Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
Also called: Copy Editor · Copyholder · Editorial Assistant · News Copy Editor · Proofer · Proofreader
Median pay (national)
$49,210
$33,530–$78,040 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
5,160
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-0.6%
~1,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for proofreaders and copy markers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $78,040 versus $33,530 at the bottom 10% — 2.3x. The median of $49,210 leaves roughly 59% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -0.6% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 27 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $63,920, +30% vs the national median), while Florida sits lowest at $37,330 — a 71% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks.
- Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.
- Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
- Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
- Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
- Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.
- Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs.
- Write original content, such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.
- Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.
- Typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements, such as copy and illustrations, to verify conformance to specifications, using printer's ruler or layout software.
Tools & technology
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe After Effects
- HubSpot software
- Microsoft Visio
- WordPress
- Adobe Captivate
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe FrameMaker
Knowledge areas
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Mathematics