You want to break into the sports media industry, but you also want to make sure you’ll have financial stability when you make the jump. Finding a job you’re passionate about is important, but so is earning a livable wage. As a sportswriter, can you have both?
Let’s take a look at how much sportswriters make in the United States, the challenges of the industry, and ways to increase your earning potential.
How Much Money Do Sportswriters Make? Average Salary of Sportswriters
According to ZipRecruiter’s Data (January 2025), the average sportswriter salary in the U.S. is $32,922 per year. These figures are based on job postings from employers who list positions on ZipRecruiter, meaning they may not capture every role in the industry —especially at larger media companies that don’t advertise jobs on the platform.
Sportswriting Salary Breakdown:
- Top earners: $44,000 (99th percentile)
- Upper-tier salaries: $35,000 (75th percentile)
- Lower-tier salaries: $28,500 (25th percentile)
- National average salary (all jobs): $52,105
This means that, on average, sportswriters earn significantly less than the typical U.S. worker. However, many sportswriting jobs are part-time or freelance, which lowers the overall salary average.
Some professionals climb the ladder from freelance or part-time work into full-time roles with major outlets. Others use sportswriting as a stepping stone to higher-paying opportunities in sports media.
How to Make More Money as a Sportswriter
Sportswriting is often demanding and unpredictable. Writers may need to work unconventional hours that are far more demanding than the average job. With salaries on the lower end of the spectrum as well, becoming a successful sportswriter requires passion more than anything else.
One common thread you’ll find among sportswriters is this: They get into the job for the passion, not the pay. Many sportswriters started as fans of the teams or sports they cover, and chose to apply their skill of writing to that passion for the game.
While entry-level salaries for sportswriters may be low, there are several ways to increase your earning potential:
- Freelance for Multiple Outlets – Instead of relying on a single employer, pitch stories to multiple sports media sites. Many publications pay per article, and building up multiple bylines can significantly increase your income. The key is to find niche topics that outlets need and position yourself as an expert in those areas.
- Launch a Paid Newsletter or Blog – Platforms like Substack or Patreon allow you to make money directly from your audience. Writers who cover niche topics, like recruiting, fantasy football, or team-specific coverage, often build loyal subscriber bases willing to pay for deeper insights.
- Monetize Social Media Engagement – X (formerly Twitter) now pays creators based on engagement, meaning sportswriters can profit directly from viral tweets, analysis, and breaking news coverage. Other platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram also offer revenue-sharing opportunities, sponsorship deals, and creator funds for engaging sports content. By growing your following and consistently sharing high-quality content, you can unlock multiple revenue streams beyond traditional sportswriting jobs.
Is Sportswriting a Sustainable Career?
If you’re in college or considering a career in sports journalism, sportswriting can be a rewarding and fulfilling path — but it’s essential to understand the financial reality. Many professionals start part-time or freelance, using it as a stepping stone to larger roles in broadcasting, multimedia content, or brand partnerships.
That said, plenty of people have carved out long, sustainable careers in sportswriting. It takes persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve with the industry, but the opportunities are there for those who are committed.
Whether you pursue sportswriting full-time or as a side hustle, it’s one of the best ways to get your foot in the door of the sports media industry. By developing your skills, growing your audience, and exploring multiple income streams, you can build a career that’s both financially and personally rewarding.
