12 of the Best Types of Medical Writer Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Medical Writer jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Medical Writer Jobs

• Senior Medical Writer

  Salary range: $104,000 - $166,000

  Senior Medical Writer is a common job search query. Most salaries for Senior Medical Writer jobs pay between $104,000 (25th percentile) and $166,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Senior Medical Writer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Entry Level Medical Writer

  Salary range: $70,000 - $116,500

  The qualifications you need to become an entry-level medical writer include at least a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences and several years of research and writing experience. Many employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees, such as a master’s or Ph.D., and advanced degrees can stand in for professional experience. Regulatory medical writing requires you to have a strong working knowledge of FDA policies, medical ethics, and other frameworks. Strong communication skills are essential as well.

• Internship Medical Writer

  Salary range: $70,000 - $116,500

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

• Medical Writer Trainee

  Salary range: $70,000 - $116,500

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Per Diem Medical Writer

  Salary range: $54,500 - $101,500

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Virtual Medical Writer

  Salary range: $54,500 - $101,500

  A virtual job refers to a job that can be performed outside of an employer’s office. Also known as remote, work from home, or telecommuting jobs, these positions have become increasingly common because of technology like telephones, internet, email, and video conference calls, which help to facilitate employer-employee communication.

• Locum Medical Writer

  Salary range: $54,500 - $101,500

  Locum Medical Writer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Locum Medical Writer jobs pay between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $101,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Locum Medical Writer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Director Medical Writer

  Salary range: $54,500 - $101,500

  A director is a low-level executive in a company or organization that is responsible for a particular project, region, or division. A director of a company is employed to manage the day-to-day business activities of a group or division within an organization. There are different types of directors, but they are all tasked with leading others and meeting the goals of the organization. Directors plan, execute and manage to reach a goal. For example, the sales director would oversee the sales for a particular product or area. An HR director would be tasked with screening applicants and hiring the right candidates, making sure to comply with all employment laws and settling any personnel issues.

• Full Time Medical Writer

  Salary range: $54,500 - $101,500

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

• On Call Medical Writer

  Salary range: $54,500 - $101,500

  When most people think of on-call jobs, medical professionals and first responders typically come to mind. For first responders, like firefighters and EMTs, on-call usually means you are sleeping at the station, ready to wake up and respond to a call quickly. Medical workers, on the other hand, may work a more traditional on-call schedule. While some nurses and doctors may sleep at the hospital, especially during their residency, you may also have an on-call shift where you can leave and go home, potentially never actually coming back. If you want a career as a nurse or doctor but do not like this unpredictability, rest assured that the chance of having on-call shifts decreases as you gain seniority and advanced qualifications. Repair workers like electricians may also work on-call. You may occasionally find on-call jobs in retail or customer service sectors, but this is not as common.

• Junior Medical Writer

  Salary range: $47,500 - $64,000

  Junior Medical Writer is a typical job search query. Most salaries for Junior Medical Writer jobs pay between $47,500 (25th percentile) and $64,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Junior Medical Writer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Freelance Medical Writer

  Salary range: $42,500 - $54,500

  Qualifications for a career as a freelance medical writer include at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field with coursework in journalism and English. Experience in the medical industry is desirable to demonstrate a keen understanding of clinical research. A freelance medical writer often starts with a smaller outlet to build a portfolio before seeking assignments as an independent contractor. Other opportunities to gain experience exist with public relations departments at health care facilities or universities. Staying current with technology and research is imperative for accurate reporting. Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills are essential for communicating complex concepts to a variety of audiences.