35 Proofreading Jobs to Make Money Online: $50+ Per Hour

Do you get annoyed if you spot a typo in a magazine or a blog post? Do you want to make money working from home or anywhere else you please? If this sounds like you, online proofreading jobs are right up your alley. 

Proofreading is one of the easier work-from-home opportunities to break into. There are a ton of online resources and there are few requirements besides an eye for grammar.

If you have the right skills or are willing to learn, proofreading can also be highly profitable. Many proofreaders earn upwards of $50 per hour. 

In this article, we’ll cover the best 35 proofreading opportunities and sites online. 

Best Proofreading Jobs to Make Money Online

There’s a range of options for finding proofreading jobs online. Some sites will hire you directly and provide consistent work. Others are job boards where employers post about openings. You can also start a proofreading business and reach out to potential clients yourself. 

1. Upwork

Upwork is a freelance gig site. It’s a great place to start finding proofreading work for beginners. 

On Upwork, clients post freelance jobs with a description of the work and their budget. Freelancers respond with a proposal and their rate. The client then chooses who to hire. 

Upwork charges a 20% commission on most jobs. 

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2. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a unique job site that specializes in remote work opportunities. All of the openings are vetted to limit scams and ensure quality opportunities. 

There’s a fee to get full access to all of the jobs on Flexjobs. Because of the quality of posts, you might find the fee worth it, especially when you’re first getting started. Memberships start at $6.95 for one week. 

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is a job board aimed at—you guessed it—freelancers. The site operates similarly to Upwork. There are opportunities for every level of proofreader, from beginner to advanced.

When you find a post you’re interested in, create a pitch explaining why you’re the best person for the job. 

You can bid on six jobs per month for free and purchase additional bids as needed. Freelancer charges 10% of the cost of each project.

4. Fiverr

Fiverr is a gig site like Upwork and Freelancer. The difference is that you create a profile and let clients come to you rather than bidding on jobs.

You can set your rates on Fiverr, but keep in mind that you’ll be competing with other proofreaders. The amount you can earn is often low at first. As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can increase your prices. 

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5. Domainite

Domainite offers services to businesses, including web design, marketing, and print materials. They hire people directly to proofread business copy for their clients. The pay is relatively low, but the site can be a good way to start getting experience. 

You’ll earn around $0.25 for every 100 words you complete. Payment occurs weekly through PayPal. 

To get started, you’ll need to create a profile and proofread a 300-word sample. 

6. Polished Paper

Polished Paper specializes in proofreading and editing services. They hire editors directly.

Freelancers who work with Polished Paper say they earn $10 to $45 an hour. That’s a wide range, but the amount you earn depends on your experience, skill, and speed.

To sign up, register for a user account and upload your resume. You’ll then need to complete a 35-question editor test. 

7. LinkedIn

You probably know LinkedIn as a place for professional networking. It can also help you find proofreading gigs. 

There are a couple of ways to use the site. You can list your proofreading services on your profile and reach out to potential clients to offer your work. Or, you can browse the job posting section. You’ll find both freelance and traditional positions you can apply for.

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8. Mediabistro

Mediabistro is a job board with a focus on media-related jobs. Companies like CNN, PBS, Fox News, and many others list openings on the site. It takes some time to look through all the posts, but there are often excellent opportunities here. 

One perk of Mediabistro is that you can sign up for job alerts for specific keywords, like “proofreader.” You’ll get an email when relevant jobs are posted.

9. Get Editing Jobs

Get Editing Jobs is a community where employers list editing job opportunities. You’ll find jobs related to writing, editing, and proofreading. 

There’s a list of featured posts on the site’s homepage. You can also view High Paid Postings to see jobs with a listed salary of $100,000 or more. To narrow things down to proofreading only, use the keyword search. 

10. Lionbridge

Lionbridge offers translation and other communication services to large brands. The company hires freelance proofreaders, translators, interpreters, and more.

There aren’t always proofreading openings available, but it’s worth checking the site regularly. When you apply, you’ll need to take a test to show your skills.

According to Glassdoor, Lionbridge pays proofreaders an average of $24 an hour.

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11. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal works with U.S. college students and graduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Others can apply if they have five years of experience as a proofreader. 

According to the site, you can earn $500 to $3,000 per month. 

To apply, you’ll need to fill out a questionnaire and upload a cover letter and resume. If you meet the qualifications, ProofreadingPal will reach out to you with the next steps, including a timed exam. 

12. Reedsy

Reedsy is a marketplace for authors, some of whom need a proofreader for their book or other work. The site is free to join, and Reedsy charges a commission of 10% for completed projects. 

To get started, you’ll create a profile. Potential clients can then request a quote from you. To keep competition reasonable, clients can only ask for five quotes at a time. This is a major benefit compared to some bidding sites. 

