The Average Salary of an Online Staff Writer

Average Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009 reported an average salary of $64,560 for writers and authors of both print and online publications. BLS reported a median salary of $53,900 for these professionals. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,760 and $75,740. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,070 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,710. Writers working for organizations based on the east and west coast generally earn higher salaries than those employed at firms in the Midwest do. Annual earnings for self-employed freelance writers who produce copy for online publications vary based on rates that they negotiate with one or more clients.

Writers working in advertising and public relations reported higher than average salaries. According to BLS May 2009 research, the 6,380 writing professionals who worked at advertising and marketing firms earned an average salary of $73,200 a year. The 8,630 who worked for newspapers, periodical and book publishers earned an average yearly salary of $53,050. Prior to the growth of the Internet, writers who produced corporate content generally negotiated contracts for writing assignments. Now these firms are advertising in-house positions to develop content for their websites.

Online staff writers research topics, gather data and conduct interviews. They select the material needed to craft a story and use principles of grammar along with generally accepted writing techniques to report facts and information and to express ideas, opinions or points of view. Online staff writers who work in the media industry work as news analysts, reporters and correspondents. They receive assignments from editors and publishers as well as pitch their own ideas. Employers typically require a bachelor's degree in English, communications or journalism. Individuals with other backgrounds who demonstrate good writing skills qualify for jobs as online writers.

BLS projects employment in salaried writing and editing positions to increase slightly as companies across industries use the Internet and mobile devices to reach consumers and meet the growing demand for Web-based information. As online publications and services grow in number and technological sophistication, BLS projects demand for authors, writers and editors with online and multimedia experience. As businesses and organizations develop websites and target consumers via electronically distributed newsletters to engage consumers and gain market share, they will need writers to produce copy to convey their campaigns.