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What is a feature writer and how to become one
Feature writers work for newspapers or magazines, writing articles about a variety of topics. The style of the articles varies as well, depending on its outlet. Feature writers use a tone that differentiates them from news reporters or journalistic writing, as their articles are less about providing objective information. Their work is closer to literature and gives way to personal points of view, essayistic tones, and entertaining and sometimes emotional vibes. They use stronger narratives and strive to tell stories about places or people, going beyond superficial or informative descriptions.
You may work for various magazines or media outlets that publish extensive articles. Newspapers usually contain a feature section, allowing you to work at editorial offices in various locations, work as a travel writer, or write remotely from a location of your choosing.
Many paths may lead to becoming a feature writer. A degree in literature, linguistics, or any other area of human sciences may be helpful. Having a knack for words is the most important, though. You may start with writing blogs and finding independent publishing opportunities. Practicing your craft is key, and not giving up on submitting your work to publications that allow your talent to shine.
What general advice would you give to a Feature Writer?
Cathy Irwin Ph.D.
Professor of English, University of La Verne
English majors from La Verne graduate with excellent writing and critical thinking skills. As a result, they do have opportunities after they graduate. Many of them are hired in jobs because of their writing and editing skills. A large percentage of students decide to go to graduate school. They want to serve their communities, so they become teachers, librarians, lawyers, and officers in non-profits or the city sector.
The medical field is also starting to welcome students from the humanities because they are looking for well-rounded, articulate, and compassionate people. If students with a humanities degree want to go into the health or medical sector, they can apply to one-year post-baccalaureate programs that lead to medical school.
Avg. Salary $35,590
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 6%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%
Asian 8.78%
Black or African American 6.72%
Hispanic or Latino 7.90%
Unknown 4.99%
White 71.26%
Genderfemale 57.66%
male 42.34%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Feature Writer career paths
Key steps to become a feature writer
Explore feature writer education requirements
Start to develop specific feature writer skills
Skills 
Percentages Web Content 14.01% Feature Stories 13.94% Lifestyle 10.43% News Articles 9.12% SEO 6.41% Complete relevant feature writer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New feature writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a feature writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real feature writer resumes.Research feature writer duties and responsibilities
- Manage the Instagram account, which mean publishing and keeping up to date with the articles.
- Develop ideas for new content base on reader inquiries and SEO trends.
- Originate a range of lifestyle, health and human-interest stories targeting a local female audience.
- Utilize SEO to draw further traffic to a relatively new website, which now has a very strong following.
Prepare your feature writer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your feature writer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a feature writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Feature Writer Resume templates
Build a professional Feature Writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Feature Writer resume.
Apply for feature writer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a feature writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Feature Writer Job
Are you a Feature Writer?
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Average feature writer salary
The average Feature Writer salary in the United States is $35,590 per year or $17 per hour. Feature writer salaries range between $24,000 and $51,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do feature writers rate their job?
Feature Writer reviews
It offers a less stressful environment to work with and it broadens the knowledge.
It gets boring when you are doing it long enough.
I learned to read and write at an early age and have avidly pursued it since. Beside school publications and assignments, I've sought out numerous outlets for my love of writing, from features and sports writer for my local weekly news paper, to AP stringer for election coverage, to a Pohlad family internship at one of southeastern Minnesota's most respected dailies.
Unexpected deadlines, I guess, although it sometimes seems I do my sharpest writing in those pressured situations.
Set your own schedule work from home. Determine your own salary. Dictate your hours. Choose the jobs you want.
Could be paid more. Slow to get started very competitive.
Updated January 8, 2025