13. Indeed

Indeed is a great place to research jobs, look up salary information, and read employer reviews. But did you know you can find job postings on the site? 

Setting up a job profile on Indeed makes it easy to search and apply. You can customize your search based on whether it’s remote, the estimated salary, required experience level, and much more.

Some other job sites let you apply using your Indeed profile. 

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14. Monster

Along with LinkedIn, Monster is one of the biggest job search sites there is. A search for “proofreader” returned 2,065 jobs on the site. 

Many of the listings on Monster include salary information and other helpful details. If you like, you can narrow your search to remote jobs only. 

Once you register, you can apply to openings directly through Monster. 

15. ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com provides editing services to more than 10,000 clients around the world. They also offer publishing help for authors. 

The pay for freelance proofreaders ranges from $19 to $46 per hour. Jobs with urgent deadlines pay the most. 

To apply, you’ll need to complete a 20-minute test, which includes multiple-choice questions and a short writing sample.

16. Guru.com

Guru is a job site for freelancers similar to Upwork and Fiverr. Proofreading is one of the top skills listed on the site. 

You can bid on open opportunities or build a profile and let clients request a quote from you. 

A free basic membership lets freelancers send ten quotes each month. Guru charges a commission of 9% for each job. 

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17. Craigslist

The quality of job posts on Craiglist varies. But sometimes you’ll come across opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Since you’re looking for remote jobs, you can start with the Craiglist page for any big city. If you don’t find anything, just try a different city. 

Check out “writing” in the Gigs section of the site. And, under the Jobs header, try “writing/editing.” From there, you can search for posts containing the word “proofreader.” 

18. Scribbr

Scribbr offers academic proofreading and other services aimed at students. According to Scribbr’s FAQ, you can expect to earn $25 to $30 an hour. 

To apply, you’ll need to take a language quiz, upload your resume and a written statement, and edit a sample text. If Scribbr approves your application, you can join the Scribbr Academy to learn their system. Next, you’ll complete up to five simulated orders and receive feedback.

Once you pass the academy, you can begin editing orders. 

19. Clickworker

Clickworker offers services such as surveys, translation, and content writing. Their business model includes a network of Clickworkers—freelancers who complete small tasks such as proofreading a text. 

To sign up, create a profile and take the assigned proofreading tests. The company then requires you to complete a few text creation jobs to get a feel for the process. Once you’ve done that, you can take a proofreader assessment. 

The pay on Clickworker varies depending on the client’s desired quality and other factors.

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20. SmartBrief

SmartBrief is a news website specializing in business and technology. They sometimes have openings for editors and proofreaders. Head to the Careers page to see current opportunities. 100% of the work is remote and there are full-time, part-time, and freelance positions.

SmartBrief reportedly pays proofreaders $15 an hour. A copy editor position pays around $24 an hour.

21. Edit911

Edit911 has much stricter requirements than the other sites on our list. You’ll need a Ph.D. in English or another applicable field. You need to be a published author and either a teacher or book editor. You should understand styles such as APA and MLA. And finally, you need to be proficient in Microsoft Word and one other software application, like InDesign or Publisher. 

If you meet all of the qualifications, send your resume and a writing sample to Edit911 for review. 

22. Wordvice

Wordvice isn’t quite as picky as Edit911, but they do ask that you have a graduate degree. If you’re working toward a graduate degree, that’s okay too. You’ll also need two years of editing experience. 

All of the work on Wordvice is freelance and part-time. When you apply, they ask that you include your desired pay rate. 

After you submit your application and resume, you’ll need to complete an editing sample. 

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23. Gramlee

Gramlee offers copy-editing and proofreading. They work for authors, business people, and Ph.D. students.

There isn’t a published pay rate for Gramlee. We do know that they charge clients $0.03 per word for up to 3,000 words, which is fairly low.  

To apply, all you need to do is fill out a short form. You’ll answer questions such as why you want to work with Gramlee and what makes you an outstanding candidate.

24. Scribe Writing

Scribe works primarily with book authors. They hire for both full-time and freelance roles. There aren’t always openings for proofreaders, but the site is worth checking. You can also request an email notification when there are new postings. 

The pay at Scribe depends on the project, but for proofreading a book manuscript, it’s around $0.01 per word.

Apply using your Indeed or LinkedIn profile. Or, you can upload a resume and answer some questions about yourself.

25. EditFast

EditFast is a simple site that offers editing services. 

There are a few requirements. You’ll need a degree from an approved university and past editing or proofreading experience. To apply, set up a profile and complete three proofreading tests.

EditFast takes 40% of the final price for any project. Overall pay depends on the project and the client’s budget.

