Best Online Proofreading Jobs in 2021 (Earn $66,000 Editing)

When you search for online proofreading jobs, you’ll likely find that there’s a lot of overlap between editors and proofreaders when it comes to job adverts.

Some sites use the terms editor and proofreader interchangeably when advertising for openings, and many jobs involve both proofreading and editing.

So if you’re interested in proofreading work, keep an eye out for editing jobs as well.

Below, I’ll cover sites that advertise for both proofreading and editing jobs.

What do proofreaders work on?

You’ll proofread a variety of documents, from social media updates to blog posts to books!

You may specialize in your services and focus on just editing one kind of content, like books for example.

Here’s what you may edit as a proofreader:

• Online articles
• Blog posts
• Social media posts
• Student essays
• Court transcripts
• Screenplays
• Legal transcription
• Self-published novels
• User manuals
• Restaurant menus
• Press releases
• Newsletters
• Student theses

Some example of clients and companies you work with could include:

• Bloggers
• Independent authors
• Court reporters
• Real estate agents
• Restaurants
• Local brick and mortar businesses
• Coaches
• Consultants

Are Proofreaders in Demand?

Yes!

According to the BLS, more than 11,000 people are employed as a proofreader.

In my research for this post, I found thousands of job postings for proofreaders and editors.

And it makes sense.

We live in a world with access to more content than we’ve ever had before. Think about all of the things you read on a daily basis just on your phone!

From ads to news articles to blog posts, there’s so much content available at our fingertips nowadays and all of that has to be (or should be) proofread by somebody.

Self-publishing is now a huge industry too, and these independent authors need freelance proofreaders to edit their work for them before it’s published.

So, it’s a great time to be a proofreader.

How Do I Become a Proofreader?

Obviously, the most important thing you’ll need is good spelling and grammar skills.

Other than that, the skills and qualifications required vary from job to job.

To be honest, anyone who has a good eye for spotting errors can get started with this job.

That being said, some places are a little more stringent when it comes to the qualifications and experience they require from their editors.

Below, I’ll cover two common things you may be considering if you want to become a proofreader.

Do I need a degree to be a proofreader?

Not always. While many people believe you must have a degree to be a successful proofreader, this isn’t always the case.

Sure, there are many positions out there that require a degree and often a Ph.D. and experience too.

But, not all of them do.

Some positions just require you to take some sort of test to prove your skills as a proofreader and editor.

Below, I cover jobs that don’t require a degree and ones that do. So regardless of your experience level or education, you can find the right job for you.

Aside from a degree, you may also need to be knowledgeable about certain style guidelines, like:

• AP stylebook guidelines
• The Chicago Manual of Style
• MLA Style manual if you want to proof academic papers

Don’t worry, I’ll cover where you can learn about these styles below.

The best proofreading courses

If you’re new to proofreading, you may want to consider taking an online proofreading course.

Here’s where you can find some online courses:

• Udemy
• Proofread Anywhere
• Art of Proofreading
• Skillshare
• Coursera
• The Writers Bureau

Taking a course isn’t a necessity, but it can help you to get started in your proofreading career by helping you to sharpen your skills and learn the craft.

How to Find Work as an Online Proofreader

Okay, so now you know what proofreaders do and how to get started, you’re probably wondering “how can I find proofreading jobs?”

Well, fortunately there are lots of jobs available online.

And there are a few different routes you can go down:

• Work directly with sites: Lots of websites hire people on a freelance basis. So, you work as an independent contractor.
• Remote positions with a company: Companies post jobs on sites like Indeed. These are remote positions. So you work from home as a remote employee.
• Third party freelance job sites: These are job board sites like Upwork. You can apply for lots of different freelance positions on these sites. Basically, clients post jobs that freelancers can apply to. Some of these sites do take a cut of your profits.

I’ll cover all three routes below.

