Want to learn how to get new clients with NO experience - in 24 hours or less? I created a $500 course teaching copywriters how. If you enter your primary email address below, I'll send you a popular video from this exclusive course for free. 👇
Want to learn how to get new clients with NO experience - in 24 hours or less? I created a $500 course teaching copywriters how. If you enter your primary email address below, I'll send you a popular video from this exclusive course for free. 👇
Sunday, January 05, 2025
Picture this:
You’re scrolling through job boards, wondering if a career in copywriting could finally give you the financial freedom you’ve been dreaming about. Or maybe you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of copywriting, and you’re curious if the copywriter salary is as lucrative as people claim.
Well, here’s the deal—copywriting is one of the most flexible and rewarding careers out there. But how much do copywriters actually make in 2025?
It depends.
Factors like your skill level, niche, location, and whether you’re freelancing or working full-time can make a big difference in your paycheck.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about copywriting salary, from how much entry-level copywriters earn to what top-tier pros bring in. Plus, we’ll cover the secrets to hitting your income goals faster than you thought possible.
When it comes to copywriting salary, your skill level is one of the biggest determining factors. It’s like any other profession—the more expertise you bring to the table, the higher the copywriter pay.
But here’s the kicker:
Copywriting has a much faster earning potential curve compared to traditional careers.
Let’s break it down:
1. Entry-Level Copywriter Salary
If you’re just getting started, expect an average copywriter salary of $40,000–$55,000 per year if you’re working full-time. Freelancers at this stage might earn $20–$30 per hour. But don’t let these numbers scare you. With even a basic grasp of persuasive writing and marketing principles, you can quickly level up.
In fact, Gary Halbert—a legend in direct-response copywriting—once said that even a mediocre copywriter can make more than a lawyer or doctor in a fraction of the time. The key is mastering the basics and positioning yourself right.
2. Mid-Level Copywriter Salary
With a few years of experience under your belt, your earning potential skyrockets. Full-time positions at this level range from $60,000 to $90,000 annually. Freelancers can charge $50–$150 per hour, depending on their niche and portfolio.
At this point, you’ve likely built a steady flow of clients or have experience with big projects like email campaigns, landing pages, or sales funnels. These are the bread and butter of higher-paying copy jobs.
3. Advanced and Expert Copywriter Salary
Here’s where it gets exciting. Top-tier copywriters—the ones companies fight over—can command salaries north of $100,000 annually in full-time roles. Freelancers? They’re charging $5,000, $10,000, or even $50,000+ for a single project.
Why?
Because these copywriters understand the nuances of persuasion and know how to create copy that generates massive ROI. When you can prove your words are worth millions, companies don’t blink at your price tag.
So, if you’re wondering does copywriting pay well—yes, but only if you’re willing to put in the work to get good at it. And the good news? It’s entirely doable.
Not all types of copywriting are created equal, and the kind of copy you specialize in can have a massive impact on your earning potential.
Some types of copywriting pay more because they directly drive revenue, while others might offer steadier but lower paychecks. Here’s how the most common types of copywriting stack up:
1. Direct-Response Copywriting
This is the king of all copywriting types. Direct-response copywriting focuses on driving immediate action—whether that’s making a sale, opting into a list, or scheduling a call. Because this type of copywriting is closely tied to revenue, companies pay a premium for writers who excel at it.
💰 Freelance: Direct-response copywriters often charge $5,000+ per project for things like sales letters and VSLs (video sales letters).
💼 In-house: $75,000–$150,000 annually, depending on experience.
2. Email Copywriting
Emails are the lifeblood of most marketing strategies, and great email copywriters can command serious pay. Whether it’s crafting automated sequences, newsletters, or sales-focused blasts, email copy is a staple of nearly every business.
💰 Freelance: Freelancers charge $250–$1,000+ per email, depending on length and complexity.
💼 In-house: $60,000–$90,000 annually.
