Wondering how much you can earn as a freelance writer?
A new survey of 56 business journalists by the Society of Business Editors and Writers sheds some light on one niche.
Six of those surveyed (nearly 11%) made more than $100,000 a year, and 14 (25%) earned more than $80,000. That’s a good thing. Most of those who completed the survey live in the Northeast or Pacific Coast–high-cost-of-living areas.
However, the average respondent was earning $30,000 to $35,000 a year after freelancing for four to 10 years–significantly lower than the inflation-adjusted household median income of $49,909, reported in a recent study by former U.S. Census Bureau officials.
We hope that was because some were part-time writers. Nearly half said they would not return to full time work because they preferred their flexible hours.
Regardless, it looks like the needle is moving in the right direction for many business writers. The poll found that more than half of freelance business journalists earned more in 2011 than 2010.
It would be interesting to know how other types of freelance writers compare, income-wise. If you know of other surveys, please let us know about them by posting a comment or e-mailing us at 200kfreelancer@gmail.com.
Nice to read your blog