Advertising copywriter
Also known as: text writer, web copywriter, creative copy consultant, advertisement copywriter, copy writer, creative copy artist
About this occupation
Advertising copywriters are responsible for the written or verbal design of advertisements and commercials. They write slogans, catchphrases, etc. Advertising copywriters work closely together with advertising artists.
Essential skills and knowledge
- identify customer's needs
- brainstorm ideas
- write to a deadline
- create advertisements
- develop creative ideas
- copyright legislation
- meet expectations of target audience
- product comprehension
- advertising techniques
- apply grammar and spelling rules
- follow a brief
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Writers and Authors (O*NET 27-3043.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Present drafts and ideas to clients.
- Edit or rewrite existing written material as necessary, and submit written material for approval by supervisor, editor, or publisher.
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
- Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Enterprising, Conventional
Top skills: Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Time Management, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$76,910 a year (2025), 47,940 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (5.0)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (4.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Public Relations Specialists
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Search Marketing Strategists
- Editors
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Art Directors
- Producers and Directors
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
- Technical Writers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.