How do I get a job writing for sports?
Christopher Pierce
Updated on April 25, 2026
Complete an internship.
- Learn about sports.
- Play a sport in high school.
- Take composition courses in high school.
- Read sports-related news content.
- Accept any writing position.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
- Tell a story with your writing.
- Complete an internship.
How much do sports writers make?
Broadly speaking, the average sports writer salary ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 a year. Glassdoor places the average just below $32,000, while ZipRecruiter names $49,000 as the average sports writer pay.
Is sports writing a good career?
A job as a sports writer can be a very satisfying career option if you have a general interest in sport. Not only will you be dealing with what interests you, you may just end up earning yourself a position where your opinions about the game are not only heard by your mates at the pub but by an entire nation.
How much do freelance sports writers make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $130,000 and as low as $17,500, the majority of Freelance Sports Writer salaries currently range between $32,000 (25th percentile) to $73,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $130,000 annually across the United States.
Is it hard to become a sports writer?
It’s not. It’s one of the most competitive fields you can break into, and entering the sports media job market isn’t as straightforward as it is other careers. It takes more than “knowing about sports.” Sportswriting is entertainment as much as it is informative.
What degree do you need to be a sports writer?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers prefer to hire sports writer applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, English or journalism (). Numerous colleges and universities offer these bachelor’s degree programs, some of which may have sports concentrations.
How much do ESPN sports writers make?
ESPN Reporters earn $85,000 annually, or $41 per hour, which is 76% higher than the national average for all Reporters at $38,000 annually and 25% higher than the national salary average for all working Americans.
How much do MLB beat writers make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $135,500 and as low as $14,500, the majority of Work From Home MLB Writer salaries currently range between $28,500 (25th percentile) to $78,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $111,000 annually across the United States.
How much does an ESPN staff writer make?
The average ESPN Technical Writer earns an estimated $86,140 annually. ESPN’s Technical Writer compensation is $1,457 more than the US average for a Technical Writer.
