Proofreaders and Copy Marker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Proofreaders and Copy Markers Make?
Proofreaders and Copy Markers earn a median annual salary of $49,210 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $33,530 at the 10th percentile to $78,040 at the 90th percentile — a range of $44,510. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $63,920.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,530 |
| 25th percentile | $38,590 |
| Median (50th) | $49,210 |
| 75th percentile | $62,380 |
| 90th percentile | $78,040 |
Proofreaders and Copy Marker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $63,920 |
| California | $63,820 |
| New Jersey | $56,940 |
| Washington | $55,760 |
| Massachusetts | $54,790 |
| Maryland | $54,680 |
| New York | $54,380 |
| Colorado | $53,710 |
| Nebraska | $53,220 |
| Minnesota | $50,560 |
| Texas | $49,990 |
| Ohio | $48,180 |
| Missouri | $47,700 |
| Virginia | $47,430 |
| Kansas | $46,960 |
| North Carolina | $45,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,510 |
| Illinois | $44,600 |
| Iowa | $43,630 |
| Kentucky | $42,500 |
| Wisconsin | $41,790 |
| Georgia | $41,750 |
| South Carolina | $39,940 |
| Indiana | $39,590 |
| Michigan | $39,380 |
| Oregon | $38,600 |
| Florida | $37,330 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Proofreaders and Copy Marker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$33,530 – $38,590 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$49,210 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$62,380 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $78,040+ |
How to Earn More as a Proofreaders and Copy Marker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Proofreaders and Copy Markers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earn $65,170 — $15,960 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($62,380) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Proofreaders and Copy Marker Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Proofreaders and Copy Markerthis career | $49,210 |
| Document Management Specialist | $108,970 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $58,040 |
| Archivist | $61,570 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialist | $64,320 |
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SOC: 43-9081.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.