If you have a way with words, a job as a copywriter can be rewarding and is in growing demand as a permanent position both in-house and within agencies. Whether you’re interested in creative writing or more technical writing (long form, search engine optimisation etc.) there are opportunities of all kinds in the South West. There is also a very buoyant freelance market.

Typically, in a marketing agency or in-house setting (in a creative copywriting role) you’ll work closely with Designers, Art Directors and other Copywriters as you work on the ideas, concepts and words that drive campaigns. Some agencies adopt a truly integrated approach so you’ll need to consider how to apply your thinking and your copy across multiple channels, whether this is film, events, apps, digital, print or DM will all depend on the brief.

Copywriting Assistant
Junior Copywriter
Mid-level Copywriter
Editorial Copywriter
Creative Copywriter
Marketing Copywriter

Lead Copywriter
Head of Copy
Senior Copywriter

We’ve outlined the latest salary benchmarks for Copywriter roles in the guides below:

Design Salary Guide South West

No matter what your level of seniority, as a Copywriter you’ll help to define and produce copy, so you must be an exceptional writer, with a solid grasp of grammar, and the ability to wrap your head and your words around any TOV (tone of voice).

You will usually need a foundation degree or diploma within a relevant subject. These could include journalism, communications, marketing, English or creative writing.

Salary:

£22k – £28k

What They Do:

Supports senior writers and creative teams by drafting copy for marketing campaigns, websites, social media, and product descriptions.

Skills Needed:

• Strong writing and grammar skills
• Ability to follow brand tone of voice
• Research skills for fact-checking and topic exploration
• Attention to detail and proofreading
• Willingness to take feedback and learn

Salary:

£28k – £35k

What They Do:

Produces engaging copy across digital and print channels, collaborates with designers and marketers, and adapts messages for different audiences.

Skills Needed:

• Multi-channel writing (web, email, social, print)
• SEO copywriting and keyword research
• Ability to tailor content for different customer segments
• Collaboration with design and marketing teams
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines

Salary:

£35k – £45k

What They Do:

Takes ownership of campaign messaging, mentors junior writers, and develops copy that supports brand strategy and drives engagement.

Skills Needed:

• Brand development and tone of voice creation
• Storytelling and conceptual thinking
• Strong editing and quality control
• Experience writing for integrated campaigns
• Presentation and pitching skills

Salary:

£45k – £55k

What They Do:

Leads the copywriting function, manages large-scale content projects, and works closely with stakeholders to align messaging with business goals.

Skills Needed:

• Team leadership and project management
• Content strategy and planning
• Advanced SEO and analytics knowledge
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously
• Stakeholder management and collaboration

Salary:

£55k – £70k

What They Do:

Oversees all copy and content output, manages a team of writers, and ensures messaging consistency across the organisation

Skills Needed:

• Department leadership and strategy
• High-level content planning and brand positioning
• Budget and resource management
• Strong commercial awareness
• Ability to build and maintain brand voice

Salary:

£70k – £90k+

What They Do:

Sets the creative vision and messaging strategy for all communications, leads multi-disciplinary teams, and works with executives and clients at the highest level.

Skills Needed:

• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
• Deep understanding of customer behaviour and market trends
• Executive stakeholder management
• Ability to inspire and mentor creative teams
• Proven track record of successful campaigns