Job description template
Proofreader Job Description Template
A copy-ready proofreader job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.
Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows proofreaders earn a median of $51,120 ($24.58/hour); the middle 50% earn $41,170–$62,390.
Job title
Proofreader
Job summary
[Company name] is seeking a dependable proofreader to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will read final proofs, catch typos and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.
Responsibilities
- Read final proofs
- Catch typos
- Check grammar
- Check formatting
- Mark corrections
- Compare to originals
- Follow style guides
- Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations
Required qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Working knowledge of grammar and spelling
- Focus and patience
- [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]
Preferred qualifications
- Proofreading certificate
- Legal proofreading training
- Chicago style course
- Experience with PDF markup tools
Skills
- Proofreading marks
- Style guides
- Formatting checks
- Comparison reading
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
Work environment and schedule
Proofreaders work in offices and remotely. Full or part time, often freelance.
Pay and benefits
$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]
Equal opportunity
[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Tips for a proofreader job posting that attracts applicants
- Use the title candidates search for. “Proofreader” is the clearest; alternates include Copy Marker, Proof Editor, Legal Proofreader.
- Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
- Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a proofreader so applicants self-select accurately.
- Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Proofreader training: widens your applicant pool.
Next steps
Screen and interview with our Proofreader hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.