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What is a proofreader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

A Proofreader bears an important role in any project to do with written content, like social media copy, novels, essays, or even films. This role may differ from one job to another, as different content needs different treatment. Still, it generally requires a person to examine the document for any signs of grammatical or formatting errors.

More often, though, the Proofreader will be asked to make sure that the document's style is consistent and to see whether it lines up with the company's style guide. They may also be asked to check the work of other proofreaders. In terms of creative works, the Proofreader may even act a bit like an editor, noting what could and should be changed to make the work easier and more enjoyable to read.

A good grasp of the English language and an eye for details are important for this position, though there is no one set of requirements that a candidate must have. Some employers may ask for a college degree, while others will not. Either way, to begin one's career as a Proofreader, there's really no right way.

ScoreProofreaderUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $49,392

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 6.48%

Black or African American 10.04%

Hispanic or Latino 3.94%

Unknown 2.76%

White 75.98%

Gender

female 68.52%

male 31.48%

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

Proofreader career paths

Key steps to become a proofreader

  1. Explore proofreader education requirements

    Most common proofreader degrees

    Bachelor's

    75.0 %

    Master's

    10.2 %

    Associate

    7.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific proofreader skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Proofreading35.32%
    English Language8.62%
    PowerPoint7.15%
    Style Guides5.19%
    Adobe Acrobat3.04%
  3. Complete relevant proofreader training and internships

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

    • Create and manage BNA's corporate income taxation evaluators.
    • Edit academic papers for grammar, consistency, and clarity according to academic writing conventions and customer preferences.
    • Implement changes in proofreading house style through collaboration with other department members, thus maximizing efficiency and increasing productivity.
    • Use of APA style format.
  5. Prepare your proofreader resume

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

    Build a professional 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 proofreader resume.
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  6. Apply for proofreader jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a proofreader 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 proofreader job

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Average proofreader salary

The average proofreader salary in the United States is $49,392 per year or $24 per hour. Proofreader salaries range between $31,000 and $78,000 per year.

Average proofreader salary
$49,392 Yearly
$23.75 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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