How much does a proofreader make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $4,260 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $3,600
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 1.0 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 144 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $100,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Switzerland estimate | $83,230 |
| 2. Luxembourg estimate | $62,960 |
| 3. Iceland estimate | $62,410 |
| 7. Norway estimate | $55,150 |
| 8. United States | $51,120 |
| 9. Belgium estimate | $49,330 |
| 144. Nigeria estimate | $560 |
Similar jobs
Clerical support workers
- Library assistant$39,110
- Mail carrier$57,420
- Scribes and related workers$48,580
- File clerk$42,930
- Personnel clerks$50,610
- Clerical support workers not elsewhere classified$46,560
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| District of Columbia | $68,120 |
| New York | $59,740 |
| California | $57,490 |
| Massachusetts | $57,160 |
| New Jersey | $56,700 |
| Ohio | $55,560 |
| Maryland | $53,920 |
| Washington | $53,890 |
| Missouri | $52,920 |
| Kansas | $51,160 |
See all 26 states
| Illinois | $50,060 |
| Minnesota | $49,450 |
| Georgia | $49,200 |
| Virginia | $48,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,510 |
| Kentucky | $46,380 |
| North Carolina | $46,140 |
| Iowa | $44,680 |
| Wisconsin | $43,630 |
| South Carolina | $42,900 |
| Utah | $42,840 |
| Texas | $41,990 |
| Indiana | $40,920 |
| West Virginia | $36,730 |
| Florida | $35,610 |
| Michigan | $35,530 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a proofreader make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $4,260 a month, $51,120 a year.
How much does a proofreader make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $34,510 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $79,290.
Which country pays a proofreader the most?
Switzerland, with a median of $83,230 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a proofreader the most?
District of Columbia, with a median of $68,120 a year.
Does a proofreader make more in the United States or in Germany?
In Germany: $61,900 a year against $51,120 in the United States, 1.2 times more.
Who makes more, a proofreader or a library assistant?
A proofreader: $51,120 a year against $39,110 for a library assistant, 1.3 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate