How To Become A Copy Editor/Proofreader: What It Is and Career Path

What is a copy editor/proofreader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Allison Harl Ph.D.

A copy editor/proofreader is responsible for ensuring that a text is readable, accurate, and ready for publication. They correct grammar and spelling, ensure the text is in line with the publisher's style, check facts, and raise queries with the author when necessary. They also communicate and work with the production team to ensure that content is published on time. An average copy editor/proofreader earns $65,000 annually or $31 per hour.

Copy editors/proofreaders primarily ensure that the final draft of a publication is free of errors, easy to read, and fits its editorial style. They are mainly employed in magazines, newspapers, and online publications, while others work on a freelance basis and take on multiple assignments for various companies. Their duties include writing headlines and subheads for articles and creating page layouts consisting of articles, photographs, and advertisements.

Copy editors/proofreaders typically hold a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or other related fields. They are expected to have on-the-job training by enrolling in an internship program. Some employers prefer candidates with excellent writing skills and general knowledge of publishing concepts.

What general advice would you give to a copy editor/proofreader?

Allison Harl Ph.D.

Associate Professor of English English Program Coordinator, Ferrum College

Develop as many multimedia skills as possible. Writing in the 21st century is about visual rhetoric as well as just words on a page.

ScoreCopy Editor/ProofreaderUS Average

Salary

5.6

Avg. Salary $72,246

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

3.8

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 5.89%

Black or African American 10.02%

Hispanic or Latino 3.94%

Unknown 2.76%

White 76.59%

Gender

female 66.83%

male 33.17%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

3.8

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a copy editor/proofreader

Explore copy editor/proofreader education requirements

Most common copy editor/proofreader degrees

Bachelor's

78.4 %

Master's

12.1 %

Associate

6.2 %

Start to develop specific copy editor/proofreader skills

Skills	Percentages
Proofreading	32.82%
Web Content	9.74%
Press Releases	4.09%
SEO	3.24%
Fiction	2.92%

Complete relevant copy editor/proofreader training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New copy editor/proofreaders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a copy editor/proofreader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real copy editor/proofreader resumes.

Research copy editor/proofreader duties and responsibilities

Collaborate with managing editor and editor-in-chief to develop and post news coverage and multimedia projects.
Implement SEO and social media best practices.
Update site database and CMS; edit HTML code.
Work closely with project drivers and document authors through all stages of development regarding copywriting and graphic design changes.

Prepare your copy editor/proofreader resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your copy editor/proofreader resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a copy editor/proofreader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable copy editor/proofreader resume templates

Build a professional copy editor/proofreader resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your copy editor/proofreader resume.