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Proofreader or Copy Marker

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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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Proofreaders and Copy Markers Work

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

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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