How much do proposal writers make?

Proposal writers make an average of about $73,000 a year. However, this salary can vary greatly as the range is anywhere from $12,000 to $100,000 a year. This variation is largely due to factors such as differences in:

Is being a proposal writer hard?

Yes, being a proposal writer can be hard. However, the difficulty level depends greatly on the individual and what experience or prior knowledge they bring to the table. In general, proposal writing does not allow much room for creativity or flexibility, making it very difficult for some people.

Is proposal writing a good career?

Yes, proposal writing is a good career. It pays well, and many people who do it feel very fulfilled. Proposal writing will improve your communication skills, help you learn a lot about your company and the industry within which you operate, and your work has the potential to make a real, tangible impact.

What makes a good proposal writer?

Effective communication is the main skill that makes a good proposal writer. This applies to written communication, of course, and communication with their higher-ups. Good proposal writers must also adapt well to feedback and possess a working knowledge of the field and company within which they are writing. Following instructions to the letter is also essential, as incorrect formatting or submission could get their proposal immediately rejected.

What is a proposal writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Experts

Anna Mae Duane,

Shane Tilton Ph.D.

A proposal writer is an individual who creates written documents that persuade organizations to take a specific action or make a decision. They are responsible for researching, writing, and editing proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) or other opportunities. Proposal writers collaborate with subject matter experts to gather information and present it in a clear and compelling way. They must be skilled in project management, time management, and meeting deadlines.

What general advice would you give to a Proposal Writer?

Anna Mae Duane

Professor of English and Director of the Humanities Institute, Website

The idea that English majors are not in demand is a myth—don’t harm your own chances by buying into it! There are numerous studies—and countless employer testimonies—that indicate how valuable your skills as an English major are. English majors consistently find work in a variety of fields, and perhaps even more important, alumni of English departments report that they find their jobs and lives rewarding. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 'what sets two equally qualified job candidates apart can be as simple as who has the better communication skills.' You are, in many ways, ahead of the game in comparison to others in your cohort. I’d also urge English majors to think broadly about their career options. Yes, fields like journalism, publishing and advertising all rely on the skills developed in English departments. But other employers, particularly in tech companies, have realized how valuable English majors can be to their organization. As a recent report in Fortune indicates, top executives in AI at IBM and elsewhere realize that having expertise in the Humanities is an essential component for success in their field.

ScoreProposal WriterUS Average

Salary

5.4

Avg. Salary $68,706

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.8

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%

Asian 8.71%

Black or African American 6.62%

Hispanic or Latino 7.80%

Unknown 4.98%

White 71.53%

Gender

female 61.46%

male 38.54%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress Level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.2

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

5.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Proposal Writer?

Pros

Possibility for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work
Chance to be creative while also following guidelines and rules
Exposure to different types of writing, such as technical writing and persuasive writing
Potential for high pay and bonuses based on successful proposals
Ability to build strong communication and project management skills

Cons

High-pressure deadlines
Dealing with rejection and disappointment
Need for constant research for client needs
Potential for burnout due to repetitive nature of proposal writing
Working on multiple proposals at once can lead to difficulty in prioritizing tasks

Key steps to become a proposal writer

Explore proposal writer education requirements

Most common proposal writer degrees

Bachelor's

75.1 %

Master's

15.5 %

Associate

5.8 %

Start to develop specific proposal writer skills

Skills	Percentages
Subject Matter Experts	11.84%
PowerPoint	7.41%
Business Development	6.08%
Proposal Content	5.95%
Past Performance	5.75%

Complete relevant proposal writer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New proposal 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 proposal writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real proposal writer resumes.

Gain additional proposal writer certifications

Proposal writer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific proposal writer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for proposal writers include Certified Professional Technical Communicator - Expert (CPTC) and Certified Technical Professional (CTP).

More About Certifications

Research proposal writer duties and responsibilities

Manage proposals for DoD, aerospace, and commercial customers.
Manage prospective client information, proposal and marketing strategies through Salesforce.
Analyze contract documents, coordinate subcontractors and manage RFI s throughout cost proposal submission process.
Identify, plan, manage and respond to RFPs and RFIs from prospective clients, resulting in increase potential business.

Prepare your proposal writer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your proposal 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 proposal 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 Proposal Writer Resume templates

Build a professional Proposal 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 Proposal Writer resume.

Apply for proposal writer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a proposal 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 do proposal writers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Proposal Writer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019

Pros

I am detail oriented with respect to all the requirements of the RFP, from initial "scrubbing" to compliance and review. I have managed writer submissions, tracking against established timeline and ensuring changes through final in-house review to include editing, proofing, and submission of the bid. I am also interested in editing/proofing nonscientific publications

Cons

Team contributors who miss deadlines or fail to address the specific requirements that in turn affect the process.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019