Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers in California
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. In California the median pay is $86,480 a year, 12% above the national median of $76,910.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against poets, lyricists and creative writers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers.
Licenses and training in California
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers pay in other states
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.