Proofreader | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Proofreaders check text before it's printed or published to make sure it's correct and complete.

Related jobs: Commissioning editor Editorial assistant Copy editor
  • 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
Read more about Proofreader

Proofreaders typically work around 38 to 40 hours per week.

As a Proofreader you will typically work freelance / self-employed.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns.
Read more about Proofreader
* from ONETonline
Average salary
34,165 GBP *
per year
18,000 GBP
30,000 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Salary statistics

Average salary for Proofreader

  • 35,058 GBP
  • 33,788 GBP
Average salary for full-time Proofreader

Showing:
Full-time
  • 34,165 GBP
  • 33,788 GBP
  • 35,058 GBP
Salary over time for Proofreader

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 35,205 GBP
  • 31,629 GBP
  • 30,818 GBP
  • 32,994 GBP
  • 36,385 GBP
  • 38,105 GBP
  • 34,165 GBP
  • 31,707 GBP
  • 35,142 GBP
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Future outlook for Proofreaders

pointer
Balanced outlook
64 000+ jobs available
pointer
Balanced outlook
0% yearly wage growth (on average)

Proofreader - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Proofreader and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • 47% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
  • 23% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent
  • 12% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of English language
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent written communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Proofreader

Copy Editing

Things to highlight for your Proofreader interview

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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