How Much Does a Proofreader Earn

The average proofreader earns $23 per hour. That makes the average annual salary $47,000. But more experienced proofreaders earn between $30 and $35 hourly. Besides hourly, a proofreader can be paid per word or page. 

Knowing what to charge is great, but where do you find the best proofreading jobs? We’ve found several websites online that can help kick off your proofreading career.

You will also read how you can own proofreading business with the help of this detailed article. Just stay here for a couple of minutes and you'll know everything.

Top 20+ Online Proofreading Jobs that don't require prior experience

1) Proofed Inc.

Image Source: proofed.com

Proofed offers editing, formatting, and proofreading. They are suitable for beginning proofreaders.

If you don’t have experience proofreading, you can take their Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader and Becoming an Editor course. You are guaranteed a job with Proofed if you graduate from the courses with an 80 percent score or better.

On average, Proofed pays approximately $22 per hour.

Requirements for Proofed

A PhD, master’s, or undergraduate degree from a university is desired. But if you complete the courses, they'll waive this requirement.

Proofed also requires a cover letter and a resume when you apply.

2) Polished Paper

Polished Paper offers editing and proofreading services to clients. They are looking for those with a native command of English and are meticulous. They also want those familiar with academic styles or willing to learn.

Editors are compensated based on word count. Turnaround time is also a factor.

Requirements for Polished Paper

Applicants must take a multiple-choice test on grammar and style. They also must perform a sample edit. Although a resume is required, the test results are the most important.

3) Domainite

Domainite provides website design, internet marketing, direct mailing, and print services. Domainite pays their proofreaders 25 cents per 100 words and provides daily work.

Requirements for Domainite

Although Domainite doesn't specify if a college degree is needed, they have a test. You must complete an editing sample. They also require familiarity with track changes in Microsoft Word.

4) Gramlee

Gramlee provides quick turnaround editing services for dissertations and content writing. They pay their beginner proofreaders three cents per word. New proofreaders are given documents that are 3,000 or less.

Requirements for Gramlee

Gramlee has two types of positions that you must choose from. These include a dissertation or content editor. Choose the one that best suits your experience. Although Gramlee doesn’t say it requires a degree, it does ask.

5) ProofreadingServices.com

Image Source: https://www.proofreadingservices.com/

Their clientele consists of businesspeople, authors, and academics. ProofreadingServices provides:

• Proofreading.

• Translation.

• Publishing services.

• Resumes.

• Cover letters.

ProofreadingServices.com has competitive pay that ranges from $19 to $46 hourly. Pay depends on the turnaround time. The highest pay goes to the more urgent deadlines.

Requirements for ProofreadingServices.com

To apply, you will be asked to complete a 20-minute preliminary test. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and a writing sample. You will also be asked what experience, if any, you have.

6) Babbletype

Image Source: https://babbletype.com/

Babbletype is a translation, content analysis, and transcription firm. They serve the market research industry. Proofreaders earn 13 to 18 cents per word. The company posts new projects daily. A proofreader is typically given 22 hours to complete the project.

Requirements for Babbletype

Proofreaders must be a native English speaker. They can be located in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland. You’re required to watch a video to apply.

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7) Scribbr

Image Source: branditechture.agency

Scribbr mainly services student papers. The goal of Scribber is to help students worldwide become better writers.

Proofreaders earn roughly €145 reviewing a 10,000-word thesis. They pay every two weeks. And there are new orders daily.

Requirements for Scribbr

You must pass the Scribber Academy to proofread. A bachelor's degree or higher is required, and you must have Microsoft Word and tech skills. Editing at least 10,000 words weekly is required.

8) ClickWorker

Image Source: aptoide.com

ClickWorker checks and corrects texts for various products, software, hotels, etc. The compensation is dependent on several factors. They include:

• Average processing time.

• Level of difficulty.

• Text length.

• Amount of research involved.

• Specific knowledge or skills.

The payment range can be cents per word to two-digit euro sums.

Requirements for ClickWorker

ClickWorker first requires experience as a writer. You then must take tests to demonstrate skill. All proofreaders must have an excellent command of their native language and be able to follow instructions.

 

9) Edit 24/7

Edit 24/7 offers fast turnaround proofreading and light editing services. It allows proofreaders to choose particular jobs once each one is posted.

Compensation for proofreaders wasn't listed, but they do charge clients $15 for one edited page. That is their minimum. For 21 to 24 pages, they charge nine dollars a page.

Requirements for Edit 24/7

They ask for a writing sample. Edit 2/3/7 also requires either a description of relevant experience or a resume. They have an extensive application process.

10) Wordvice

Image Source: YouTube.com

Wordvice provides editing for dissertations, thesis, and admission essays. They cater to people looking for remote, part-time work.

You'll need to prepare what proofreading or editing services you offer. That's because the Wordvice application requests your expected pay rate.

