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Travel Writer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer / Hydraulics Tech (4 days work on site 1 day work remote at home) In this role you will take a product (hydraulic, pump, etc.), take it apart, put it back together and then document ...

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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written * Ability to maintain highly confidential ... Travel by flight and vehicle is required. Assignments vary in length depending on business demand ...

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Travel Writer information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do travel writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for travel writer in Iowa is $22.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a travel writer?

Travel writers are professionals who create written content about travel experiences, destinations, cultures, and tips for various publications, websites, or personal blogs. They research and visit locations to provide engaging and informative articles, reviews, or guides for readers who are interested in travel. Their work often involves storytelling, photography, and a deep understanding of the places they cover. Travel writers may be freelancers or employed by magazines, newspapers, or travel companies.

What does a travel writer do?

As a travel writer, you write about travel destinations for magazines, newspapers, books, websites, and other publications to help inform potential travelers. Travel writers who write for magazines or newspapers make recommendations to readers based on short visits to different destinations. You review restaurants and hotels, give travelers tips about points of interests or events, such as religious or local holidays that are marked by festivals. Writers who work for travel guides or books, such as Fodor’s or Lonely Planet, typically spend significantly more time investigating and researching a destination. They often live in a country or region for extended periods. Some travel writers may also write less about recommendations and site-seeing, and more about their personal experiences while traveling.

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

To thrive as a Travel Writer, you need excellent writing and storytelling abilities, a keen eye for detail, and a background in journalism, English, or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, SEO techniques, and digital photography is often required. Adaptability, curiosity, and strong interpersonal skills help a travel writer connect with diverse cultures and audiences. These skills ensure compelling, authentic content that engages readers and meets the evolving demands of travel media.

What are some common challenges travel writers face when working on assignments?

Travel Writers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, unpredictable weather, and logistical hurdles when gathering stories on location. Balancing thorough research and authentic experiences with the need to produce engaging, timely content can be demanding. Additionally, Travel Writers must adapt their writing style to fit different publication formats and collaborate with editors or photographers to ensure the final piece meets editorial standards. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Travel Writer vs Travel Blogger?

AspectTravel WriterTravel Blogger
CredentialsOften has journalism, writing, or communication backgroundMay have diverse backgrounds; formal credentials less common
Work EnvironmentMagazines, newspapers, travel publicationsPersonal websites, social media platforms, online blogs
Industry UsageTraditional media outlets, travel magazinesOnline platforms, social media, independent sites
Content FocusProfessional, well-researched travel articlesPersonal experiences, travel tips, multimedia content

Travel Writers typically produce professionally published articles for traditional media, often with formal credentials. Travel Bloggers usually create content for personal or independent online platforms, focusing on personal experiences and multimedia. Both roles involve travel and writing, but differ mainly in platform, audience, and content style.

How much do travel writers get paid?

Travel writers' earnings vary widely based on experience, publication, and whether they work freelance or for an organization. Freelance travel writers typically earn between $0.10 and $1.00 per word, while those employed by media outlets may receive a salary ranging from $30,000 to over $70,000 annually. Successful writers often supplement income through book deals, sponsored content, or speaking engagements.

Is it hard to be a travel writer?

Being a travel writer involves strong writing skills, adaptability, and the ability to work independently. It can be competitive, requiring persistence to build a portfolio and establish a client base, but success depends on dedication and networking within the industry.

What skills do you need to be a travel writer?

A travel writer needs strong writing and storytelling skills, the ability to adapt to different environments, and good research abilities. Knowledge of photography, social media, and editing tools can also enhance their work. Flexibility and self-motivation are important for managing travel schedules and deadlines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Travel Writer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Travel Writer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Travel Writer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,451 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Technical Writer

Actalent

Waterloo, IA

$25 - $28/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Technical Writer / Hydraulics Tech (4 days work on site 1 day work remote at home)

In this role you will take a product (hydraulic, pump, etc.), take it apart, put it back together and then document it for the creation of manuals.

Great opportunity for someone seeking more desk work and less hands on work!

Skill set:

  • Automotive-mechanically inclined individual with 3+ years of experience
  • Someone that can take apart and put together product and then document it.
  • Electrical and mechanical experience
  • Candidate that works as an auto mechanic, military, farmers, etc with hands on experience seeking more desk work doing technical writing have done very well in this role!

They will train on everything to do with the technical writing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waterloo, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waterloo,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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