How to become proofreaders and copy markerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$51,120

25th–75th pct. $41,170–$62,390

Top pay (est.)

$103,100

Top 10% $79,290

Pay in 5 years

$55,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$59,600est.

$51,300–$69,300

Outlook score

38/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

90%

Very high

Job growth (10 yr)

−0.9%

1,100 openings / yr

How to become proofreaders and copy markers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.2

Writing

4.0

Active Listening

3.1

Speaking

3.1

Critical Thinking

3.0

Monitoring

2.8

Time Management

2.5

Complex Problem Solving

2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language

5.0

Computers and Electronics

3.2

Communications and Media

3.1

Administrative

2.8

Administration and Management

2.2

Customer and Personal Service

1.9

Philosophy and Theology

1.8

Mathematics

1.7

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationProcessing InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAnalyzing Data or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Important abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionNear VisionOral ExpressionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

47%

Associate's degree

23%

Some college

12%

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

75%

None / short demo

18%

1–3 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

41%

6–12 months

35%

1–2 years

6–8 years

3–6 months

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as proofreaders and copy markers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Office Clerks, General Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures.	$45,010	24/100	83%
3	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
5	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
6	Receptionists and Information Clerks Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.	$38,010	29/100	73%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.