3. SEO Copywriting
SEO copywriters specialize in creating web pages, blog posts, and other online content that ranks high in search engines. While this type of copy isn’t as directly tied to sales, it’s crucial for driving organic traffic.
💰 Freelance: $50–$200+ per hour, or $500–$1,500+ per project for web pages or blog posts.
💼 In-house: $50,000–$80,000 annually.
4. Social Media Copywriting
Social media is fast-paced and demands attention-grabbing copy that converts followers into customers. This type of copywriting is highly creative and can involve crafting ads, captions, and posts.
💰 Freelance: $100–$500+ per post or ad, depending on the platform.
💼 In-house: $45,000–$70,000 annually.
5. Content Writing
This includes writing blogs, articles, and long-form guides. While not always as lucrative as direct-response copy, content copywriting is in high demand, especially for businesses focused on thought leadership and organic reach.
💰 Freelance: $0.10–$1 per word, or $500–$2,000+ per piece, depending on expertise.
💼 In-house: $50,000–$80,000 annually.
6. Brand Copywriting
Brand copywriters focus on crafting the tone and messaging for a company’s overall identity. This can include taglines, mission statements, and product descriptions. While this is less conversion-focused, it’s critical for creating a cohesive brand presence.
💰 Freelance: $1,000–$5,000+ per project for brand messaging.
💼 In-house: $55,000–$90,000 annually.
Choosing the right type of copywriting to specialize in can make a huge difference in your income. Direct-response and email copywriting are the heavy hitters when it comes to maximizing your average copywriter salary.
The niche you choose as a copywriter can make or break your earning potential.
Some industries are cash-rich and desperate for skilled copywriters, while others are less lucrative. Specializing in a profitable niche can dramatically increase your copywriter salary. Here’s a breakdown of the top niches in 2025 and how they stack up:
1. Finance and Investment
The finance niche has long been a goldmine for copywriters. Companies in this space need writers who can simplify complex financial products and services while staying compliant with regulations. Think investment newsletters, credit card promotions, and financial planning tools.
💰 Freelance: $10,000–$50,000 for high-stakes projects like sales letters.
💼 In-house: $90,000–$150,000 annually for seasoned pros.
2. Health and Wellness
From supplements and fitness programs to mental health apps and skincare products, the health niche is evergreen. People are always willing to spend money to look and feel better, making this a lucrative space for persuasive writers.
💰 Freelance: $3,000–$10,000 per project, especially for long-form sales pages or email sequences.
💼 In-house: $60,000–$90,000 annually.
3. eCommerce and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)
With the continued growth of online shopping, eCommerce brands rely on copywriters for product descriptions, landing pages, and email campaigns. These brands live and die by conversions, making good copywriters invaluable.
💰 Freelance: $2,000–$5,000+ for product launch campaigns or ad copy.
💼 In-house: $60,000–$100,000 annually.
4. Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS companies thrive on subscription models, meaning their success depends on convincing users to sign up and stay subscribed. If you can write copy that explains complex software in simple, compelling terms, this niche is a goldmine.
💰 Freelance: $1,500–$5,000 for landing pages or onboarding sequences.
💼 In-house: $70,000–$120,000 annually.
5. Personal Development and Coaching
This niche focuses on self-help courses, online coaching programs, and motivational content. If you can tap into people’s desires for growth and transformation, the pay can be substantial.
💰 Freelance: $2,000–$6,000 for a webinar funnel or sales email sequence.
💼 In-house: $50,000–$80,000 annually.
6. Real Estate
From luxury homes to commercial real estate, this industry needs writers who can craft compelling listings, brochures, and digital campaigns. With large transactions at stake, skilled copywriters are highly sought after.
💰 Freelance: $1,500–$10,000+ for high-end property campaigns.
💼 In-house: $55,000–$90,000 annually.
7. Education and eLearning
The eLearning market is booming, with companies offering courses, certifications, and training programs in every field imaginable. If you’re skilled at crafting engaging, educational copy, this niche can be lucrative.
💰 Freelance: $1,000–$5,000+ per course launch campaign.
