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

What is an editor/proofreader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Bridget Carson

Words can be a powerful tool to spread a message, make people feel emotional, or even convince people to do something if used correctly. If a written message is full of typos or confusing phrases, the only effect it will have on people is to leave them scratching their heads in confusion. That is why an editor/proofreader reviews writing before it is published.

An editor/proofreader is someone who makes sure that all written material is in tip-top shape before it is released to the public. They do the job of an editor, who sharpens a piece by adjusting structure, the flow of sentences, and any other issues. They also do the detail-oriented job of a proofreader, who corrects any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.

An editor/proofreader needs to be detail-oriented and have a knack for language, whether through practical experience or formal study. They often work in publishing or media but can also work for marketing agencies, private companies, or more. Wherever there are words, people will need editors/proofreaders.

What general advice would you give to an editor/proofreader?

Bridget Carson

Associate Professor of Developmental English, Independence Community College

Show up. Listen and keep learning. Be a part of the broader community.

I know these seem simple, but they require time. It isn't just about the hours on the clock, although they are that for which you are paid. Go to the meet and greet. Chip into the water cooler fund. Join a softball league, a book club, or a game night. When somebody invites you to a company picnic - go. Join the volunteer opportunities in which the organization participates. Relationships need nurturing so that you can have empathy and resilience during difficult discussions within an organization or when it needs to pull together and get through something.
Our shiny new degrees are just the beginning of what we know. You'll be stepping into situations where people will need your fresh perspective, and you will need their experience. Keep reading, not just things in your content area. This isn't just a "respect your elders" or "know your place" statement. They don't know everything, and neither do you, but they've been there longer.

Be a visible part of the broader community. This is especially important if you choose to work in the Public Sector where people want to see their tax dollars pay people who are invested in their community. Go to the concerts in the park, the local community theater, the parades. Join some organization and chip in. Work the polls, join the park committee, be active in a philanthropic or faith community, show up for events celebrating local history. Support local businesses where you find them in alignment with your values.

Don't do any of this for the show. People can spot a fake-Esse quad videre: to be rather than to seem.

ScoreEditor/ProofreaderUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $54,450

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

3.8

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 6.13%

Black or African American 10.02%

Hispanic or Latino 3.94%

Unknown 2.76%

White 76.35%

Gender

female 67.47%

male 32.53%

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 an editor/proofreader

Explore editor/proofreader education requirements

Most common editor/proofreader degrees

Bachelor's

72.3 %

Master's

14.8 %

Associate

6.4 %

Start to develop specific editor/proofreader skills

Skills	Percentages
Proofreading	30.01%
Grammar	21.04%
Web Content	10.26%
English-Language	4.22%
Financial Statements	3.04%

Complete relevant editor/proofreader training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 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 an editor/proofreader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real editor/proofreader resumes.

Research editor/proofreader duties and responsibilities

Manage academic books on political history and philosophy, as well as revisions on fiction.
Manage copywriting, rewriting/reworking copy and presentations.
Work on web pages, PowerPoint presentations, and print ads.
Incorporate keywords and tags for SEO.

Prepare your editor/proofreader resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 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 an 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 editor/proofreader resume templates

Build a professional 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 editor/proofreader resume.