When looking for jobs online, it’s important not to restrict yourself to jobs titled “proofreader”

You may want to look out for jobs with these titles too:

• Proofreading
• Proof reader
• Proof reading
• Editor
• Editing
• Copy editor
• Academic editor
• Book editor
• Reviser
• Editorial assistant

You may also want to include all of the usual keywords associated with at-home positions, like:

• Remote
• Home office
• Telecommute
• Freelance
• Contract/contractor
• Independent contractor

Now you know what types of jobs you’re looking for, here’s where you can find work…

Best Online Proofreading Jobs in 2020

Here’s where you can find online proofreading jobs from home.

1. Scribendi

• Degree needed: Yes

Scribendi offers freelance proofreading gigs. You do need to have a degree for this one, as well as three years of experience in editing, writing, document production or language teaching.

You also need an average editing/proofreading speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour.

There are a few other requirements for this one too.

As one of the site’s editors, you can choose the types of assignments you want and edit on your own schedule.

2. Cactus

• Degree required: Yes

Cactus has a wide range of freelance positions available, including freelance editing jobs. At the time of writing, it had many openings available, like freelance specialist editors, copyeditor and freelance specialist editors in materials science.

Most positions require you to have a degree, with many requiring a PhD/master’s degree, or expertise in a specialized subject.

3. Domainite

• Degree required: No

Domainite is a good place to find entry level proofreading jobs because it doesn’t require you to have a degree.

Instead, you need to submit an editing sample. The only downside is the rates aren’t super high. It’s a good site for beginners looking to get their foot in the door though.

4. Editor World

• Degree required: Yes – currently only hiring candidates with PhD and/or science background

Editor World is hiring editors to work remotely as independent contractors. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree or higher. At the time of writing, the site was only hiring editors with a Ph.D. and/or science background.

You’ll also need to have editing experience.

5. ProofreadingPal

• Degree required: Yes (or be enrolled in an accredited university)

ProofreadingPal offers proofreading and editing career opportunities. You’ll get paid to proofread and edit all types of documents.

You’ll need to be currently employed by or enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited United States university, with a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Or have a graduate degree with at least five years of professional proofreading and editing experience.

If you fit the requirements, you’ll need to complete the independent contractor questionnaire. You’ll be contacted about the next step of the hiring process, which includes a comprehensive, timed examination.

According to ProofreadingPal, its editors earn $500 to $3,000 per month.

6. ProofreadingServices.com

• Degree required: No

ProofreadingServices.com provides fulltime and part-time remote proofreading positions. You can apply from any country. You just need to have excellent proofreading and editing skills.

To become work with the site, you will need to complete a 20-minute preliminary test.

7. Edit911

• Degree required: Yes – PhD

If you have a PhD you may be able to work as an editor with Edit911. It’s looking for dissertation editors, thesis editors, and book editors to join its staff.

8. Polished Paper

• Degree needed: No

Polished Paper says it’s looking for “exceptional editors.” To be considered for a job with the site, you need to register for a user account and upload your resume. You will then need to take a 35-question editor test. You are encouraged to use outside resources to take the test, like MLA, CSE, APA, and Chicago formatting guides.

9. EditFast

• Degree required: Yes

EditFast provides jobs for proofreaders, editors, and writers. It offers freelance positions, so this could be a flexible gig for you. If you have a degree from a recognized university, consider applying for work.

10. Enago

• Degree required: No (But Master’s/PhD preferred)

Enago is looking for editors in the following subjects:

• Medical and Clinical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences and Engineering
• Economics and Business Management
• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

The site’s authors edit academic papers from a range of subject areas and that are meant for publication in highly acclaimed international journals.

It requires you to have at least five years of academic copyediting, and substantive editing/proofreading experience.

It also prefers editors who have Master’s/PhD/postdoctoral research experience.

11. English Trackers

• Degree required: Candidates must have a PhD or be an academic editor with verifiable experience

You can find online work as a professional academic editor with English Trackers. This site allows you to fit work around your own schedule.

For this one, you’ll need to have at least two years of professional academic editing experience.

You will also need to have a Ph.D. or be an academic editor with verifiable experience.

