Proofreaders
Official O*NET title: Proofreaders and Copy Markers (43-9081.00)
Also called: copy editor, copyholder, editorial assistant, news copy editor, proofer
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing proofreaders work
2 of 8 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Amber (some AI use) — 25%. 1 newer task is not in the data yet and left out.
This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Read corrected copies or proofs to make sure that all corrections have been made (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Write original content (main task) — too new for the AI data
- Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names — some recorded AI use
- Typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks”. Try the prompt for: “Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition”.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and proofreaders
Will AI replace proofreaders?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 2 of the 9 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Amber rating (some AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 7 of the 11 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which proofreader tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks; consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition; read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.
Which proofreader tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: read corrected copies or proofs to make sure that all corrections have been made; correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found; compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 98% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a proofreader start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.
See how this job ranks
Proofreaders ranks #302 of 572 jobs for the share of main tasks with AI use (#1 = most), and #19 of 34 in Office & Admin.
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