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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.
Other titles employers use
Copy Editor · Copyholder · Editorial Assistant · News Copy Editor · Proofer · Proofreader · Typesetter · Braille Proofreader
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing and creative work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Subjects to know
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 1.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.2 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 3.7 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 47%
- A two-year degree 23%
- A certificate or some college 19%
- High school or less 11%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Word processing software
- Video creation and editing software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Desktop publishing software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Document management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,640
- Job openings each year
- 10
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 8.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 1,640 | 10 | 8.6% |
| Texas | 350 | 50 | 6.1% |
| Florida | 340 | 50 | −2.9% |
| New Jersey | 280 | 40 | −6.7% |
| Ohio | 280 | 40 | −3.4% |
| Georgia | 270 | 40 | — |
| North Carolina | 260 | 40 | — |
| Pennsylvania | 250 | 40 | −3.8% |
| Massachusetts | 230 | 30 | −4.2% |
| Michigan | 190 | 30 | −5.0% |
| Missouri | 180 | 20 | −5.3% |
| Virginia | 180 | 30 | — |
| Illinois | 160 | 20 | −5.9% |
| Maryland | 160 | 20 | 6.7% |
| Minnesota | 140 | 20 | — |
| Washington | 130 | 20 | — |
| Utah | 120 | 20 | 9.1% |
| Iowa | 110 | 20 | −8.3% |
| Connecticut | 90 | 10 | — |
| Wisconsin | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| Idaho | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Indiana | 70 | 10 | −12.5% |
| Nebraska | 60 | 10 | −14.3% |
| New Hampshire | 60 | 10 | −14.3% |
| Kansas | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Kentucky | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Arkansas | 40 | 10 | — |
| District of Columbia | 40 | 10 | — |
| Oregon | 30 | 0 | — |
| Alabama | 20 | 0 | −33.3% |
| Delaware | 20 | 0 | — |
| South Carolina | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 782
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Degrees each year
- 531
- Admit rate
- 77%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Degrees each year
- 345
- Admit rate
- 77%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of Central Florida
- Degrees each year
- 415
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Old Dominion University
- Degrees each year
- 232
- Admit rate
- 91%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of North Texas
- Degrees each year
- 377
- Admit rate
- 72%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Degrees each year
- 362
- Admit rate
- 90%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Western Washington University
- Degrees each year
- 247
- Admit rate
- 91%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
Compare every college offering rhetoric and composition/writing studies