8%
- Educational services; state, local, and private3%
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 65% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 9% |
| Information | 8% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 3% |
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Writing4.8
- Reading Comprehension4.3
- Speaking3.9
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Active Learning3.8
- Active Listening3.6
- Learning Strategies2.8
- Monitoring2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Writing | 4.8 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.3 |
| Speaking | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Active Learning | 3.8 |
| Active Listening | 3.6 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.8 |
| Monitoring | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Coordination2.8
- Persuasion2.8
- Time Management2.8
- Service Orientation2.5
- Negotiation2.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 2.8 |
| Persuasion | 2.8 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
| Service Orientation | 2.5 |
| Negotiation | 2.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Web page creation and editing software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Desktop communications software
- Text to speech conversion software
- Video creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 1 |
| Investigative | 4 |
| Artistic | 7 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Artistic7.0
- Investigative3.6
- Enterprising3.2
- Conventional2.9
- Social2.8
- Realistic1.2
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer
O*NET related occupations
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
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More arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media careers
Median annual pay, with poets, lyricists and creative writers highlighted
- Art Director$114,850
- Technical Writer$90,390
- Editor$77,920
- Writer and Author$76,910
- Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer$76,910
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750
- Interior Designer$67,190
- Graphic Designer$62,960
- Photographer$44,660
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $114,850 |
| Technical Writer | $90,390 |
| Editor | $77,920 |
| Writer and Author | $76,910 |
| Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer | $76,910 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,960 |
| Photographer | $44,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer appears on
Questions
Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer: frequently asked questions
How much do Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers make?
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers earn a median of $76,910 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 51% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $36.98/hr. The middle half earn between $58,230 and $101,950. The top 10% earn $139,870 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. BLS also lists long-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 31.8% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 0.3% over 2025–2035, a loss of 500 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 11,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer do?
Writers and authors develop content for various types of media, including advertisements; blogs; books; magazines; and movie, play, and television scripts. A core O*NET task: write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays. Employers most often ask for Desktop publishing software, Document management software, Graphics or photo imaging software.
Which states pay Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers the most?
The highest state medians for Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers are District of Columbia ($129,300), Maryland ($104,330), Connecticut ($98,460) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer?
O*NET scores Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers highest on the Artistic, Investigative and Enterprising interest areas, so the work mixes creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with INFP personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.