Expert: Sean Trapani - 2/27/2004

Question
Hi. I recently asked a question about advertising copywriters. I read somewhere that a degree is not always required? Is that true? Is there a such thing as just completing a program in Advertising Copywriting? Are advertising copywriters the same people who physically go and shoot commercials, or do they just come up with the ideas for them? I know you said before that someone in New York can make 100K easily, but what is the usual starting salary? Can someone's salary go beyond 100K? How is the salary determined? Is a person paid per campaign?

Answer
A degree is not required. But, most agencies will want you to have a degree in SOMETHING (becuase it demonstrates that you're the kind of person who can see something through).

There are programs in copywriting. My cube-mate has a master's degree in copywriting. So, they're out there. Copywriters are the idea people, not the ones who go out and physcially shoot the commercials. Those would be the producers, directors and other on-the-set specialists.

Starting salary depends on the city you're in, your college background (none, BA, MA, etc), and the type of agency you work for. I suspect that starting salary for a NYC copywriter is about $30k a year. If you want to be paid by campaign, that's a freelancer. I recommened some of Robert Bly's (check on Amazon.com) books on freelancing if you want to consider that option.