It doesn’t always have openings available, but it’s definitely worth checking out for work.

12. Scribbr

• Degree required: Yes

Scribbr provides freelance academic editing jobs. So you help students with term papers, essays, and theses. You coach students to become better writers and help them to finish their bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD program.

To be one of the site’s editors, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and be able to work at least 10 hours a week.

13. Managed Editing

• Degree required: Yes

Managed Editing hires editors to work as independent contractors.

You work from your home office. You need to have a college degree and at least five years of practical experience in editing for this one.

14. Writer’s Relief

• Degree needed: Not specified

Writer’s Relief sometimes has proofreading jobs available. You can complete the application form on the site to apply.

15. Babbletype

• Degree needed: No

If you want to be a proofreader but don’t have a degree, check out Babbletype.  It’s looking for editors to add to its team. It doesn’t always have jobs available, but sometimes you’ll find openings so it’s worth checking back.

16. WordsRU

• Degree required: Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional experience in any academic discipline.

WordsRU provides jobs to proofreaders.

It’s currently looking for:

• Academic Editors
• Technical/Science Editors
• Business Materials Editors

However, it’s not for beginners. You need to have a master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional experience in any academic discipline.

That’s not all. You also need to have at least two years of professional experience as an editor, copyeditor or proofreader. And experience with formatting styles, like APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. is also required.

17. Kibin

• Degree required: Not specified

Kibin sometimes offers jobs to freelance editors. It doesn’t always have openings but have a check back from time to time to see if there are any opportunities.

18. Wordvice

• Degree required: Yes (or be enrolled in a graduate degree program)

Wordvice is an international English editing company. It’s hiring qualified and experienced freelance editors to join its team.

You will edit and proofread academic papers, admissions essays and other documents to check for grammar and mechanics issues and to ensure natural language and flow of communication.

For this one, you’ll need a minimum of two years’ professional editing experience, and knowledge of formatting styles, like APA, AMA, MLA and Chicago. You’ll also need to be enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree program.

19. American Journal Experts

• Degree required: Yes (or be enrolled in a graduate degree program)

American Journal Experts has a number of openings available for editors.

At the time of writing, it was looking for a:

• Freelance technical editor (engineering or computer science)
• Independent contract editor – Business
• Independent contract editor – Chemistry and Materials Science
• Independent contract editor – Business

You will need a degree for this one.

20. Book Editing Associates

• Degree required: No

Book Editing Associates is hiring copy editors and proofreaders to proofread and edit books in a range of genres.

You will need at least five plus years of editing experience and a track record of published books that you have edited (traditional and self-published).

While the site doesn’t say you need to have a degree, it does say you must pass a proofreading test to be able to work on the site.

21. EditorLive

• Degree needed: Yes (or be currently employed by or enrolled in an accredited university)

Get paid to edit academic and business papers with EditorLive. You must be skilled in Chicago, APA, AP, MLA, CSE, and other style manuals.

You need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years’ professional editing experience or be currently employed by or enrolled in an accredited university in the United States and have a minimum GPA of 3.6. You also need experience writing academic papers.

To work with the site, you’ll need to meet the requirements, apply, and take a test. It’s a two-part examination.

22. Gramlee

• Degree required: Not specified

Gramlee does not mention that it requires its editors to have a degree. So if you’re a proofreader without a degree, then this could be the site for you. You just need good grammar skills! Apply on the site to learn more.

23. Kirkus Media

• Degree needed: Not specified

Kirkus Media is another place to look for proofreading jobs that don’t require a degree.

It sometimes hires editors to edit books. Positions aren’t always available, but it’s certainly worth checking with the site from time to time.

24. LifeTips

• Degree required: Not specified

LifeTips is a website that hires editors. It says you’ll work directly with clients to develop a content strategy for the web, and you’ll edit the content produced by freelance writers assigned to projects.

It doesn’t give any details about the qualifications or experience you’ll need. It says that salary plus full medical benefits are included.

