Proofreaders and Copy Markers
SOC code 43-9081 · O*NET-SOC 43-9081.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Office and administration
Proofreaders and Copy Markers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$51,120
a year
Hourly
$24.58
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$54,800
$26.35 per hour
Middle 50%
$41,170 – $62,390
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,510 – $79,290
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
4,580
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,510
- $16.59/hr
- 25th percentile
- $41,170
- $19.79/hr
- Median percentile
- $51,120
- $24.58/hr
- 75th percentile
- $62,390
- $29.99/hr
- 90th percentile
- $79,290
- $38.12/hr
What do proofreaders and copy markers do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- 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.
- Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree47%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree23%
- Some College Courses12%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)11%
Common questions
How much does a proofreaders and copy markers earn?
The national median is $51,120 a year. The full range runs from $34,510 at the 10th percentile to $79,290 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a proofreaders and copy markers without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.3/5
- Writing3.6/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
- Active Learning2.5/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language5.0/5
- Communications and Media3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
- Administrative2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making.