Proofreader

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

-3.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Proofreader?

A Proofreader is a professional who reads and examines written or printed material for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting before it is published. They ensure the final content is free of any mistakes and maintains consistency in style and quality.

Sample job titles:

Copy Editor, News Copy Editor, Proofreader, Typesetter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Proofreader.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Proofreader earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Proofreader.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$42K per year	$47K per year	$58K per year	$69K per year	$80K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.4K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Proofreader do?

Work environment

Proofreaders typically work for publishing companies, news organizations, advertising agencies, legal firms, and corporate communications departments. Their work environment can vary from traditional offices to remote or freelance settings, often requiring extended periods of focused reading and attention to detail.

Quick task list

Reads and corrects spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Ensures consistency in language, formatting, and style.
Verifies facts and figures referenced in the text.
Collaborates with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies.
Maintains records of revisions and provides feedback to authors and editors.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Editorial Proofreading: Focusing on books, articles, and other editorial content.
Legal Proofreading: Specializing in legal documents, ensuring precision and adherence to legal standards.
Technical Proofreading: Working with technical or scientific materials, requiring subject-specific knowledge.
Advertising and Marketing Proofreading: Ensuring error-free and effective marketing materials.

Description

Proofreading is a critical final step in the publishing process, requiring a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of language. Proofreaders must not only find and correct errors but also ensure that the text flows well and adheres to the required style guides. This role requires a strong command of the language, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, as well as the ability to concentrate for long periods.

The work of a proofreader often goes unnoticed by readers, which is a testament to their skill and precision. They must be patient and meticulous, often reading and re-reading the same text multiple times. Proofreaders work closely with authors and editors, providing an essential quality check before documents reach the public or targeted audience.

In the digital age, proofreaders must be adaptable, as they might work with various types of content, from traditional print materials to online publications. The rise of digital publishing has also brought new tools and software into their workflow, making technological proficiency increasingly important in this field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Ensuring high-quality and error-free published material.
The intellectual challenge of working with diverse texts and subject matters.
Contributing to the clarity and effectiveness of written communication.

You might make a good Proofreader if you are...

Highly attentive to detail, able to spot even the smallest errors.
Passionate about language and committed to maintaining its integrity.
Patient and focused, with the ability to concentrate for extended periods.
Good at communicating and collaborating with others in the editing process.
Comfortable with repetitive tasks and meticulous review work.

Pros:

Opportunity to work with a variety of content and industries.
Flexibility in work environment, including potential for remote work.
Intellectual stimulation from constant engagement with written material.

Cons:

Can be highly repetitive and require intense concentration.
Deadlines can create high-pressure situations.
The evolving nature of language and publishing can demand continuous learning and adaptation.

How to become a Proofreader

Typical education

While some positions only require a high school diploma, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Additional training in proofreading and editing can also be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

English Language and Literature for a strong foundation in grammar and writing.
Journalism or Creative Writing to develop editing skills and attention to detail.
Computer Science to become familiar with digital editing tools.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Working on the school newspaper or yearbook.
Joining a book club or writing workshop.
Volunteering to proofread or edit for school publications or local organizations.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications.
Taking courses or workshops in editing and proofreading.
Gaining experience through internships or freelance opportunities in publishing or media.

More resources

The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) - Offers resources, training, and a community for proofreaders and editors.
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) - Provides extensive writing resources and guides on grammar and style.
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) - A professional organization offering resources and networking opportunities for freelancers.
American Copy Editors Society (ACES) - Offers workshops, training, and conferences for editing professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.