25. Prompt

• Degree required: Yes

Prompt hires freelance editors to read college admission essays. There are not always editing positions available. At the time of writing, it had positions open for an AP English Writing Coach and for an AP History Writing Coach. It’s positions are focused more on editing than just proofreading. So it looks for people with editing and writing experience, as well as a degree.

26. Reedsy

• Degree required: No

Reedsy is a website where editors can work with authors and other writers. It works in a different way to the other sites on this list. Basically, writers looking for editors are matched with editors from Reedsy, who can then offer a quote for their work.

27. Scribe Media

• Degree required: Not specified

Scribe Media sometimes hires editors. The role usually involves writing as well as editing. At the time of writing, there weren’t any positions available. But, it’s certainly worth checking back with the site from time to time.

How to Become a Freelance Proofreader

The sites above hire fulltime remote workers and freelancers to work as independent contractors.

If you’d prefer to find work with clients directly, then consider signing up for some freelancing sites.

On these sites, clients post jobs that freelancers can apply to. These sites can open up opportunities to work with lots of different clients and companies.

You might find it tough at first to get clients, but once you get some testimonials and a portfolio together, you’ll start getting more work.

Here are some freelance sites to check for proofreading jobs.

28. UpWork

UpWork is a freelance marketplace where you can create a profile as a proofreader. You can explain the services you offer and set an hourly rate too.

Clients post jobs on UpWork that you can apply to. The client sets a budget, but you can bid the price you want when you send your application.

For beginners, UpWork can be a good place to get started, since many jobs on there don’t require you to have a degree. Plus, anyone can sign up. You don’t have to be based in the United States to find work on there.

29. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour offers thousands of jobs, so it’s definitely worth a look. It works like UpWork, where you can apply to jobs that clients have posted and set your own rates within the client’s budget.

30. Freelancer

Freelancer works in a similar way to UpWork. You can apply for jobs posted by clients. It’s definitely worth a go for beginners, as you’ll find job openings that don’t require you to have a degree.

31. Remote.co

Sign up for Remote.co and you’ll be able to view lots of different editing jobs on there.

32. Fiverr

Fiverr is not my favorite website, as the pay can be pretty low. If you’re just starting out though, it could be a good place to get proofreading jobs and build up your portfolio and client testimonials.

33. JournalismJobs.com

JournalismJobs.com has lots of journalism jobs available, including editing jobs. You can easily search for jobs there, so it’s a good place to find work.

34. ProBlogger

ProBlogger is a job board that’s mostly for writers but proofreading and editing jobs are posted on there occasionally. You can enter keywords too and search for the jobs that you’re interested in. There are both freelance and remote jobs on there, so it’s worth a look.

35. BloggingPro

BloggingPro is another job board where you may be able to find some work as a proofreader or editor. Most of the jobs listed on there are for writers, but you’ll often see proofreading and editing ones listed on there too. There are remote positions and freelance positions available there.

36. MediaBistro

MediaBistro is a great site for finding work from some big-name clients. At the time of writing, there were positions available from well-known companies, like Bloomberg and the New York Post.

You can find a lot of writing jobs on there, but there are plenty of editing jobs posted to the site.

MediaBistro isn’t necessarily suited to beginners, but if you’re an experienced proofreader or editor, you should definitely use the site to find jobs.

How to Find Remote Proofreading Jobs

Freelancing is good, but it’s not for everyone.

If you want to work as a traditional employee from home, then remote work would suit you.

I found in my research that there were more freelance positions available to proofreaders than remote ones. But there were still a decent amount of remote positions available.

If you want to find a proofreading or editing job as a remote employee, then your best option is standard job-seeking websites.

Here are a few websites where you can find remote proofreading jobs.

37. LinkedIn

LinkedIn had more than 5,000 jobs available for proofreaders at the time of writing. So it’s definitely worth a browse for opportunities. You can also be notified about new jobs.

38. Indeed

Indeed has a selection of remote proofreading jobs available. There were 200 jobs available for the keyword “proofreading remote.” It’s worth a look on there, as you can find some good openings.

