What's the NAICS and SIC code for a freelance writer or journalist?

For a freelance writer or journalist, use NAICS 711510 (Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers) in the US and SIC 90030 (Artistic creation) in the UK.

United States, NAICS 2022

711510 Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers: Census lists independent ghost writers, technical writers and freelance journalists here.

SBA small business limit: $9 million average annual receipts.

United Kingdom, SIC 2007

90030 Artistic creation

ONS indexes Author and Freelance journalist under artistic creation.

Use this code when you register with Companies House or file your confirmation statement.

When a different code fits better

These are the codes most often confused with the main answer. Pick by the activity that earns most of your revenue.

Code	Title	Use it if
NAICS 541810	Advertising Agencies	you write advertising copy as an agency for clients
NAICS 541930	Translation and Interpretation Services	you mainly translate rather than write
SIC 73110	Advertising agencies	you mainly write advertising copy (ONS lists Copywriter here)
SIC 74300	Translation and interpretation activities	you mainly translate

Good to know

Copywriting for ads sits with advertising in the UK. Articles, books and journalism sit with artistic creation.

You can list more than one code. Companies House accepts up to four SIC codes, and SAM.gov lets you add several NAICS codes, with one marked as primary.

What the code affects

SBA programs and federal contracts: your NAICS code sets the size limit you must stay under to count as small. Check your size.
SAM.gov registration: contracting officers search by NAICS, so list every code you can deliver work under.
Companies House: your SIC code appears on the public register and in your confirmation statement.

Codes checked against the US Census 2022 NAICS index and the ONS UK SIC 2007 index. Information only; confirm with the agency you file with.