Proofreaders and Copy Markers Salary by State
The national median pay for proofreaders and copy markers is $51,120 a year. By state, it ranges from $35,530 in Michigan to $68,120 in District of Columbia.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $34,510
- 25th percentile
- $41,170
- Median
- $51,120
- 75th percentile
- $62,390
- Top 10%
- $79,290
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 4,580 jobs.
Median pay in 25 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $68,120 | +33% | $44,130 | $103,200 | 50 |
| 2 | New York | $59,740 | +17% | $39,080 | $97,300 | 1,030 |
| 3 | California | $57,490 | +12% | $34,320 | $81,500 | 300 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $57,160 | +12% | $51,870 | $74,480 | 190 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $56,700 | +11% | $38,560 | $81,400 | 160 |
| 6 | Ohio | $55,560 | +9% | $29,670 | $71,980 | 100 |
| 7 | Maryland | $53,920 | +5% | $42,900 | $65,530 | Not published |
| 8 | Washington | $53,890 | +5% | $39,990 | $105,840 | 60 |
| 9 | Missouri | $52,920 | +4% | $28,600 | $69,850 | 110 |
| 10 | Kansas | $51,160 | 0% | $24,960 | $67,760 | 90 |
| 11 | Illinois | $50,060 | −2% | $33,950 | $77,030 | 300 |
| 12 | Minnesota | $49,450 | −3% | $42,720 | $57,590 | Not published |
| 13 | Georgia | $49,200 | −4% | $34,980 | $58,910 | Not published |
| 14 | Virginia | $48,090 | −6% | $41,270 | $60,510 | 90 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $47,510 | −7% | $38,000 | $82,340 | 230 |
| 16 | Kentucky | $46,380 | −9% | $41,200 | $72,830 | 70 |
| 17 | North Carolina | $46,140 | −10% | $36,020 | $56,730 | 70 |
| 18 | Iowa | $44,680 | −13% | $38,430 | $66,350 | 110 |
| 19 | Wisconsin | $43,630 | −15% | $28,400 | $62,820 | 60 |
| 20 | South Carolina | $42,900 | −16% | $35,670 | $60,390 | 40 |
| 21 | Utah | $42,840 | −16% | $38,560 | $52,920 | Not published |
| 22 | Texas | $41,990 | −18% | $32,010 | $65,460 | 200 |
| 23 | Indiana | $40,920 | −20% | $36,530 | $51,030 | 80 |
| 24 | West Virginia | $36,730 | −28% | $22,060 | $68,910 | 50 |
| 25 | Florida | $35,610 | −30% | $33,620 | $119,150 | 200 |
| 26 | Michigan | $35,530 | −30% | $32,180 | $63,090 | 140 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers salary questions
Which state pays proofreaders and copy markers the most?
District of Columbia, with a median of $68,120 a year (+33% vs. the national median of $51,120). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays proofreaders and copy markers the least?
Michigan, with a median of $35,530 a year (−30% vs. national).
Where do most proofreaders and copy markers work?
New York has the most jobs, about 1,030, with a median of $59,740.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.