Can writing for search engines really pay the bills or even fund your dream remote lifestyle? Absolutely. Whether you're starting or switching careers, understanding the SEO copywriting salary landscape is crucial for setting realistic goals and maximizing your income potential. As businesses invest more in high-performing content, skilled SEO copywriters are in high demand and well-compensated.
In this blog, you’ll learn how much SEO copywriters earn by experience, industry, and role: freelance, remote, or full-time. We’ll also share practical tips to increase your earnings and show how Wing Assistant helps match businesses with top SEO talent and connects writers to remote copywriting jobs.
What is SEO Copywriting?
SEO copywriting is the art of crafting persuasive, keyword-optimized content that ranks well on search engines like Google. It combines strong writing with search intent, keyword strategy, and technical SEO to drive traffic and conversions. SEO copywriters create blog posts, product pages, and landing pages that engage readers while satisfying algorithms.
Its role in digital marketing is critical. SEO copy helps brands boost visibility, improve rankings, and generate leads organically. The Copywriting Services Market was valued at USD 25.29 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 42.22 billion by 2031, growing at a 7.6% CAGR: proof of rising demand for skilled SEO writers.
SEO Copywriting vs. Other Writing Types
SEO copywriting stands apart for its focus on ranking, conversions, and user intent. Here's how it differs from other writing roles:
- Content Writing: Aims to inform or entertain. May use keywords, but SEO isn’t always the goal.
- Technical Writing: Prioritizes clarity in manuals, guides, or white papers. SEO is rarely a concern.
- Creative Writing: Driven by emotion and storytelling, not strategy or search performance.
- Academic Writing: Formal and research-heavy, with no focus on visibility or engagement.
- Journalistic Writing: Delivers news with objectivity and speed, not tailored for SEO.
Factors That Influence SEO Copywriting Salary
How much you earn as an SEO copywriter depends on several variables. If you're wondering how much SEO copywriters make, the following breakdown will help you set competitive freelance copywriting rates and plan your next steps.
Experience Level (Entry-Level to Expert)
Experience plays a key role in determining your value. Entry-level SEO copywriters are often tasked with creating foundational content, such as basic blog posts or product pages, which require fewer strategic demands. As you gain hands-on experience, build results-driven portfolios, and refine your writing for search intent, clients and employers become more willing to pay a premium.
Employment Type (Freelancer vs. In-House vs. Agency)
Your employment model influences both how you charge and how much you can earn. Freelancers have the most control over their freelance copywriting rates and can scale income based on project scope, client type, and volume of work. In-house roles offer predictability, benefits, and long-term growth, while agency writers benefit from exposure to diverse industries and fast-paced learning environments.
Location (U.S., U.K., India, Remote Global)
Even in a remote-first economy, location still plays a role in shaping expectations and opportunities. Local salary standards vary widely depending on cost of living and demand, but remote roles offer ways to break geographic barriers. Writers in regions with lower average pay can earn global rates by working with international clients.
Industry or Niche (eCommerce, Tech, Healthcare, etc.)
The industry you write for significantly impacts your income. Some niches, such as tech, finance, and healthcare, require subject matter expertise and compliance awareness, which increases the value of your work. Meanwhile, industries like eCommerce may offer higher content volume and recurring needs. Writers who specialize in strategic, high-stakes SEO content can charge more due to the complexity and importance of their output.
Additional Skills (Keyword Research, Analytics, UX Writing)
SEO copywriting goes beyond writing. If you bring skills like keyword research, SEO strategy, or conversion-focused UX writing, you can take on broader responsibilities and justify higher fees. Proficiency in tools like Ahrefs or Google Analytics allows you to show impact and boost client confidence. These complementary skills not only elevate your marketability but also increase your earning ceiling.
Average SEO Copywriting Salary in 2025
Based on data from Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Upwork, SEO copywriters in 2025 earn anywhere from $40,000 to $150,000+ annually, depending on role, experience, and specialization. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Freelance SEO Copywriting Rates (Per Word, Hour, Project)
Freelancers have the most flexibility and income variability. Here’s how rates generally break down:
- $20 to $30 for beginners, $75 to $150 for experienced writers, per hour
- $0.10 to $1.00 depending on industry, per hour
- $500 to $1,500 for landing pages or blogs; $2,000 to $10,000+ for funnels and product launches, per project
Entry-Level SEO Copywriter Salary
The entry-level SEO copywriter salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $55,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor. These writers focus on SEO basics like keyword-optimized blog posts and product pages. Freelancers at this level often charge $20 to $30 per hour on platforms like Upwork, using this stage to build skills and a results-based portfolio.
Mid-Level and Experienced SEO Copywriter Salary
Writers with 2 to 5 years of experience often earn $60,000 to $90,000 annually, based on PayScale and Growth Zacks. These professionals typically handle strategic SEO content and work with higher-value clients. Freelancers in this group can charge between $50 and $100 per hour or $500 and $2,000 per project, especially if the work involves SEO planning or analytics.
Top Earners: What Makes a $100K+ SEO Copywriter?
Reaching $100K+ as an SEO copywriter requires more than just writing well. High earners stand out through:
- Specialization in high-paying niches like SaaS, finance, or healthcare.
- Measurable results, such as traffic growth or higher conversion rates.
- Skills in SEO tools, keyword strategy, and performance reporting.
- Strategic positioning. Those who understand the dynamics of copywriter vs. content writer salaries often brand themselves as ROI-focused experts.
Freelance SEO Copywriting: Pros, Cons, and Pay
This section will help you evaluate whether freelancing fits your career goals and how to make the most of it.
