Proofreaders and Copy Markers Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $51,120 · Median hourly: $24.58 · Employment: 4,580
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $34,510 | $16.59 |
| 25th | $41,170 | $19.79 |
| Median | $51,120 | $24.58 |
| 75th | $62,390 | $29.99 |
| 90th | $79,290 | $38.12 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 43-9081
- Total U.S. employment: 4,580
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
Reading the data
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $34,510, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $79,290 — a 2.3x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $57,490 | $27.64 | +12.5% | 300 |
| Colorado | — | — | — | 120 |
| Connecticut | — | — | — | 70 |
| District of Columbia | $68,120 | $32.75 | +33.3% | 50 |
| Florida | $35,610 | $17.12 | -30.3% | 200 |
| Georgia | $49,200 | $23.66 | -3.8% | 0 |
| Illinois | $50,060 | $24.07 | -2.1% | 300 |
| Indiana | $40,920 | $19.67 | -20.0% | 80 |
| Iowa | $44,680 | $21.48 | -12.6% | 110 |
| Kansas | $51,160 | $24.60 | +0.1% | 90 |
| Kentucky | $46,380 | $22.30 | -9.3% | 70 |
| Maryland | $53,920 | $25.92 | +5.5% | 0 |
| Massachusetts | $57,160 | $27.48 | +11.8% | 190 |
| Michigan | $35,530 | $17.08 | -30.5% | 140 |
| Minnesota | $49,450 | $23.77 | -3.3% | 0 |
| Missouri | $52,920 | $25.44 | +3.5% | 110 |
| New Jersey | $56,700 | $27.26 | +10.9% | 160 |
| New York | $59,740 | $28.72 | +16.9% | 1,030 |
| North Carolina | $46,140 | $22.18 | -9.7% | 70 |
| Ohio | $55,560 | $26.71 | +8.7% | 100 |
| Oklahoma | — | — | — | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,510 | $22.84 | -7.1% | 230 |
| South Carolina | $42,900 | $20.63 | -16.1% | 40 |
| Texas | $41,990 | $20.19 | -17.9% | 200 |
| Utah | $42,840 | $20.60 | -16.2% | 0 |
| Virginia | $48,090 | $23.12 | -5.9% | 90 |
| Washington | $53,890 | $25.91 | +5.4% | 60 |
| West Virginia | $36,730 | $17.66 | -28.1% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $43,630 | $20.98 | -14.7% | 60 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive — $47,540/yr
- Software Developers — $135,980/yr
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General — $49,590/yr
- Accountants and Auditors — $83,680/yr
- Nursing Assistants — $42,260/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers — $69,500/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for proofreaders and copy markers?
The median annual wage for proofreaders and copy markers is $51,120 ($24.58 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays proofreaders and copy markers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many proofreaders and copy markers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 4,580 proofreaders and copy markers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do proofreaders and copy markers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $24.58. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.