Requirements for Wordvice

You must submit an application and resume. After going through a review process, there will be a required editing sample. Although it doesn't state they need a degree, they do ask if you have one or are working on an undergraduate one.

11) Upwork

Upwork provides the opportunity to apply for freelance proofreading jobs. However, it's essential to write a compelling profile to attract potential clients. Upwork allows the job seekers to select the right job for them.

Although the potential client often provides a rate for work, sometimes you must provide one. On average, a proofreader makes $25 to $35 hourly. But Upwork takes ten percent of all freelancers’ earnings.

Requirements for Upwork

Sign up for the service and begin to find work. Upwork does require you to confirm your identity. You must also keep all clients and financial dealings with clients on the Upwork platform.

12) Fiverr

Fiverr offers one of the best online proofreading jobs in the world and it is a popular platform for all kinds of freelancing work.

It is a platform that allows you to use keywords to attract potential clients. You can tailor your price for proofreading by opting for the three-tier package. You state the delivery turnaround and any add-ons.

Approximately 96 percent of Fiverr sellers earn less than $500 monthly.

Requirements for Fiverr

You are required to fill out a profile. Fiverr also requires verification of your account and phone number. You are required to keep all contact with the client on the Fiverr platform.

13) EditFast

EditFast is a job board. Clients list their projects, and proofreaders send applications. It works like Upwork and Fiverr.

You'll receive 60 percent of the project's total price with EditFast receiving 40 percent. EditFast pays through PayPal.

Requirements for EditFast

But you must complete EditFast’s registration and proofreading test for acceptance. Once on Editfast, you'll want to ensure your resume is up to date because clients can choose who they want to hire.

14) Craigslist

Craigslist’s job center has a section for writing and editing. Because there is so much variety, there are many payment options. But because it’s not a sanctioned platform like other job sites, there’s a risk of not being paid.

Requirements for Craigslist

Each job post has a different set of requirements. But be careful of fraudulent listings. Note if there are misspellings, no location-specific or vague descriptions, etc., before accepting a job and doing the work.

15) Proofreading Pal

Proofreading Pal has numerous clientele. They need editors for:

• Academic paperwork.

• Manuscripts.

• Personal documents.

• etc.

The compensation is $500 or more monthly.

Requirements for Proofreading Pal

You can apply as a student with a 3.5 or higher GPA. If not, you must have a bachelor's degree or five or more years of experience.

16) Guru.com

This platform has been around since 1998. It started for tech workers looking for short-term projects. It now offers various jobs, including a freelance proofreader. There is a learning curve to acquiring clients, but it works effectively once you adjust to it.

Income earned on Guru swings widely, with the number coming in between eight dollars and $100 hourly.

Requirements for Guru

You set up an account to work on the Guru platform. Either an email or a social media account will work. Once you sign up, you’ll be sent a security code to verify the created account.

17) Freelancer.com

Image Source: Freelancer.com

Freelancer is a platform like Fiverr or Upwork. You bid on editing jobs. Once you are accepted by a client, you perform and are paid. The jobs are low-paying initially.

Freelancer.com charges a ten percent commission on all payments that proofreaders and other freelancers receive.

Requirements for Freelancer.com

Freelancers who want to become a preferred freelancer must meet specific requirements and pass a comprehensive exam and vetting.

18) FlexJobs

Image Source: FlexJobs.com

FlexJobs is a job board, but unlike the other ones listed, the user only sees the best freelance and remote opportunities. It doesn't matter how much experience you have as a proofreader; FlexJobs makes it easy to find jobs.

The median hourly wage for a proofreader is $23.45. Although this can vary based on the client.

Requirements for Flexjobs

You must have a resume profile to search for a proofreading job on Flexjobs. This will help you apply for and be matched to jobs.

19) Cambridge Proofreading and Editing LLC

Cambridge Proofreading is for academic and business documents. You will be able to choose the documents you want to edit. And you’ll have flexibility with hours worked.

Average pay is $20 to $30 hourly. They pay twice a month.

Requirements for Cambridge Proofreading and Editing LLC

Cambridge Proofreading does require advanced degrees in:

• Business.

• Computer science.

• Economics.

• Law.

• STEM.

Instead of degrees, they will accept academic editing or publishing experience. You can also be on a university's faculty.

20) The Muse

Image Source: themuse.com

The Muse updates its job board regularly. The company gives detailed information concerning job opportunities. It allows you to search for whatever type of proofreading you want.

The average rate for a proofreader with The Muse is $50,010. But this can depend on the client.

Requirements for The Muse

The jobs listed on The Muse each have unique requirements. But it’s important to use your cover letter to make yourself look good if you don’t meet all the requirements.

21) Reedsy

Reedsy caters to book authors. They provide editors to writers. It’s not for all proofreaders. Once you are part of Reedsy, you’ll be able to work with best-selling authors and various publishers.