39. Monster

Monster is another place to look for remote work. Search on there as well as the other sites in this section, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities.

40. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is the place to look for remote editing jobs and proofreading work. There are lots of remote positions available on there, so have a peruse of the site.

Proofreading jobs near me

Would rather show up to an office and work from there?

You can, of course, use the same sites to find legit proofreading jobs near you if you prefer to actually work from an office. There are some companies and agencies that do hire people to do proofreading in a traditional office space. You can also look for

By the way, you can also use the good old Craigslist to find local proofreading work.

Tools & Online Resources for Proofreaders

Proofreading is one of those jobs that doesn’t require a ton of equipment. Usually, you’ll just need a computer, internet access, and some sort of document editing software.

Now, there are a couple of other things you may want to get to make your job easier.

Style guides

Depending on the website, company, or client that you work with, you may need knowledge of certain style guides.

Fortunately, you can buy these style guides online.

Here are three of the main ones:

• Associated Press Stylebook
• Chicago Manual of Style
• MLA Style

Some sites may ask you for understanding of other style guides, like academic ones for example. A quick search online for that style guide should yield plenty of results.

Document sharing tools

Document sharing tools are also useful for proofreaders. While you may email documents in some cases, you may need to use a tool where everyone can view and share work.

A couple to consider are Google Docs (which is free) and Dropbox (which is free for a basic account).

Grammar tools

Grammar tools can be helpful. They’re not a replacement for your own eyes, but they give you another way to check work for errors that you may have missed.

Here are a few grammar tools to consider:

• Ginger Proofreader
• Grammarly
• Hemingway App

How Much Do Online Proofreaders Make per Hour?

How much money you’ll make as a proofreader varies.

Here are a few examples.

According to figures reported on PayScale, proofreaders earn:

• $11.70 to $28.67 an hour.
• $17.50 an hour on average.
• A salary of $44,806

According to figures from Glassdoor, proofreaders earn:

• A salary of $32,000 to $66,000
• An average salary of $44,666

According to Salary.com, proofreaders earn:

• $22 to $29 an hour
• $25 an hour on average

As you can see, income ranges for this career vary quite a bit. Factors like the site you work with, how advanced the job is, your experience, and what industry you work in will all affect how much money you earn as a proofreader or editor.

Highest paying proofreading industries

Like I said above, there are lots of factors that will determine how much money you make.

An important one is the industry you work in. Some industries pay more than others.

According to Data USA, the highest paying industries for proofreaders by average wage are:

• Computer Systems Design
• Legal services
• Advertising, public relations & related services
• Newspaper publishers
• Business support services

How to choose your rate as a freelance proofreader

If you find freelance work on sites like UpWork, you may need to set your own rates. Many freelance proofreaders start out with a relatively low rate and then gradually increase their hourly wage over time as they improve their skills, and build up their portfolio and client testimonials.

But I wouldn’t recommend setting your rate too low in order to compete.

I’d recommend you have a quick search on UpWork to see what rates other freelancers are charging for their services.

Then, set your rates accordingly. Don’t lowball yourself. Set a fair rate for yourself based on your skills and experience.

Don’t be afraid to charge what your work is worth. After all, someone is hiring you because they can’t do this job themselves, so you deserve to be paid fairly.

Get Started as a Proofreader from Home

If you have a good understanding of the English language, great grammar skills and want to work from home, then proofreading could be the perfect option for you.

You’ll have no trouble finding work if you have a degree or experience in the field.

Don’t worry though if you don’t have a degree.

As you saw above, there are so many jobs out there that don’t require you to have one. So give them a try!

You’ll likely just need to pass a test or show that you are skilled with the English language.

Sure without qualifications or experience, you may not be able to make a ton of money from the get-go. But if you build up your testimonials and portfolio, there’s no reason you can’t have a successful career in proofreading or editing.

There are so many places to look for work, so give some of the above sites a try.

Let us know about your career as a proofreader in the comments section below.