Expert: Sean Trapani - 2/24/2004

Question
Hi. I was wondering if you could tell me exactly what advertising copywriters do? How much money do they usually make? What is the usual salary range? Is a college degree required? What are some major companies that hire advertising copywriters?

Answer
Hello, Danielle. Lots of good questions.

Advertising copywriters write TV and radio commercials, as well as printed advertisements such as magazine ads. In essence, copywriters are in Sales. They are usually trained writers, with college backgrounds in English, Journalism or even Copywriting (specialized programs exist now that actually teach this profession).

A good copywriter in NYC will make $100,000 a year, easily. In other large metro's, an experienced copywriter will pull in around $60k a year (about $30k to start).

College is required. Not just for a mastery of language. Copywriters hate to be called "wordsmiths." But, college teaches you a lot more than a skill - it teaches you how to think. And as a copywriter, you must have the ability to become interested in ANY subject - and discuss it intelligenty.

Some companies, who have their own internal marketing departments, will hire copywriters. But, most, use the copywriter that is employed by one of their ad agencies. If you want a list of specific companies, I suggest you do a search on Monster.com

I hope that answered your questions.

Sean Trapani