Occupation AtlasProofreaders and Copy Markers
O*NET · 43-9081.00
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
19 more
Copy Preparer · Copy Reader · Copyholder · Copyman · Data Examination Clerk · Data Reviewer · Digital Content Coordinator · Document Specialist · Editorial Assistant · Format Proofreader · Legal Proofreader · News Copy Editor · Online Content Coordinator · Production Proofreader · Proofer · Proofreader · Publishing Specialist · Technical Writer · Typesetter
Compare with another occupationCompare with Medical Transcriptionists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CAIConventional · Artistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.16
- A Artistic3.56
- I Investigative2.50
- S Social2.20
- E Enterprising1.53
- R Realistic1.44
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (41%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (75%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (76%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- PersuasionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- InstructingImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- NegotiationImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
9 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks.Importance 4.7
- Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.Importance 4.6
- Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.Importance 4.6
- Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.Importance 4.4
- Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.Importance 4.4
- Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.Importance 4.3
- Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.Importance 4.0
- Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs.Importance 3.9
- Write original content, such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.Importance 3.6
Show the other 2
- Typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements, such as copy and illustrations, to verify conformance to specifications, using printer's ruler or layout software.Importance 4.3
- Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- DesignImportance 2.2Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
Show all 33
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Education and TrainingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- GeographyImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.3Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level 0.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
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- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 1.3
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- OriginalityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Time SharingImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Far VisionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Number FacilityImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.1Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 2.6
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 2.6
Show all 41
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 2.6
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 1.9Level 2.6
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.4Level —
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.4Level —
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 1.3Level —
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.3Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.3Level —
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 1.3Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.2Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 1.2Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
38 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (9)
- Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
- Adobe Illustratorhot
- Adobe InDesignhot
- Adobe Photoshophot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (6; 9 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- HubSpot software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Visio
- WordPress
Other tools (23)
- Adobe Captivate
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe FrameMaker
- Adobe InCopy
- After the Deadline
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Apple iWork Keynote
- AutoCrit Editing Wizard
- Avid Technology Media Composer
- Bugzilla
- Elite Minds RightWriter
- File transfer protocol FTP client software
- FileMaker Pro
- Grammarly Editor
- HP Autonomy TeamSite
- InScribe
- Intelligent Editing PerfectIt
- myWriterTools
- Pro Writing Aid
- QuarkXPress
- Serenity Software Editor
- Style guide databases
- WhiteSmoke
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Medical Transcriptionists
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening +1.0, Quality Control Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Word Processors and Typists
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Monitoring +0.8, Service Orientation +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Billing and Posting Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.1, Operations Monitoring +1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Massage Therapists
Average difference 0.3 points · Service Orientation +1.3, Reading Comprehension −1.3
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Service Orientation +1.2, Operations Monitoring +1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
Average difference 0.3 points · Reading Comprehension −2.0, Writing −1.3
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Actors
Average difference 0.3 points · Social Perceptiveness +1.3, Quality Control Analysis −1.3
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Average difference 0.3 points · Service Orientation +1.3, Reading Comprehension −1.3
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.