8 Content Creator Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Content creators develop and produce entertainment for audiences to watch, read, or view. Learn more about different content creator jobs and how to begin your career.

[Featured Image]: A man and woman record a podcast, an example of the various content creator jobs available.

Content creators typically produce material, usually in visual mediums or written word, for entertainment purposes. Content creators may develop films, short-form videos, blogs, emails, and social media posts. You may explore many paths as a content creator, from working behind the scenes as a video editor to creating marketing strategies.

Explore eight content creator jobs, their requirements, salaries, and how you can begin your career as a content creator.

8 content creator jobs

As a content creator, you may choose a specific medium to craft your content based on your areas of interest. For example, if you enjoy film and television, you may work as a video or film editor in the entertainment industry. If you are passionate about social media strategy, you could specialize as a strategist or content editor. Discover potential content creator jobs and how to qualify for each role.

*All annual base salary data from Glassdoor as of February 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

1. Digital media specialist

Average annual base salary (US): $66,018

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in digital media, communication, or a related major

Digital media specialists help produce a company’s web content, typically using social media and email marketing as tools to raise brand awareness. In this role, your duties may include keeping up with the latest marketing trends, working alongside managers and other content creators, and developing new strategies based on previous campaign performances.

2. Video editor

Average annual base salary (US): $63,880

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and technical knowledge of camera equipment and software

As a video editor, your responsibilities typically include taking footage and arranging it in a sequence that makes it entertaining to watch as a viewer. For example, you may edit scenes for a film in sequential order or take clips from a wedding and arrange them into a short, meaningful video for a client.

3. Social media strategist

Average annual base salary (US):$64,337

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related major

Social media strategists work alongside the marketing team to generate social media content and campaigns to raise awareness of a company's brand, product, or service. In this role, your daily tasks may include analyzing data to find audiences for your brand and developing new strategies and campaigns based on that data.

4. Copywriter

Average annual base salary (US): $73,329

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in English or a related major

As a copywriter, you create copy to market or advertise a product or service. Copywriters may work freelance or with advertising or marketing agencies. Your responsibilities may include writing blogs, advertisements, or commercials for a client.

5. SEO content specialist

Average annual base salary (US): $51,534

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in communication or a related major

SEO content specialists work to create content for brands that will perform well online. In this role, your responsibilities may include researching keywords and trends to ensure your content encourages users to visit your website.

6. Brand manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $110,827

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and experience in an entry-level marketing position

As a brand manager, one of your main responsibilities is leading your company or organization's marketing team or department. Your other tasks may include drafting long-term marketing plans and overseeing the marketing budget for campaigns and strategies.

7. Graphic designer

Average annual base salary (US): $67,577

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design

Graphic designers create artistic content typically through the use of technology. In this role, you may create the visual elements of advertising, such as a print advertisement or billboard design. To become a graphic designer, you need to know how to use design and editing software and have a sense of creativity and artistic ability.

8. Content editor

Average annual base salary (US): $54,828

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in English or a related major

As a content editor, your responsibilities may include proofreading written content, such as blogs, social media posts, or advertisements, and making edits to increase engagement, SEO, and readability. To become a content editor, you may want to first begin your career as a writer to gain the experience and skills you need to succeed as an editor, such as practicing understanding a brand’s voice and marketing strategies.

Content creator job outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for film and video editors is 5 percent between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all other occupations [2]. The job outlook for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, which includes social media specialists and managers, is 8 percent during that same time period [3]. 

How to start your content creation journey

To begin your career in content creation, you may want to familiarize yourself with various social media channels and marketing tactics, including SEO practices and strategies. You may consider earning a degree from a college or university or pursuing professional certifications.

Education and training

The education requirements for content creator jobs vary, as some have a bachelor's degree, and others taught themselves the skills they needed to learn. If you pursue a degree, consider majors that give you opportunities to research and develop communication skills, such as English, marketing, communications, and psychology.

You can earn various professional certifications to build beneficial skills for a career in content creation. Look for certifications in digital marketing, content management, social marketing, and content marketing. Additionally, putting together a portfolio of content you’ve created for yourself, for internships, or for entry-level positions may help you stand out to employers so they can see the kind of content you’re capable of generating.

Begin working toward a content creator job on Coursera

Content creator jobs may range from producing long-form content such as a book or a film to creating short videos for social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram.

Start your journey in content creation today by pursuing a degree or Professional Certificate on Coursera. Consider the University of London’s BSc Marketing, designed to help you build your skills and expand your knowledge of the marketing field. If a career in social media interests you, explore the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate.

Article sources

1

Statista. “Time spent with media in the United States from 2011 to 2026, https://www.statista.com/statistics/278544/time-spent-with-media-in-the-us/.” Accessed January 10, 2025.

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