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26. American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts (AJE) offer editing services for academics in a variety of fields. They typically have openings for editors in specific topics, like business, engineering, or life sciences. You can apply either as a full-time employee or a freelancer. 

AJE requires editors to have a graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program. 

To apply, fill out the application form and upload your cover letter and resume. If you have an Indeed profile, you can use it to autofill the form. 

27. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media, also known as Kirkus Reviews, is a book review magazine. They sometimes have openings for book editors, reviewers, and related positions. While there aren’t always open jobs, it’s worth checking out their site. You can find listings on the Careers page. 

Kirkus prefers editors who have worked with a top book publisher in the U.S., like Macmillan or HarperCollins. You’ll also need expert knowledge of Chicago style guidelines.

28. Wordfirm Inc.

Wordfirm Inc. offers editorial services to government agencies, nonprofits, and more. They hire editors who have a college degree and five years of experience. 

There aren’t always openings, but you can fill out an application at any time. You’ll need to provide a fair amount of detail about your experience with proofreading. If you’re also interested in editing, writing, or graphic design, you can fill out those sections. 

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29. Start a Business 

If you want more control over your proofreading career, consider starting a business. You’ll need to learn to market your skills and find potential clients. The trade-off is that you can set rates and decide who to work with.

To get started, create a website or fine-tune your LinkedIn profile (or both). You’ll want to show off your skills and samples of your work, and let clients find you. Some freelancers do a couple of free proofreading jobs to use as samples when they first start out. 

30. Writer’s Job Shop

Writer’s Job Shop is a site that connects freelance writers, editors, and proofreaders with clients. They pay per page and rates depend on the project. You’ll receive payment once per month through PayPal or wire transfer.

If you have a college degree in any subject, you can apply. The support team will review your application and respond within seven business days. If you’re approved, you can start choosing jobs from the listings on the site.

31. Writing Jobz

Writing Jobz is a freelance gig site specializing in academic and business writing. 100 or more new projects are posted every day for writers, editors, and proofreaders. The amount you’ll earn depends on the specifics of the gig, but for proofreaders, it’s up to $11 per page.

To apply, create an account and provide some info about your background and interests. 

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32. OneSpace

OneSpace is an online platform built for freelancers looking for online flexible work. They’re regularly looking for writers, editors, and proofreaders.

The cool thing about OneSpace is that if the position that fits your skill set (i.e. proofreading) is not available, you can submit an application online so when that relevant opportunity becomes available they’ll contact you.

33. Scribendi

Scribendi offers editorial services for academics and businesses. They hire for both in-house and freelance positions, which are listed on the Careers page. To qualify, you’ll need a degree in a related field and three years of experience. Having a graduate degree will give you an advantage, but it isn’t required.

According to Indeed and Glassdoor, an average proofreader for Scribendi earns $15 to $20 an hour.

34. R3ciprocity

R3ciprocity is an innovative community where you can earn credits by providing feedback on people’s writing. If you’re a writer yourself, you can trade your credits to get input from others. But you can also turn them into cash.

When you sign up, the admin team will verify your skills by having you edit several short documents. Once you’re approved, you can start editing.  

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35. Job Boards

We’ve mentioned a few job boards on this list so far, like Get Editing Jobs and Media Bistro. There are many more out there. Some focus on writing and editing-related jobs, while others are more general. With any of them, it will take a little time to find listings that interest you. But that effort can pay off.

Some of the job boards we recommend for proofreaders are JournalismJobs, ProBlogger, and BloggingPro. 

Pros of Proofreading Jobs

There are a lot of pros to working as a proofreader. This is especially true if you have a talent for spotting errors or are willing to learn. Below are some of the main benefits. 

• Work from home or wherever you prefer
• Lots of opportunities for beginners 
• Low startup costs if you open a business
• No degree or certification is required for many jobs

Cons of Proofreading Jobs

Here are some of the disadvantages you should be aware of when it comes to proofreading work. 

• Tight deadlines are the norm
• Work can get tedious
• Pay is lower at first
• Need to learn multiple style guides (Chicago, MLA, etc.)

Tools & Resources for Online Proofreaders

One great thing about proofreading online is that there are many helpful tools available. Some will help with grammar rules, while others are essential for collaborating with clients.

Grammarly

Grammarly scans any text you enter for grammatical errors. It’s easy to use and provides feedback so you can learn as you go.

You can use Grammarly for free or buy a premium membership for advanced tools such as plagiarism detection.

Ginger

Ginger is another grammar checking tool that has a free plan and premium options. You can use it online, or install an app or Chrome extension. It can also integrate with Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Hemingway App

Hemingway is a free, simple online tool that provides specific feedback. Use it to check a text’s readability and scan for passive voice and other potential issues. 

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is an alternative to Grammarly and Ginger that claims to offer more features than any other software. It has a free option, a subscription plan, and a lifetime access plan. 

