How much does a proofreader and copy marker make?
The median proofreader and copy marker in the United States earns $51,120 per year, about $24.58 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all proofreaders and copy markers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 43-9081.
Proofreader and copy marker salary range
Pay for proofreaders and copy markers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $34,510 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $79,290. The average (mean) wage of $54,800 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,510 | $16.59 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $41,170 | $19.79 | |
| Median (50th) | $51,120 | $24.58 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $62,390 | $29.99 | |
| 90th percentile | $79,290 | $38.12 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for proofreaders and copy markers (SOC 43-9081), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Proofreader and copy marker salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Proofreaders and copy markers earn the most in District of Columbia at $68,120 a year, and the least in Michigan at $35,530. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $68,120 | 50 |
| New York | $59,740 | 1,030 |
| California | $57,490 | 300 |
| Massachusetts | $57,160 | 190 |
| New Jersey | $56,700 | 160 |
| Ohio | $55,560 | 100 |
| Maryland | $53,920 | N/A |
| Washington | $53,890 | 60 |
| Missouri | $52,920 | 110 |
| Kansas | $51,160 | 90 |
| Illinois | $50,060 | 300 |
| Minnesota | $49,450 | N/A |
| Georgia | $49,200 | N/A |
| Virginia | $48,090 | 90 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,510 | 230 |
| Kentucky | $46,380 | 70 |
| North Carolina | $46,140 | 70 |
| Iowa | $44,680 | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $43,630 | 60 |
| South Carolina | $42,900 | 40 |
| Utah | $42,840 | N/A |
| Texas | $41,990 | 200 |
| Indiana | $40,920 | 80 |
| West Virginia | $36,730 | 50 |
| Florida | $35,610 | 200 |
| Michigan | $35,530 | 140 |
State median wages for proofreaders and copy markers (SOC 43-9081), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for proofreaders and copy markers
The BLS projects employment of proofreaders and copy markers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 0.9%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 8,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 8,500 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,100 openings a year for proofreaders and copy markers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a proofreader and copy marker
The typical entry-level education for proofreaders and copy markers is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a proofreader and copy marker earns
Employer, industry, seniority, and metro area drive pay. Large organizations and high cost cities pay above small offices and entry-level roles.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (District of Columbia, $68,120) and the lowest (Michigan, $35,530) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 4,580 people work as proofreaders and copy markers in the United States. At $51,120 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Proofreader and copy marker salary FAQ
How much does a proofreader and copy marker make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a proofreader and copy marker is $24.58. The middle half of proofreaders and copy markers earn between $19.79 and $29.99 per hour.
What is the highest proofreader and copy marker salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of proofreaders and copy markers earn more than $79,290 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a proofreader and copy marker make a year?
The median annual salary for a proofreader and copy marker is $51,120. The average (mean) wage of $54,800 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a proofreader and copy marker a well paid job?
At $51,120 a year, a proofreader and copy marker earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 4,580 people work as proofreaders and copy markers in the United States.
Which state pays proofreaders and copy markers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median salary for proofreaders and copy markers at $68,120 a year. New York ($59,740) and California ($57,490) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a proofreader and copy marker a good career?
Employment of proofreaders and copy markers is projected to shrink 0.9% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,100 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a proofreader and copy marker?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for proofreaders and copy markers as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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