How much does a Freelance Writer make in 2026?
The national median Freelance Writer salary is $73,150 per year. Freelance writers create content for blogs, magazines, brands and publications on a contract basis.
Freelance Writer salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $103,900 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $95,100 | View → |
| New York, NY | $93,600 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $84,100 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $81,900 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $80,500 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $77,500 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $76,100 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $72,400 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $71,700 | View → |
What does a Freelance Writer do?
Freelance writers create content for blogs, magazines, brands and publications on a contract basis.
- Research and write articles
- Pitch new clients
- Edit and revise drafts
- Invoice clients
- Manage editorial calendars
How to become a Freelance Writer
No formal requirements — a strong portfolio and consistent client outreach matter most. Many writers have backgrounds in journalism or English.
Related job salaries
FAQ — Freelance Writer salary
What is the average Freelance Writer salary in the United States?+
The national median Freelance Writer salary is $73,150 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Freelance Writers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $103,900/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Freelance Writer make?+
Entry-level Freelance Writers typically earn around $67,500 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Freelance Writer job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about average growth of +4% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Freelance Writer?+
No formal requirements — a strong portfolio and consistent client outreach matter most. Many writers have backgrounds in journalism or English.
Are you being paid fairly?
Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.
Check my salary →