You control your rates. But on average, a Reedsy proofreader can make $52,000 annually.

Requirements for Reedsy

Reedsy isn’t for everyone. They are particular about who they allow on the team. You must sign up for an account and enter an application. Approval only happens once you have proven your editing skills.

22) Scribendi

Image Source: scribendi.co

Scribendi offers document revision services to clients. Some sectors they edit include:

• Business.

• Academia.

• Publishing.

The Scribendi platform is a more formal culture, but you can still work remotely. The average hourly rate for a proofreader is $26.

Requirements for Scribendi

Scribendi requires an average proofreading speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour. You must have Microsoft Word 2016 or later on a secure computer.

Proofreaders must be able to accept payments in their own account in U.S. dollars.

They prefer a graduate degree in a related field to apply.

23) SalesFolk

SalesFolk provides outbound sales email templates. The goal is to increase qualified leads. They hire proofreaders.

You’ll be using their proprietary software to review copywriter’s email campaigns. There are also editorial staff members you can collaborate with.

The average hourly salary for SalesFolk is approximately $51. But this figure can vary depending on the job.

Requirements for SalesFolk

SalesFolk requires you to be comfortable with the following:

• Slack.

• Google Docs.

• Remote conference software.

You also must be available and able to turn projects around within 24 hours. To apply, provide writing samples. They also ask for your “superpower”.

24) Working Nomads

This one is for digital nomads. It’s a remote job board newsletter for those who want to work while traveling. Working Nomads provides editing jobs from media editing to content editing.

You can filter the type of job you want. But compensation is determined by the individual company posting the job.

Requirements for Working Nomads

Each job posting has different requirements. Working Nomads claim they work only with quality job offers.

25) WriterAccess

WriterAcces connects editors to clients. They use AI search to match proofreaders with clients. These include using:

• advanced search

• casting calls

• quote requests

The AI search uses text analysis to match proofreaders to clients.

Proofreaders on WriterAccess earn 14 cents per word. They pay twice monthly and use PayPal accounts.

Requirements for WriterAccess

WriterAccess has different levels of requirements based on the level designated. Some proofreaders may have previous editing experience.

At the same time, others may exhibit a proficient understanding of tone and style. You must have solid grammar, punctuation errors, and spelling/ proofreading skills.

26) Editor World

Image Source: Facebook.com

Editor World provides proofreaders for various needs. These needs include:

• Books.

• Business documents.

• Research papers.

• Dissertations.

• Journal articles.

• Master’s or doctoral theses.

• etc.

They offer editors 24/7 work. Proofreaders don’t have to bid on jobs or pitch clients.

Requirements for Editor World

Editor World requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. Only native speakers from the U.S., UK, or Canada are hired. You must follow their application guidelines, or it will not be considered..

27) Jobs for Editors

Jobs for Editors provides editing in English. They allow you to choose any topic.

The completed order is shared between the writer and the editor for payment. Your main job would be correcting documents and you'll get paid based on the number of documents you've worked on.

Income may vary from five to 50 percent of the price for every edited paper, depending on the type of text and the number of changes.

The average proofreader earns $250 monthly.

Requirements for Jobs for Editors

You must have a degree in linguistics, translation, or international relations. Computer skills are also necessary. Attention to detail, analytical skills, and punctuality are also required. A resume is required to apply.

28) Wordapp

Wordapp is a freelance platform. They provide work constant work. The proofreaders are provided with templates that save time and lead to higher income. You don’t have to apply for jobs. All tasks are in your feed.

When you open a project, it shows the hourly rate. Wordapp pays through Skrill weekly.

Requirements for Wordapp

Since payments are made from the Netherlands, you must provide a national ID number or tax identification number (TIN). Apply to start an account.

29) Morning Coffee

Morning Coffee is an email newsletter. It is distributed by SideHustles.com. Morning Coffee curates editing jobs from:

• Freelance Writing

• ProBlogger

• Freelancer

• Upwork

• Craigslist

Some jobs are submitted directly to Morning Coffee. It’s basically a job board where you apply.

Payment depends on the job and varies accordingly.

Requirements for Morning Coffee

There aren’t any requirements to work through Morning Coffee. But the individual clients will have requirements listed that you’ll have to meet.

30) Lionbridge

Lionbridge outsources various parts of a client’s project to proofreaders. It specializes in language translation.

The average pay range for Lionbridge is $23 to $42. This includes base pay and any bonuses.

Requirements for Lionbridge

When you sign up, Lionbridge requires you to take a skills test. Once you pass, you will receive proofreading tasks.

31) Writing Jobz

Image Source: writingjobz.com

Writing Jobz provides editing for multiple disciplines. They offer proofreading assignments for:

• academic

• online articles and blogs

• books

You are assigned jobs. This isn’t a job board.

