Career Overview
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
- Copy Editor
- News Copy Editor
- Proofreader
- Typesetter
Alternate Job Titles
- Braille Proofreader
- Checker
- Clerical Proofreader
- Content Analyst
- Content Coordinator
- Copy Coordinator
- Copy Editor
- Copy Holder
- Copy Preparer
- Copy Reader
- Copyholder
- Copyman
- Data Examination Clerk
- Data Reviewer
- Digital Content Coordinator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Check the facts of stories using the internet.
- Design page layouts using text, photographs, graphics, and other elements.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Perceptual Speed
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Support
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- HubSpot software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Copy machines
- Inkjet facsimile machines
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Personal computers
- Printers' rulers
- Tablet computers
- Universal serial bus USB flash drives
- Videoconferencing equipment
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Sitting
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Contact With Others
- Time Pressure
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $33,530 |
| Median | $49,210 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $78,040 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 5,160
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Editors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $75,260
Desktop Publishers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $53,620
Technical Writers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $91,670
Word Processors and Typists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,850
File Clerks
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $41,270
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.