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: Braille Proofreader, Checker, Clerical Proofreader, Content Analyst, Content Coordinator, Copy Coordinator
Median pay
$51,120
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,510 – $79,290
People employed
4,580
Holland code
CAI
Conventional · Artistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 7.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 8.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Proofreaders and Copy Markers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (25 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What proofreaders and copy markers do
- 01Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks.
- 02Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.
- 03Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
- 04Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
- 05Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
- 06Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from proofreaders and copy markers
- Technical Writers86% · +77%
- Editors81% · +52%
- Writers and Authors75% · +50%
- Document Management Specialists75% · group pay
- Film and Video Editors74% · +48%
Change into proofreaders and copy markers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Interpreters and Translators72% · $60,170
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists72% · $62,200
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers71% · $76,910
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys60% · $47,340
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners55% · $72,420
Majors that lead here
- Journalism
- English Language and Literature, General
- Writing, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other
- Business/Corporate Communications, General
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.