What is a Proofreader or Copy Marker?
Career Description Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Includes proofreaders of Braille.
Proofreader or Copy Marker Responsibilities
- Typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements, such as copy and illustrations, to verify conformance to specifications, using printer’s ruler or layout software.
- Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
- Write original content such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.
- Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
- Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers’ marks.
- Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.
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What a Proofreader or Copy Marker Should Know
Proofreaders and Copy Markers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Proofreader or Copy Marker Jobs
- Proofreader
- Desk Editor
- Copyman
- Clerical Proofreader
- Content Editor
Job Outlook for Proofreaders and Copy Markers
In the United States, there were 14,200 jobs for Proofreader or Copy Marker in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Proofreader or Copy Marker by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,200 positions for Proofreader or Copy Marker per year.

The states with the most job growth for Proofreader or Copy Marker are New Hampshire, Idaho, and Minnesota. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Kentucky, or Missouri. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Proofreader or Copy Marker
The typical yearly salary for Proofreaders and Copy Markers is somewhere between $23,220 and $63,080.

Proofreaders and Copy Markers who work in Washington, Maryland, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Proofreaders and Copy Markers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Arizona | $42,180 |
California | $44,250 |
Colorado | $39,680 |
Connecticut | $38,130 |
District of Columbia | $56,640 |
Florida | $36,350 |
Georgia | $30,120 |
Idaho | $28,010 |
Illinois | $48,060 |
Indiana | $37,430 |
Iowa | $29,490 |
Kansas | $33,660 |
Kentucky | $37,540 |
Maine | $30,060 |
Maryland | $54,780 |
Massachusetts | $41,930 |
Michigan | $37,290 |
Minnesota | $39,910 |
Missouri | $34,810 |
Montana | $42,630 |
Nebraska | $33,290 |
Nevada | $43,990 |
New Hampshire | $38,020 |
New Jersey | $48,170 |
New York | $46,370 |
North Carolina | $44,730 |
Oregon | $48,520 |
Pennsylvania | $37,340 |
South Carolina | $37,070 |
Tennessee | $34,590 |
Utah | $39,440 |
Vermont | $33,940 |
Virginia | $40,510 |
Washington | $53,490 |
Wisconsin | $43,240 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Proofreaders and Copy Markers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- WordPress
- Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Systems Adobe FrameMaker
- Adobe Systems Adobe Captivate
- Avid Technology Media Composer
- Apple iWork Keynote
- Bugzilla
How to Become a Proofreader or Copy Marker
Are there Proofreaders and Copy Markers education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Proofreaders and Copy Markers Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Proofreaders and Copy Markers employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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