Proofreaders and Copy Markers

43-9081.00 Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation Needed

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.

Also known as: Braille Proofreader, Checker, Clerical Proofreader, Content Analyst, Content Coordinator, Copy Coordinator, Copy Editor, Copy Holder, ...

Annual Salary

$49,210

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$38,590 25th – 75th percentile $62,380
10th percentile $33,530
90th percentile $78,040
U.S. Employment: 5,160

Job Outlook

-0.6%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Declining)

Annual Job Openings 1,900 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Bachelor's degree

What You'd Do

  • Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
  • 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.
  • Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
  • Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.
  • Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
  • 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.
  • Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.3
Writing 3.6
Speaking 3.3
Active Listening 3.1
Critical Thinking 3.0
Monitoring 2.9
Time Management 2.8
Active Learning 2.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

English Language 5.0
Communications and Media 3.4
Computers and Electronics 3.0
Administrative 2.6
Administration and Management 2.4
Customer and Personal Service 2.2
Design 2.2
Mathematics 2.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Bachelor's
47.3%
Associate's
23.2%
Some College
12%
High School
11.2%
Certificate
6.2%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Adobe Acrobat Adobe After Effects Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop HubSpot software Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Visio Microsoft Word WordPress

Other Tools

Adobe Captivate Adobe Dreamweaver Adobe FrameMaker Adobe InCopy After the Deadline Apple Final Cut Pro Apple iWork Keynote AutoCrit Editing Wizard Avid Technology Media Composer Bugzilla Elite Minds RightWriter File transfer protocol FTP client software FileMaker Pro Grammarly Editor HP Autonomy TeamSite

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Attention to Detail
2.9
Dependability
2.3
Cautiousness
1.1
Perseverance
1.1
Achievement Orientation
0.8
Cooperation
0.7
Stress Tolerance

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Written Comprehension 4.4
Near Vision 3.9
Oral Comprehension 3.8
Written Expression 3.6
Oral Expression 3.5
Problem Sensitivity 3.3
Perceptual Speed 3.1
Deductive Reasoning 3.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Getting Information 4.4
Working with Computers 4.1
Processing Information 4.1
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.8
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 3.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 3.5
Documenting/Recording Information 3.3

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.9
Spend Time Sitting
4.9
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.7
Contact With Others
4.7
Time Pressure
4.7
E-Mail
4.7
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
4.7
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.5
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
4.5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.2
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.0
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
3.8

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.