Proofreaders and copy markers

SOC Code: 43-9081
Also known as:
Braille Proofreader, Checker, Clerical Proofreader, Content Coordinator, Copy Coordinator
Median Annual Salary
$49,210
-0.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs

What Proofreaders and copy markers Do

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.

💰 Salary

$49,210
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-0.6%
Little or no change

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

2K
Projected average per year

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

12,000

Projected Employment (2034)

11,900

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Top Skills Required

Reading Comprehension
Writing
Speaking
Active Listening
Critical Thinking

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Write original content, such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.

Technology & Tools

Adobe Acrobat Adobe After Effects Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop HubSpot software Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software

📚 Entry-Level Education

Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Proofreaders and copy markers

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a proofreaders and copy markers:

English Language and Literature, General

34,210 degrees awarded • 1,374 colleges offer this program
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Journalism

9,378 degrees awarded • 361 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Business/Corporate Communications, General

801 degrees awarded • 57 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Writing, General

765 degrees awarded • 108 colleges offer this program
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Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other

446 degrees awarded • 18 colleges offer this program
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Best Colleges for Becoming a Proofreaders and copy markers

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become proofreaders and copy markers.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 256 A+
2 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 114 A+
3 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 378 A
4 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 310 A
5 University of Georgia Athens, GA 301 A
6 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA 235 A
7 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 201 A
8 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 194 A
9 Boston University Boston, MA 188 A
10 Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY 182 A
11 Harvard University Cambridge, MA 172 A
12 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 170 A
13 University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA 163 A
14 University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 136 A
15 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 417 B+
16 California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA 374 B+
17 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 331 B+
18 University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 324 B+
19 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY 292 B+
20 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA 284 B+

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do proofreaders and copy markers make?
The median annual salary for proofreaders and copy markers is $49,210.
What education do proofreaders and copy markers need?
Most proofreaders and copy markers positions require a bachelor's degree. Common degree programs include English Language and Literature, General, Journalism, Business/Corporate Communications, General.
Is becoming proofreaders and copy markers a good career choice?
Proofreaders and copy markers is projected to see -0.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,900 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for proofreaders and copy markers?
Top colleges for aspiring proofreaders and copy markers include University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Florida, University of Georgia. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to proofreaders and copy markers?
Proofreaders and copy markers may also be known as: Braille Proofreader, Checker, Clerical Proofreader, Content Coordinator, Copy Coordinator, Copy Editor, Copy Holder, Copy Preparer, Copy Reader, Copyholder, Copyman, Data Examination Clerk, Data Reviewer, Digital Content Coordinator, Editorial Assistant, Format Proofreader, Legal Proofreader, News Copy Editor, Online Content Coordinator, Production Proofreader. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.