Google Docs

Google Docs has a built-in spelling and grammar checker. It’s not as thorough as some of the tools above, but it can help you with basic corrections. 

Many clients and sites also use Docs to collaborate on documents. For example, a client might share a text and ask you to track your changes as you proofread. 

Dropbox

Like Google Docs, Dropbox lets you share and collaborate on documents. The free version offers 2 GB of storage, and you can upgrade if needed.

AP Stylebook

Nearly every proofreading job requires you to follow a certain style. Journalists and newspapers typically use AP (Associated Press). The AP Stylebook provides guidance on comma usage, capitalization, citing sources, and much more. 

You can access the current Stylebook online for $27 per year or purchase a spiral-bound copy for $26.95. 

Chicago Manual of Style

Academics, book publishers, and businesses often use Chicago style. 

You can access the Chicago Manual of Style online for one year for $41. To buy a print edition and access the online guide for a year, you’ll pay $76. 

FAQ About Proofreading Jobs

Now that you’ve read about some of the best online proofreading jobs, you might have questions. Here are our answers to some common queries about proofreading.

What Is Proofreading?

Proofreading is the art of correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in a piece of writing. 

Wondering if proofreading and editing are the same thing? These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences. Editing involves more significant changes to a text than proofreading. Editors complete tasks such as changing the structure of a text to improve flow.

How Much Do Online Proofreaders Earn?

There are a few factors that influence what you can earn as a proofreader. Your experience, the hours you put in, and whether you work as an employee or freelancer are some of them. 

On Salary.com, the median annual pay listed for a proofreader is $53,329. ZipRecruiter shows a similar average salary of $51,305.

Are Proofreaders in Demand?

Proofreaders are just as in demand as they’ve ever been, if not more so. A search on LinkedIn for proofreading jobs in the U.S. returns 14,177 results.

There’s no shortage of online publications and websites that need proofreading. Print magazines haven’t gone completely out of style and they need editing as well. The rise in self-publishing means that new authors need proofreading help too.

How Do I Become a Proofreader?

One great thing about proofreading is that there’s a relatively low barrier to entry. All you truly need to start earning some money is an eye for grammar and spelling. If you don’t feel confident in those skills, there are plenty of free online resources to help you brush up. 

There are many proofreading courses available that can help with both language skills and running a business.

From there, use the sites listed above to start gaining experience.

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Proofreader?

You’ll need excellent grammar and spelling skills in the language you want to proofread. You’ll also benefit from good time management skills, as proofreading often involves tight deadlines. 

Proofreading vs. Copy Editing: What’s the Difference?

Copy editing and proofreading are related, but they aren’t the same thing. A copy editor looks at a document first. They make changes to the structure and readability of the work. After that, a proofreader looks for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

How to Find Work as a Proofreader?

To start finding work as a proofreader, check out the sites and apps in our list above. While this is a relatively easy field to break into, it can take some time to start earning. Be patient and if one site or client doesn’t work out, move to the next.

How Much Do Proofreaders Make Per Hour? 

You won’t necessarily be paid by the hour as a proofreader. Some clients prefer to pay per word or project. 

Based on the average annual salary of $53,329 listed on Salary.com, you would earn about $26 per hour. Complete beginners might start at around $15. Those with more experience can easily earn $50 or more per hour. 

Do I Need to Have a Degree to Proofread?

Some sites and clients require you to have a degree. But in general, your skills, experience, and willingness to work hard are more important than a degree.

Are There Any Good Proofreading Courses? 

If you’re new to proofreading or just need a refresher, there are many quality courses online. They’ll teach you the nitty-gritty details of proofreading itself. And, they’ll teach you the other aspects of the job, like marketing and networking.

Some of the most popular courses are from ProofreadAnywhere.com. They offer a completely free 76-minute training that will help you get started. 

How to Choose Your Rate as a Proofreader?

If you start a proofreading business or use a bidding site like Upwork, you’ll need to choose your rates.

Don’t make the mistake of charging bottom-of-the-barrel rates to try to land clients. You won’t be earning enough to make your work worthwhile. Professional clients will also doubt the quality of your work if your rates are too low. 

The Editorial Freelancers Association provides data on what freelance proofreaders typically charge. According to their 2020 survey, the median rate per hour was between $31 and $45, depending on the subject. The rate per word ranged from $0.02 to $0.049.

Final Thoughts

Proofreading can be a side hustle or a full-time job. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities to make good money online. 

Some of the jobs on this list require a degree and they might pay a little more to start. But don’t get discouraged if you don’t have any formal education or training. There are tons of possibilities for beginners with no degree or prior experience. 

With some practice and patience, you can turn proofreading into a lucrative career.

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