TV Staff Writer Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
How to Become a TV Staff Writer
A TV staff writer is an entry-level career in writing rooms for television productions. Some staff writers develop scripts collaboratively with other writers, while others primarily map out episode beats and brainstorm and pitch ideas.
How much does this career make?
According to Ziprecruiter, Staff Writers make a national average of $47,404 or $22.79 an hour (as of March 2022). Entry-level TV staff writers make around $30,000 annually, with senior-level TV staff writers making $51,500 a year. Of course, this wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the television industry?
Staff writers generate, break, and revise stories. They create entire seasons’ worth of television. Staff writers develop characters, tone, and plot points that make up a cohesive and narrative driven show.
What is the job outlook for a Staff Writer?
Analysts forecast that television revenue will grow to $231 billion by 2024. In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the production field (including Showrunners) are expected to increase by 24% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick off your career:
- Read teleplays and screenplays.
- Practice writing teleplays.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Television Career Guide.
Learn from:
Maisha Closson, Film & TV Industry Essentials contributor,
Executive Producer of The L Word: Generation Q
Related Careers:
Showrunner | Executive Producer | Producer | News Writer | Associate Producer | Script Editor | Casting Director | Line Producer | Casting Assistant | Supervising Producer
