CFChooseField
Office and Administration

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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Median pay

$49,210
Median annual pay for Proofreaders and Copy Markers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-0.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

12,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Proofreaders and Copy Markers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Proofreaders and Copy Markers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Writing
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Communications and Media
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4Administrative
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Written Comprehension
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Written Expression
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Artistic
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Realistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Processing Information
  4. 4Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  2. 2Spend Time Sitting
  3. 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5E-Mail
  6. 6Time Pressure

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.
  • Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs.

Software and tools

Microsoft Word · in demandAdobe Creative Cloud software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandAdobe Illustrator · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandAdobe InDesign · in demandAdobe Photoshop · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.