Writing Jobs for Prose Pros

Saying you’re a writer can mean a lot of different things these days because there's such a variety of writing jobs out there. Having a mastery of written communications means you can write your own career ticket, and you don’t necessarily have to be the next George R.R. Martin to do it.

While being a professional writer does require some level of expertise and creativity, there are many types of prose professions for which other niche skills are required.

Using data from Monster, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and PayScale.com, we gathered nine jobs that help you craft the next chapter of your career.

Top Writing Jobs

1. Content specialist
2. Copywriter
3. Grant writer
4. Media relations specialist
5. Medical writer
6. Reporter
7. Social Media Specialist
8. Speechwriter
9. Technical Writer

1. Content Specialist

What you’d do: More and more companies and brands are hiring content specialists to create and curate all sorts of short- and long-form content—from listicles to reported features—for their websites, blogs, email newsletters, and other media channels. These writers combine the skill sets of journalists and marketers.
What you need: A degree in journalism, marketing, public relations or communications are popular pathways, but are not necessarily required. Having HTML, WordPress, and SEO knowledge is often helpful for digital content specialist jobs.
What you’d make: The median salary for a content marketing specialist is around $50,000 per year.

Find content specialist jobs on Monster.

2. Copywriter

What you’d do: If you’ve ever seen a clever ad or promotional article in a magazine or online, chances are a copywriter’s mastery was behind it. Copywriters get to flex their creative writing muscles in order to promote or advertise a company or product, both online and in print.
What you need: A degree in communications, English, marketing, or a related field can help get your pen in the door, but a hearty portfolio can be just as effective.
What you’d make: The median salary for a copywriter is around $60,000 per year.

Find copywriter jobs on Monster.

3. Grant Writer

What you’d do: It often takes a well-scripted, persuasive written document to get individuals, companies, or foundations to agree to fund a project or make a donation to a worthy cause. Grant writers are adept at researching and crafting detailed written proposals to make their case for funding.
What you need: Most employers expect candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree; specific industry knowledge (such as if you’re in education or the arts) is also a plus.
What you’d make: The median salary for a grants manager is around $56,000 per year.

Find grant writer jobs on Monster.

4. Media Relations Specialist

What you’d do: Companies need someone to respond to media requests, create press releases and company announcements, and help the executive team with written communications. Media relations specialists (also known as public relations specialists) select words carefully to ensure they are conveying the right message and tone.
What you need: To break into this field, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or business is typically necessary. Check out a sample resume for a public relations manager.
What you’d make: The median salary for a public relations specialist is around $50,450 per year.

Find media relations jobs on Monster.

5. Medical Writer

What you’d do: It takes skilled wordsmith magic to turn heavily technical research into the readable articles and abstracts that are featured in scientific and medical journals. From pharmaceutical educational pamphlets to content for healthcare organizations, medical writers have both industry expertise and the writing chops to break down complex topics.
What you need: Because this gig is among the more specialized writing jobs, medical writers often need to have a master’s or doctorate degree in a life science field in order to have the foundation of knowledge required to do this type of writing.
What you’d make: The median salary for a medical writer is around $66,750 per year.

Find medical writer jobs on Monster.

6. Reporter

What you’d do: Reporters cover events, interview sources, and dig through research to share with readers the all-important who, what, when, where, and how. In today’s challenging media landscape, talented reporters who can quickly and accurately gather facts and write important stories are more important than ever.
What you need: Although many reporters have risen through the ranks without a formal journalism degree, most employers expect a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a field related to the beat being covered (a political reporter might have majored in political science, for instance). Check out a sample resume for a reporter.
What you’d make: The median salary for a reporter is around $41,000 per year.

Find reporter jobs on Monster.

7. Social Media Specialist

What you’d do: In our ever-increasing digital world in which a single tweet can stir up controversy, social media specialists are tasked with crafting on-brand content for each of the popular social media platforms. Every word literally counts, which is why this type of writing needs to be handled by someone who is well-versed in social media best practices, while also staying true to their employer’s mission.
What you need: Social media specialists usually have a bachelor’s degree in areas like public relations, communications, or business. And being highly skilled in the major social media platforms and related software and apps is very important. Check out a sample resume for a social media manager.
What you’d make: The median salary for a social media specialist is around $44,000 per year.

Find social media specialist jobs on Monster.

8. Speech Writer

What you’d do: Speech writers get to literally put words in the mouths of their employers and clients. They prep talking points and full-text speeches for politicians, private sector executives, entertainers, or any public figure who’s aiming to captivate and engage their audience.
What you need: A bachelor’s degree in in English, communications, or political science (if relevant) are all precursors for launching this career.
What you’d make: The median salary for a speech writer is around $140,00 per year.

Find speech writer jobs on Monster.

9. Technical Writer

What you’d do: Technical writers have a unique gift in that they can take complex topics and put them into language that product users and consumers can understand. These writers are the pros that put together instruction manuals, how-to materials, and other helpful guides to break down the complexities of software, tech gadgets, machinery, and more.
What you need: Although a bachelor’s degree in journalism or English is helpful, technical writers also need specialized knowledge in the topics they’re writing about, whether it’s computer science, biotechnology, engineering, etc. Find out more about how to become a technical writer and how to interview for technical writing jobs.
What you’d make: The median hourly pay for a technical writer is around $33.

Find technical writer jobs on Monster.

See all writing jobs on Monster.

Your Ticket to Writing Jobs

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