Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Poets, lyricists, and creative writers produce original written content including scripts, essays, poetry, and song lyrics intended for publication or performance. They work in publishing houses, entertainment studios, advertising agencies, media companies, and as independent freelancers, developing material across print, film, television, music, and digital platforms.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against poets, lyricists and creative writers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves researching topics, drafting and revising manuscripts, and collaborating with editors, producers, or clients on projects. Writers might spend mornings developing story concepts or lyrical content, afternoons conducting interviews or research, and time reviewing feedback. Deadlines and project types vary widely, from completing song lyrics for a recording session to revising a screenplay or developing poetry collections for publication.
Who this work suits
Holland code AIE. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this career if you're drawn to artistic expression and enjoy investigating subjects deeply to inform your writing. Success requires discipline, curiosity about human experience and language, ability to accept and integrate feedback, and comfort with the uncertainty of creative work and freelance income.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $100,320 | $129,300 | $158,020 | 1,050 |
| Maryland | $77,020 | $104,330 | $140,670 | 540 |
| Connecticut | $73,610 | $98,460 | $129,260 | 480 |
| Vermont | $79,920 | $94,430 | $107,590 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $55,860 | $89,520 | $105,970 | 480 |
| California | $75,530 | $86,480 | $127,870 | 8,390 |
| Washington | $65,330 | $85,700 | $109,000 | 770 |
| Massachusetts | $67,770 | $85,260 | $108,030 | 1,350 |
| Virginia | $64,730 | $85,000 | $104,000 | 1,530 |
| New Jersey | $60,610 | $81,590 | $103,120 | 1,180 |
| Oregon | $52,620 | $80,540 | $104,010 | 950 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,030 | $77,410 | $102,480 | 1,080 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Registered Poetry Therapist (PTR) — International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy
- Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT) — International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy
- Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator (CAPF) — International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy
- Author Accelerator Book Coach Certification — Author Accelerator
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against poets, lyricists and creative writers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-3043.05 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.