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Series Compensation Guide. (December 14, 2021) Following the Guild’s first guide to TV series compensation in 2019, this updated analysis comes from more than 1,500 contracts and deal memos from the 2019-2020 season onward, primarily provided by the franchised agencies. With this more robust information, the Guild can now provide episodic ...
- Overview
- What is a television writer?
- How much do television writers make?
- What factors influence a television writer's pay?
- Types of television writers
Television writers create the characters and plot lines for movies and television series on network TV, cable and streaming services. The salary for this career often depends on factors such as the individual's location or experience. If you're interested in becoming a television writer, you may benefit from learning about the salary expectations f...
A television writer is a specialized writer who works on scripts for television series, programs, documentaries, game shows, news programs, commercials and more. They develop the situations, stories, characters and dialogue that help create a television production. Everyone involved in the project, such as actors and the director, uses these guidel...
A television writer is a type of technical writer. Technical writers make an average of $61,668 per year in the United States. Each state has a different average salary for this career based on factors like the area's cost of living and demand for industry professionals. Here's a list of the average pay for television writers by state:
•Alabama: $47,263 per year
•Alaska: $42,351 per year
•Arizona: $56,158 per year
•Arkansas: $61,399 per year
•California: $71,758 per year
Membership in the Writers Guild of America (WGA)
The Writers Guild of America is a labor union representing radio, television, film and new media writers. If a writer is a member of this organization, there is a minimum set for earnings. Though, the writer can earn more and there is no limit to compensation. Writers working on union productions must be members of the WGA.Related: What Is a Union?
Writing on spec
Writing on spec means the writer is pitching a show idea or script in the hope that the production company picks up the program for a full run of episodes. The WGA controls the conditions and minimums for this type of material as well. The minimum payment for these projects depends on the length of the program, broadcast company and script type.Related: Guide to Creative Jobs (5 Types With Career Paths for Each)
Additional roles
A television writer may choose to take on other roles in addition to writing the script. For example, the position of producer or story editor is a common choice. Again, the WGA controls the minimum compensation increase when an individual works in multiple roles.Related: What Does a Story Editor Do? (Plus How To Become One)
Staff writer
This is an entry-level position and how most TV writers begin their careers. In this position, you're responsible for writing smaller segments of a show. You may not receive a mention in the show credits at this level, but it's a great way to start your career as a television writer.Related: How To Get Hired as a Staff Writer (With 6 Steps)
Story editor
Despite their job titles, story editors do very little, if any, actual editing. Instead, they pitch ideas and write at least one episode of the program. These individuals oversee the entire script-writing process and help guide the other writers on the staff.Related: How To Pitch a Story: With Steps, Template and Example
Executive story editor
Writers in this role are mid-level employees with at least three years of experience. Executive story editors typically help other writers on the team create programs and make revisions to the script when necessary. They may also provide story ideas for the other writers to follow.
Mar 21, 2021 · Free TV, pay TV, basic cable, new media sales: 1.2%; First million in video/DVD: 1.5%; Every sale after the first million: 1.8%; First 50,000 units in electronic sales (iTunes): 0.36% ; Every sale after first 50,000 units: 0.65%; TV. The same numbers as above for DVD, iTunes sales, etc. Under 30-minute high budget prime time 1st rerun: $13,511
May 5, 2023 · According to salary.com, the average base salary in 2023 for a TV writer in the U.S. is $68,052 per year, but the salary ranges from $55,747 to $87,077. Article continues below advertisement....
TV screenwriters make $26,566 per 30-minute episode and $39,072 per 60-minute episode on a prime-time network or high-budget programming channel. This number changes every year according to the WGA ( Writers Guild of America ). For example for the 2020-2021 season of shows TV writers get paid $26,832 per 30-minute prime time episode.
- $55,882
- $55,882
- $28,059
- $139,823
Jun 28, 2021 · How do you become one? How do you move up? How much money can you make? The L.A. Times is explaining the entertainment industry — here's what you need to know about being a TV writer.
The maximum reported amount for a one-step deal was $4 million. When broken down by experience level, the numbers change. For new writers working on one of their first jobs, the median for a first draft screenplay is $100,000, with the maximum reported one-step deal at $300,000.
