Office and administrative support
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.
Median pay
$51,120
Growth to 2035
−1%
little or no change
Openings a year
1,100
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Proofreaders and copy markers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Proofreaders and copy markers: 0% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.
- Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs.
Also called: Copy Editor · Copyholder · Editorial Assistant · News Copy Editor · Proofer · Proofreader · Typesetter
Outlook and AI
Proofreaders and copy markers held 8,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 8,500 by 2035 (−1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
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