The job market for television writers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 131,200 television writers in the United States. The television writer job market is expected to grow by 7.6% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are television writers?

CareerExplorer rates television writers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 14,300 television writers. That number is based on 10,000 additional television writers, and the retirement of 4,300 existing television writers.

Are television writers in demand?

Despite an increasing number of cable and satellite television stations; original programming; and online video markets, job prospects for television writers are projected to be weak. Aspiring scriptwriters are most likely to be employed by small and independent filmmakers. Those who are enamoured with the texture and majesty of the English language may in fact be better suited to a career as a novelist or essayist. This is because writing for television demands a connection to diverse ad copy, sports pages, and even comic books. The art calls more upon the vernacular of the streets and pop culture than of celebrated poets and orators and great literature. Successful television writers ignore both the fantasy of fame and fortune and the dire prediction of doom and gloom. Neither is typical. The most successful television writers doggedly promote their projects; anticipate artistic and commercial success; accept criticism and welcome collaboration; expect setbacks and frustration; learn from rejection; and never abandon an idea or story that they believe is destined for television screens. While these kinds of experiences and challenges certainly occur in other occupations, they are an undeniable and inherent part of life as a television writer. Those who enter the field will be best served if they forego the word ‘easy’ for the word ‘process,’ and understand that perseverance is the only road to accomplishment.

What’s the supply of television writers?

The television writer industry is concentrated in California, New York, Texas

Television Writer job market by state