ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Feature Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

dmg::media

Features/Real Life Writer

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

At least 3-5 years working as a feature writer at a newspaper, news website, magazine or television news show * Knowledge of the DailyMail.com brand, editorial voice and audience * An understanding ...

dmg::media

Features/Real Life Writer

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

At least 3-5 years working as a feature writer at a newspaper, news website, magazine or television news show * Knowledge of the DailyMail.com brand, editorial voice and audience * An understanding ...

The Guardian

Senior Writer, Race and Equity

New York, NY · On-site

$122K - $130K/yr

This person is an experienced, stylish feature writer with a point of view and a knack for spotting original, inventive stories that Guardian US can own. They will write about big issues with heft ...

The Guardian

Senior Writer, Race and Equity

New York, NY

$122K - $130K/yr

This person is an experienced, stylish feature writer with a point of view and a knack for spotting original, inventive stories that Guardian US can own. They will write about big issues with heft ...

Defense Media Activity

WRITER-EDITOR

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Applying information and subject matter expert quotes and information to write comprehensive news and feature articles in a timely manner. * Coverage of news-worthy events of importance to the ...

Merican

Feature Assurance Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Feature Assurance Engineer Location: Dearborn, MI Duration: 3+ Months Job Type: Temporary ... This includes preparing and delivering technical presentations, written reports, and contributing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFeature Writer Jobs

Feature Writer information

See salary details

$11

$27

$58

How much do feature writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for feature writer in the United States is $27.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Feature Writer Do?

A feature writer is a journalist at a magazine, newspaper, or online publication who is responsible for researching and writing feature stories, such as the cover story or a long-form article. As a feature writer, you produce pieces that are longer than a typical news story and rely on in-depth interviews and extensive research or investigative reporting. You typically work under a features editor, and you can work on either a freelance or salary basis. As a features writer, you may pitch stories to the editor, or you may be assigned topics.

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

To thrive as a Feature Writer, you need strong storytelling abilities, excellent research skills, and a solid grasp of grammar and style, typically supported by a degree in journalism, English, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), SEO tools, and digital publishing platforms is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to meet deadlines help feature writers stand out in producing engaging and timely content. These skills are crucial for crafting compelling stories that attract and retain readers in a competitive media landscape.

What is the difference between Feature Writer vs Copywriter?

AspectFeature WriterCopywriter
Primary FocusCreating in-depth, engaging articles on specific topicsWriting persuasive content to promote products or services
Work EnvironmentMagazines, online publications, journalism outletsAdvertising agencies, marketing departments, online platforms
Required SkillsResearch, storytelling, journalistic writingPersuasive writing, marketing knowledge, creativity
Common UsagePublishing, journalism, editorial contentAdvertising, branding, direct marketing

While both roles involve writing, Feature Writers focus on producing detailed, informative articles for publications, whereas Copywriters craft concise, persuasive content aimed at marketing and sales. Understanding these differences helps employers and writers align their skills with the right job opportunities.

What is a feature writer?

A feature writer is a journalist who researches, writes, and produces in-depth articles that explore a topic, person, or event in greater detail than standard news reporting. Feature writers often focus on storytelling, offering insights, background, and human interest angles to engage readers. Their work can be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications, covering a wide variety of subjects such as lifestyle, culture, or current events.

What are some common challenges feature writers face when working on in-depth stories, and how can they overcome them?

Feature writers often encounter challenges such as sourcing credible information, securing interviews with key subjects, and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining narrative quality. To overcome these obstacles, it's important to build strong research skills, cultivate professional relationships for access to sources, and develop efficient time management strategies. Collaborating with editors and fact-checkers also helps ensure accuracy and clarity. Staying organized and adaptable allows feature writers to produce compelling stories even in dynamic newsroom environments.
More about Feature Writer jobs
What cities are hiring for Feature Writer jobs? Cities with the most Feature Writer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Feature Writer jobs? The most popular types of Feature Writer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Feature Writer jobs? The top employers for Feature Writer jobs are:
What states have the most Feature Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Feature Writer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Feature Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Feature Writer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Feature Writer jobs? For Feature Writer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Feature Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Feature Writer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 51% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 47% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,869 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Extra Help Freelance Feature Writer

Extra Help Freelance Feature Writer

Illinois State University

Normal, IL • On-site

$50/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Illinois State University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Extra Help Freelance Feature Writer
Job no: 521854
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois

Title: Extra Help Freelance Feature Writer
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: University Marketing & Communications

Job Summary

This position will be periodically assigned feature stories that will appear in the University's printed publications and online sites. The work will involve interviewing individuals and writing to a given word count and deadline. All work will be completed independently, as the University will not be providing a work space. All work must be performed within the State of Illinois.

Additional Information

Benefits include time away from work for eligible employees and the option to participate in the University's 403(b) Plan.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$50.00 per hour

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism
2. A minimum of seven (7) years experience writing features, preferably in a higher education setting.

Work Hours

As assigned, with the expectation of no more than 20 hours per month.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

July 2026

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please Note: These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Extra Help employees may only work up to 28 hours per week for all University employment and are paid for hours worked only. Extra Help employment does not guarantee permanent placement. Extra Help employees may only work up to 900 total hours.
Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois.
Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the U.S. without ISU sponsorship. Sponsorship for work authorization will not be considered for this position.

Contact Information for Applicants

Breanna Crippen
Human Resources
309-438-8315
bcplese@ilstu.edu 

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.

Application Opened: 06/01/2026 07:00 AM CST
Application Closes: 06/03/2026 11:55 PM CST


Back to search results Apply Now
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App
Send me jobs like these

We will email you new jobs that match this search.

Great, we can send you jobs like this, if this is your first time signing up, please check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

The email address was invalid, please check for errors.

You must agree to the privacy statement

Subscribe Recaptcha
Privacy agreement
  • Extra Help Freelance Feature Writer
    Opened06/01/2026
    Closes06/03/2026
    DepartmentUniversity Marketing & Communications
    University Marketing and Communications at Illinois State University is seeking additional editorial help with the writing of features.
Current Opportunities
  • Extra Help Freelance Feature Writer
    Opened06/01/2026
    Closes06/03/2026
    DepartmentUniversity Marketing & Communications
    University Marketing and Communications at Illinois State University is seeking additional editorial help with the writing of features.

Powered by PageUp

What Illinois State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply