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Comedy Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Writer

Director, solutions architecture

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$182K - $321K/yr

About WRITER WRITER is where the world's leading enterprises orchestrate AI-powered work. Our vision is to expand human capacity through superintelligence. And we're proving it's possible - through ...

Writer

Strategic account executive (West)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$340K - $350K/yr

About WRITER WRITER is where the world's leading enterprises orchestrate AI-powered work. Our vision is to expand human capacity through superintelligence. And we're proving it's possible - through ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL

Applicants must possess advanced proficiency in at least one of the following writing styles: fiction, nonfiction, script-writing, comedy, poetry, song lyrics, professional development, technical ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL

Applicants must possess advanced proficiency in at least one of the following writing styles: fiction, nonfiction, script-writing, comedy, poetry, song lyrics, professional development, technical ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL · On-site

Applicants must possess advanced proficiency in at least one of the following writing styles: fiction, nonfiction, script-writing, comedy, poetry, song lyrics, professional development, technical ...

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Comedy Writer information

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$24

$42

How much do comedy writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for comedy writer in the United States is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Comedy Writer Do?

As a comedy writer, your job is to write jokes for TV, film, plays, radio, and other types of entertainment. The details of this job vary based on factors like the intended style of humor and the medium used. For example, if you want to write for television comedies, you need to move to Los Angeles or New York, as this is where the studios are. Comedy writers often support comedians, test and review scripts, pitch stories and ideas to editors, work with hosts and producers, travel to support live shows, and research news or history to find new material. You typically work with a large group of writers to produce content.

Is there a job that pays you to write?

A comedy writer is a profession that pays individuals to create humorous content for television, stand-up, or online platforms. Successful comedy writers often work for entertainment companies, media outlets, or as freelancers, and they typically need strong writing skills and creativity. Compensation varies based on experience, project scope, and employment type.

What does a comedy writer do?

A comedy writer creates humorous content for various forms of media, such as television shows, movies, stand-up routines, and internet videos. Their job involves brainstorming funny ideas, writing scripts or jokes, and collaborating with performers, directors, or producers to bring comedic material to life. Comedy writers often revise their work based on feedback and may participate in writers' rooms or pitch meetings. They need a strong sense of humor, creativity, and the ability to adapt their writing style to different audiences and formats.

How much do comedy writers get paid?

Comedy writers' salaries vary based on experience, industry, and employment type. Entry-level comedy writers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, while experienced writers working for major networks or productions can earn $100,000 or more per year. Freelance comedy writers may charge per project or episode rates, often ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the scope and prestige of the work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Comedy Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Comedy Writer, you need exceptional writing ability, a strong sense of comedic timing, and creative originality, often supported by a background in English, creative writing, or media studies. Familiarity with scriptwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx, and experience in digital content creation or television production, are commonly required. Adaptability, collaboration, and resilience to feedback are crucial soft skills that help writers succeed in team environments and handle revisions. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, audience-appropriate humor, and enable effective collaboration within fast-paced entertainment settings.

What is the difference between Comedy Writer vs Screenwriter?

AspectComedy WriterScreenwriter
Required CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, sometimes comedy-specific trainingFilm/TV writing degrees, portfolio, industry experience
Work EnvironmentComedy shows, stand-up, online contentFilm sets, TV studios, production companies
Industry UsagePrimarily entertainment, comedy-specificFilm and television industry
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Comedy Writers focus on creating humorous content for various platforms, often emphasizing comedic timing and punchlines. Screenwriters develop scripts for movies and TV shows, focusing on storytelling, character development, and plot structure. While both roles require strong writing skills, Comedy Writers specialize in humor, whereas Screenwriters craft narratives for visual media.

Are writers still in demand?

Comedy writers are still in demand as entertainment and media industries continue to produce content for television, film, and digital platforms. Success in this field often requires strong writing skills, creativity, and familiarity with industry tools like screenwriting software. Opportunities may vary based on industry trends and individual experience.

How does a comedy writer typically collaborate with other team members in a writers' room?

Comedy writers often work in writers' rooms where collaboration is essential. They brainstorm ideas, pitch jokes, and build on each other's concepts to develop scripts or sketches. Constructive feedback is common, and writers frequently revise material together to refine comedic timing and tone. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under deadlines.

What type of writer gets paid the most?

In the writing industry, technical writers and copywriters often earn higher salaries compared to other types of writers due to specialized skills and demand. Experienced freelance writers with a strong portfolio and expertise in niche areas can also command higher rates, especially when working on complex or high-stakes projects.
More about Comedy Writer jobs
What cities are hiring for Comedy Writer jobs? Cities with the most Comedy Writer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Comedy Writer jobs? The most popular types of Comedy Writer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Comedy Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Comedy Writer jobs are:
Comedy Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Comedy Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,519 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Camera Operator (Livestream & Live Production) - NY

Upright Citizens Brigade

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$25/hr

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Description
The Upright Citizens Brigade is home for all things comedy. Whether you're interested in writing, performing, becoming a stronger public speaker, or just love seeing comedy, UCB has you covered! Our highly trained faculty represents the best writers and performers working in comedy today. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre was founded by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh in 1999 and operates Theaters and Training Centers in New York & Los Angeles with Austin and Pittsburgh on its way.
Job Description
The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre is seeking experienced freelance Camera Operators to join our production team in Los Angeles and New York. This role is vital to the success of our digital initiatives, capturing high-energy live comedy for real-time livestreams and high-quality archival footage.
Operators will work within a multi-cam environment to deliver dynamic visual storytelling that translates the live theater experience to a digital audience.
Role Details
  • Employment Type: Freelance / Contract
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Schedule: Variable; requires evening and weekend availability for show coverage
  • Reporting to: Executive Director / Venue Coordinator
  • $25/hr

Key Responsibilities
  • Live Camera Operation: Operate the Panasonic AG-CX350 as a handheld / mobile camera during live comedy performances, staying nimble and responsive from the first set to the final bow.
  • Active Listening to apply contextual composition while following fast-paced improvisational and scripted comedy.
  • Collaborative Live-Switching: Work in coordination with both the Tech Booth Operator and Live-switcher to provide usable, high-quality shots for real-time cutting and streaming to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
  • Assist in the deployment of specialized camera rigs, including camera setups for audience capture or unique show-specific needs like top-down kitchen rigs.
  • Technical Maintenance: Ensure the theater cameras and associated gear are calibrated and ready for use prior to showtime.

Qualifications
  • Proven track record of operating cameras in a live event environment (comedy, theater, or music preferred).
  • Technical fluency with professional HD cameras and live-switching workflows.
  • A strong understanding of comedic timing and framing to anticipate performer movement and punchlines.
  • Adaptability: Ability to stay focused and professional in a high-pressure, live-to-air environment with minimal oversight.
  • Excellent communication skills for working alongside Technical Operators, Technical Leads, Event Staff, and performers

Additional Information
Preferred Experience
  • Familiarity with the Panasonic AG-CX350 - our primary freemoving camera for live performances. Experience with this model is a plus, but not required.
  • Experience troubleshooting HDMI wireless transmission issues in live settings.
  • 1+ year of on-set camera operation with solid command of core videography fundamentals (ISO, f-stop, shutter speed, etc.).
  • Familiarity with OBS and/or other livestreaming protocols for YouTube and other digital platforms.

To Apply
Please submit:
  • Resume
  • Demo reel or links to live production work
    • Note: File uploads limited to 2 MB per file. If you have larger files, please share a link to a digital storage folder in your application/CV
  • Available start date

- UCB is an equal opportunity employer.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply