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What is a proofer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a proofer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.71 an hour? That's $32,671 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 69,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreProoferUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $32,671

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 6.57%

Black or African American 10.71%

Hispanic or Latino 15.70%

Unknown 3.50%

White 63.02%

Gender

female 52.96%

male 47.04%

Age - 50
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 - 50
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Proofer career paths

Key steps to become a proofer

  1. Explore proofer education requirements

    Most common proofer degrees

    Bachelor's

    37.5 %

    High School Diploma

    26.1 %

    Associate

    19.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific proofer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Color Correction58.64%
    Quality Checks41.36%
  3. Complete relevant proofer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New proofers 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 proofer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real proofer resumes.
  4. Research proofer duties and responsibilities

    • program complete, hot tar, single ply, shakes, shingles waterproofing, spray films, etc.
    • Assemble documentation into PDF files for delivery to clients.
    • Used industry tools such as blow torches and levels.
    • Apply plastic coatings and membranes, fiberglass, or feel over slope roofs before applying shingles.
  5. Prepare your proofer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your proofer 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 proofer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable proofer resume templates

    Build a professional proofer 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 proofer resume.
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
    Proofer Resume
  6. Apply for proofer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a proofer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first proofer job

Zippi

Are you a proofer?

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Average proofer salary

The average proofer salary in the United States is $32,671 per year or $16 per hour. Proofer salaries range between $26,000 and $40,000 per year.

Average proofer salary
$32,671 Yearly
$15.71 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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