Content Creator: The Job of the Future
In the social media-driven world we are living in today, being a content creator has become an attractive career for those looking to escape a 9-5 desk job.
Gone are the days of needing a 4-year undergraduate degree to secure a job in the business world.
With online platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, anything is possible.
The gig economy is thriving, and online marketplaces such as Fiverr, UpWork, and Freelancer.com prove it.
Being a content creator is a dream job for most millennials due to its flexibility and fun environment.
Whether we like it or not, the future is digital, and Content Creators are leading the way.
Content Creator Information Table
Official Job Title | Content Creator |
Average Salary | $41,044 |
Stress Level | High |
Work/Life | Average |
Job Satisfaction | High |
Career Advancement | Above Average |
Content Creator Job Description
What Does A Content Creator Do?
Content Creators are responsible for an organization’s content strategy.
They write, edit and publish a variety of different content across social media platforms.
Content creators often work with the Marketing Team to ensure each post or marketing campaign is on-brand.
It is not uncommon for content creators to work as brand ambassadors and influencers for various companies.
Their creative skillset can attract many different sponsorships even if they aren’t soliciting business.
Content creators also monitor trends within their industry and see if their strategy needs to be adjusted.
Content creators will also find themselves heavily researching SEO trends in their industry to ensure the content they produce continues to stay top quality.
What Does A Content Creator Do On A Daily Basis?
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Content Creator Job Description
- Oversee content shared on all social media platforms.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create, edit and publish new content.
- Plan content, write scripts, film videos, edit videos
- Identify recent trends on emerging platforms.
- Create, manage, and execute a content calendar
- Collect and review analytics For new insights
- Research SEO to increase traffic to the website
Content Creator Salary
Average Salary
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Content Creator in the U.S. is $41,044.
Starting Salary
According to Salary.com, the starting salary for a Content Creator in the U.S. is $36,655.
Senior Salary
According to Salary.com, the salary for most experienced content creators in the U.S. is $50,060.
How To Become A Content Creator?
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Gone are the days of needing a formal education to get a job in marketing and content creation.
Most entry-level positions can be secured without formal education – as long as you have a portfolio and evidence of your abilities.
Some entry-level positions at top companies require a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Marketing, or a related field; however, for the most part – it isn’t necessary.
Your portfolio could be the reason employers overlook your lack of formal education, so it is worth developing.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Skills essential in content creation include Adobe Creative Cloud Experience, strong writing skills, and project management.
The good news is that there are many online courses available to help you fill your educational gaps, and online learning has never been more affordable.
Another valuable skill in this career is SEO Optimization knowledge.
Being a content creator means that your life will often be in the public eye.
You must have strong self-esteem and a sense of self-worth because the backlash and criticism you receive in this job are significant.
It can take several years for content creators to develop the thick skin needed in this business.
No university degree can prepare you for that.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Content Creator?
The length of time it takes to become a successful content creator varies.
If you are looking to work for an organization, it could take 2-3 years of portfolio building before your resume is strong enough to get you an interview.
If you are looking to be a self-employed content creator, it could take 3-5 years before you gain a consistent income that you can sustain.
However, there are anomalies within this industry.
We have all heard of people getting laid off from their jobs and unintentionally becoming successful content creators.
TikTok is an excellent example; at times, building a platform with a loyal following could only take months.
Is It Hard To Become A Content Creator?
Yes, but not in the way you might think.
Becoming a great content creator requires a lot of hands-on experience.
Acquiring the skills for this career isn’t tricky.
The difficult part is developing the strong self-esteem and self-worth that this job demands.
Due to this career being in the public eye, your work and sometimes your appearance can be the subject of criticism, which is the side of this career few people talk discuss.
It is hard not to care what others think, and it doesn’t come naturally.
We all want to be liked and celebrated, and sometimes that just isn’t the case when it comes to working.
Content Creator Career Paths
The Content Creator Roadmap
Becoming a content creator first begins with developing a solid portfolio.
Core skills required in this process are strong written and verbal communication, creativity, and a strong work ethic.
After creating your portfolio, you can market yourself to different companies and build your audience on your social media.
Projections For Growth In Content Creator Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), content creators’ jobs are projected to grow by 10% through 2031.
In Summary: Is Content Creation A Good Career?
Being a content creator is an excellent career for those who enjoy bringing their ideas to life and working with others and various projects.
People looking to live a life on their terms could benefit from a career in content creation because it is flexible enough that you can work from anywhere in the world.
This career can also be quite rewarding when your work is admired and valued by your target audience.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Content Creator
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Marketing Consultant
- SEO Manager
- Content Marketing Manager
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Specialist
- Market Research Analyst
- IT Manager
- Content Strategist
Working Conditions
Can A Content Creator Work Remotely From Home?
Absolutely.
Content creation allows you to work anywhere in the world.
How Many Hours Does A Content Creator Work?
Most content creators work 40 hours a week and sometimes even more.
Can A Content Creator Work Part-Time?
It is possible to work as a part-time content creator for a small corporation or company.
However, because the Content Creation/Marketing space is so competitive – top content creators work full-time.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Content Creator?
According to Indeed, the average number of vacation days among employees in the US is 11 days.
Content Creator Resume Tips
Linking to your website or portfolio could give you a significant advantage by setting you apart from other applicants.
It may also be helpful to provide your social media handle if you have developed a platform with a considerable following.
When it comes to pursuing a position like this – content and experience are gold.
It may also be a good idea to make a video submission with your application talking a bit about yourself.
It is impressive for hiring managers to see your ability to market yourself.
Content Creator Interview Questions
Q1: How do you go about improving SEO for content?
Why It Works: The hiring manager is asking this because they want to know more about your background in SEO optimization.
Q2: How do you stay motivated when taking on repetitive tasks?
Why It Works: The hiring manager wants to know how you will make your work consistent and reliable over the long term.
Q3: What do you know about this company?
Why It Works: The hiring manager wants to know if you’ve done your research.
Jobs Related To Content Creator
- Content Marketing Writer
- Digital Content Writer
- Content Strategist
- Marketing content creator
- Content Specialist
- Content Producer
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Content Creator
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Content Creator
- Experience Creating Solid and Engaging Content:
- An extensive portfolio is valuable in this position because it shows a candidate’s ability to write and produce in various formats.
- Ability To Work Under Pressure:
- Working within the content marketing side of things can sometimes be stressful.
- Content Creators must think quickly on their feet and adjust their strategy to emerging trends to stay relevant.
- Ability To Collaborate With Others:
- Companies can grow and continue producing quality content by creating synergy in a work environment.
- A candidate who is personable and emotionally intelligent is critical.
- SEO Knowledge:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) affects content creation.
- The ability to tailor content around SEO keywords is valuable in this career.
- Excellent Writing and Editing Skills:
- A lot of content creation requires solid copywriting skills and proofreading skills.
- A robust content creator knows this and will identify the gaps in their knowledge and plan to fill them.
Minimum Level of Education & Experience
Content creators should have at least two years of experience creating different content before taking it on as a full-time career.
The skills you learn during that time are invaluable.