Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers

Also Called: Author, Freelance Writer, Novelist, Songwriter

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$40,900

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers do

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

  • Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
  • Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.
  • Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Level of Competition
  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Electronic Mail

Tools

  • Laser printers
  • Laser fax machine
  • Personal computers
  • Tablet computers

Technology

Word processing software
AutoCrit Editing Wizard
Microsoft Word
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook
WordPress

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities
English language
Communications
multimedia
Math and Science
psychology

Education

  • 46% Bachelor's degree
  • 19% Less than high school diploma
  • 15% High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

English Language & Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Harlem, MT

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Investigative (Thinker)

Work Styles

  • Persistence
  • Independence
  • Initiative
  • Innovation
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Attention to Detail

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers across the country typically make.

$19.67 / hour
$40,900 /year

Entry Level

$35.43 / hour
$73,690 /year

Median Level

$71.27 / hour
$148,240 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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