💼 In-house: $50,000–$85,000 annually.
Pro Tip: Why Niches Matter
Choosing a high-paying niche allows you to develop expertise and charge premium rates. Companies are willing to pay more for copywriters who understand their audience and industry inside-out. So if you’re aiming to boost your average copywriter salary, specializing in a profitable niche is the fastest path to success.
Let me know when to move on to the next section: 5 Major Factors Determining How Much You Can Make as a Copywriter in 2025 (and beyond).
Your copywriter salary isn’t just about the words you write. It’s shaped by several key factors that either elevate your income or keep you stuck in the same pay bracket.
Here’s a breakdown of the five biggest factors influencing how much copywriting pays in 2025:
1. Your Skill Level
Copywriting isn’t about writing “pretty” words—it’s about getting results. The better you are at driving conversions, the more valuable you become. Companies and clients don’t pay for effort; they pay for ROI.
For example, a beginner might earn $50 for a blog post, but a seasoned direct-response pro can charge $10,000+ for a single sales letter that brings in millions.
Want to boost your freelance copywriter salary? Focus on mastering persuasion, psychology, and proven copywriting frameworks.
2. The Type of Copy You Specialize In
Some types of copy pay better than others. For example, direct-response copywriting and email marketing are tied directly to revenue, so they command higher fees. In contrast, general content writing tends to pay less because it’s not as immediately profitable.
If you want to increase your average copywriter salary fast, start specializing in high-value projects like sales funnels, landing pages, or email campaigns.
3. Your Chosen Niche
We covered this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: your niche plays a massive role in your earning potential. High-profit industries like finance, SaaS, and health are willing to pay top dollar for skilled copywriters.
For instance, writing for a local restaurant might earn you $100 for a menu. Writing for a SaaS company? That could be a $5,000 website copy project.
4. Your Experience and Portfolio
Your experience matters, but not as much as your portfolio. If you can show potential clients or employers a track record of results—whether it’s increased sales, higher open rates, or improved website traffic—you’ll stand out.
Even if you’re a beginner, start building a results-driven portfolio by offering discounted services to your first few clients.
5. How You Position Yourself
This might be the most overlooked factor. Are you positioning yourself as a “jack-of-all-trades writer” or as a specialist who delivers massive value? Clients pay more for experts who solve specific problems.
For example, a generic copywriter might earn $50/hour. A “direct-response email copywriter for health and fitness brands” can easily charge $150/hour or more.
Positioning also includes how you market yourself, your online presence, and even how you price your services.
Key takeaway...
If you’re asking does copywriting pay well, the answer depends on how you approach these factors. The best-paid copywriters don’t just “write copy”—they sell results, specialize in high-value niches, and consistently improve their skills.
Here’s the truth:
Copywriting is one of the few careers where you can go from zero experience to earning a solid income in a matter of months. But it’s not just about hustling or crossing your fingers for a lucky break—it’s about learning the right skills, focusing on high-demand markets, and taking strategic action.
I’ve already broken down the exact steps to kickstart your copywriting career in another post. In it, I cover how to master the fundamentals of persuasion, build a killer portfolio (even if you have zero experience), and find your first high-paying clients quickly.
If you’re serious about turning copywriting into a profitable career, check out my in-depth guide - How to Become a Successful Copywriter in 2025 WITHOUT Experience.
Copywriting is one of the most versatile and lucrative careers in 2025, but your copywriter salary depends on factors like your skill level, the type of copy you specialize in, and the niche you choose.
By focusing on high-value projects, continuously improving your skills, and strategically positioning yourself, you can break into this field and scale your income quickly.
Want daily copywriting tips to take your career to the next level? Click the yellow "SUBSCRIBE!" button below 👇
20 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham NH 03885, US | jeremy@jeremymac.com | (207) 517-9957
Jeremy Mac © Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Refund | Terms of Service
20 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham NH 03885, US | jeremy@jeremymac.com | (207) 517-9957
Jeremy Mac © Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Refund | Terms of Service