Pros of Freelance SEO Copywriting
- Flexible Schedule and Autonomy: Freelance SEO copywriters have the freedom to work when and where they want. Whether you prefer a structured routine or a digital nomad lifestyle, you can tailor your workflow to suit your needs. This flexibility makes copywriting jobs remote particularly appealing.
- Access to Global Clients: With online platforms like Upwork, Contra, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, writers can attract clients from across the globe. Freelancers in emerging markets can earn international freelance copywriting rates by targeting high-value industries, such as tech or finance.
- Higher Income Potential: Freelancers have no salary cap. Writers with proven results and niche expertise often grow their SEO writer salary to six figures. According to ZipRecruiter, some freelance SEO writers earn between $80,000 and $141,000 annually by offering strategic content and SEO consulting services.
Cons of Freelance SEO Copywriting
- Inconsistent Income: If you're asking how much do SEO copywriters make, the freelance answer is: it depends. Monthly income can fluctuate based on seasonality, client demand, or gaps between projects.
- No Benefits or Job Security: Freelancers are responsible for their own health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave. These costs must be factored into your freelance copywriting rates to maintain a sustainable career.
- You Handle Everything: Beyond writing, freelancers manage marketing, client communication, contracts, and taxes. This workload can limit your writing time if not managed efficiently. Still, mastering this balance is crucial to increasing your SEO copywriting salary over time.
In-House vs. Remote SEO Copywriting Jobs
The rise of remote work since 2020 has transformed how and where SEO copywriters earn. Whether you're eyeing a corporate role or building a freelance career, understanding the trade-offs is key to maximizing your income and flexibility.
In-House SEO Copywriting
In-house SEO copywriters work full-time for a single company, often within a marketing or content team. These roles offer:
- Stable salaries, typically between $60,000 and $85,000 annually
- Benefits like health insurance, PTO, and retirement plans
- Opportunities to specialize in one brand or industry
The average copywriter's pay is steady, but growth can be slower, and location may still influence compensation unless the role is fully remote.
Remote SEO Copywriting
Remote SEO copywriting provides flexibility, autonomy, and access to a global client base. Since 2020, remote marketing jobs have surged, giving writers more control over their workload and rates.
- An entry-level SEO copywriter salary typically starts at $40,000 to $55,000
- Freelancers and remote writers can scale to six figures with strong portfolios
- No commute or geographic limits boost cost-efficiency and work-life balance
Remote writers often earn more by taking on specialized SEO projects, especially when they combine writing with strategy or analytics.
Which Should You Choose?
When comparing copywriter vs content writer salary, SEO-focused roles tend to pay more due to their performance-driven nature. In-house roles provide security, while remote work offers income potential and freedom. The right path depends on your goals, skills, and preferred work style.
How to Increase Your SEO Copywriting Salary
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, increasing your salary takes more than writing well. It requires strategic skill-building, targeted positioning, and smart networking. Here’s how to grow your income and stand out in a competitive field.
Improve Writing & SEO Skills
Sharpen both your writing and your understanding of search intent, keyword optimization, and content structure. Follow SEO experts like Brian Dean and Aleyda Solis to stay ahead of trends. Consider certifications from platforms like Semrush Academy or Yoast SEO Training.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio should include SEO-optimized blog posts, landing pages, and product copy with measurable results (like rankings or conversions). Use Google Docs, Notion, or a personal website to showcase your best work with performance data.
Niche Down to High-Value Industries
Specializing in industries like tech, healthcare, or SaaS can increase your value. These fields require accuracy, compliance, or complex messaging skills that businesses are willing to pay a premium for. Writer and strategist Eddie Shleyner emphasizes the power of specialization in commanding higher rates.
Offer Complementary Services
Go beyond writing by offering SEO audits, content strategy, or keyword research. Clients often prefer a writer who understands the full picture. Upskilling in tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or SurferSEO can help you raise your rates.
Network & Pitch Effectively
Connect with marketers and founders on LinkedIn or join writing communities like Superpath or Peak Freelance. Personalized outreach and referrals remain top sources of high-paying gigs. As Kaleigh Moore says, strong relationships often lead to repeat work and bigger projects.
By investing in your craft and visibility, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate higher fees, attract premium clients, and elevate your SEO writer salary over time.
Where Wing Assistant Comes In
Whether you’re a business looking to hire skilled SEO copywriters or a writer seeking stable remote work, Wing Assistant offers a smart, streamlined solution. Wing connects companies with pre-vetted virtual assistants who specialize in digital marketing, SEO, and copywriting, making it easier to scale content efforts without sacrificing quality or budget.
For businesses, Wing provides access to trained talent backed by professional onboarding, supervision, and dedicated customer support. For aspiring copywriters, Wing offers remote assistant roles with competitive pay, flexible hours, and ongoing training ideal for those aiming to build a career in SEO and content strategy.
You can explore Wing’s services to see how they help businesses hire expert writers and assist freelancers in finding rewarding, long-term work.
The Bottom Line
The SEO copywriting field offers strong earning potential, especially for those who build the right skill set and focus on high-value industries. From understanding the SEO copywriting salary landscape to refining your niche and gaining complementary skills, there are many ways to grow your income.
Partnering with a service like Wing Assistant can help accelerate your progress, whether you’re hiring talent or looking for consistent copywriting jobs remotely. Take the next step byexploring Wing’s services orscheduling a freeconsultation to see how Wing can support your business or freelance career.
Dianne has extensive experience as a Content Writer, she creates engaging content that captivates readers and ranks well online. She stays on top of industry trends to keep her work fresh and impactful. She has a talent for turning complex ideas into relatable stories. When she’s not writing, you’ll probably find her with a crochet hook in hand or working on a fun craft project. She loves bringing creativity to life, whether it’s through words or handmade creations.