Writing Jobz proofreaders earn up to $11 per page.

Requirements for Writing Jobz

Writing Jobz provides work for entry-level proofreaders. To apply, you must answer questions about your experience and upload a resume. You also must provide a sample of editing. Writing Jobz requires an English test.

32) Writer’s Write

Writer’s Write is a job board providing a steady work stream. It contains listings for proofreaders as well as writers. Clients and publications place posts on Writer's Write, and you can apply.

Compensation depends on the client, so it's different for everyone.

Requirements of Writer’s Write

There are no specific requirements for using  Writer’s Write. However, each potential client has a list of needed qualifications. They also have their own application process.

33) Book Editing Associates

Book Editing Associates matches authors with proofreaders and other editors. They charge the client anywhere from one cent to 12 cents per word.

Freelance proofreaders set their rates and work directly with the client.

Requirements for Book Editing Associates

To apply, you will be required to pass a proofreading test. Book Editing Associates claims only two percent of applicants pass this test.

They require applicants to be 100 percent freelancers (no day job). You must be consistently available and able to check email several times daily. Book Editing Associates only hires those proofreaders based in the U.S.

34) Cactus Communications

Cactus Communications has consistently been ranked well for remote jobs by FlexJobs. Cactus offers editing and translation services. Steady work is provided. You go on their platform and apply for individual proofreading jobs.

The average pay for a Cactus editor is four to seven thousand dollars monthly.

Requirements for Cactus Communications

When you go to the Cactus site, you choose the job that interests you. You will be required to fill out an application and take an assessment test tailored to the job you are applying for.

35) Copy Press

Image Source: copypress.com

Copy Press is a fractional content marketing agency. It hires both editors and writers. Some services they provide include:

• blog posts

• product descriptions

• e-books

•  white papers

Editors earn one cent per word for most standardized work. But, it depends on the specific project and the research needed.

Requirements for Copy Press

Copy Press lists their job openings on LinkedIn. They are open to hiring qualified proofreaders who don’t have a degree. You will have to complete a proofreading test.

36) EditorLive.com

Editor Live works on academic and business papers. They will hire proofreaders on a full-time basis, but it is a contract job.

They are open to hiring proofreaders outside the U.S. if they are also eligible to be a contractor for a U.S. company. Editing deadlines range from three to 72 hours.

The pay is approximately $100 to $150 a day.

Requirements for EditorLive.com

Editor Live requires a comprehensive two-part examination. You must have experience writing academic papers on various topics.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office 2026 or better is required. If your qualifications match the requirements, you can apply.

37) Kibin

Kibin edits essays. They hire freelance proofreaders. They don't always have positions available, so it's wise to check if you're interested in working for them.

Kibin pays newbies between $5.25 and $7.43 on a 500-word edit. 

Requirements for Kibin

Kibin uses a four-step process to hire skilled editors. When you apply, you'll be asked to take a grammar and style test. A formal application and training are provided. After this, you'll be asked to take an editing test.

38) Pure content

Purecontent is a UK-based company that hires freelance editors and writers worldwide. They don't have a minimum output requirement. Purecontent doesn’t always have positions available. But you can send them your resume for future jobs.

Although not advertised, Purecontent claims to have competitive pay.

Requirements for Pure content

Since Purecontent is based in the UK, you must have the right to do contract work in the UK. Although you can work anywhere in the world, you must have reliable internet access. You can apply for proofreader or writer.

39) Scripted

Scripted is a content writing company that hires editors and writers. They work with blog posts. To be considered as a proofreader for Scripted, you first must write for them.

Although they don’t specify what editors earn, they generally pay their freelance writers up to ten cents per word.

Requirements for Scripted

Scripted doesn't require a degree. You can work as an editor once you have worked as a writer and achieved their Gold Tier. Once an editor, you'll choose assignments from a queue.

You'll be asked to complete a short assessment and write about your experience when applying for a position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?

Proofreading includes looking for punctuation, grammatical, and spelling errors—editing checks for flow, sentence structure, and consistency.

What qualifications do you need to be a proofreader?

Although a degree is not always necessary, many employers do require a degree in English, journalism, or a similar subject. Being proficient in grammar and spelling is required.

How long does it take to be an editor?

It can take between four and six years to become an editor. Most people start as proofreaders.

What does it take to be a proofreader?

Entry-level proofreading requires an understanding of language. That is often more important than experience. You must have attention to detail, technical proficiency, independence, and knowledge of editorial style.

Becoming a Proofreader

Proofreading offers flexible schedules and competitive pay. Decide on your focus area and align your passion and skills with a niche.

Optimize your resume and cover letter to enhance your technical skills when applying. Include any experience you have with editorial guidelines like AP or the Chicago Manual.

Join proofreader networking groups like those found on LinkedIn. And keep applying to the job sites that are available.