Proofreader

Proofreaders play a crucial role in the publishing and communications industries, ensuring that written content is polished, accurate, and free from errors. With the rise of digital media, their expertise is more vital than ever for maintaining credibility and professionalism in a global marketplace.

Proofreader

40

Communications and Media

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO40%moving to78%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £24,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI can already do some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior ProofreaderAs a Junior Proofreader, you will assist in reviewing content under the guidance of senior proofreaders and editors. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain experience in the publishing industry.£20,000 - £24,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level ProofreaderIn a Mid-Level Proofreader role, you will take on more responsibility, working independently on various projects and providing feedback to writers and editors. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining the quality of published materials.£26,000 - £32,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior ProofreaderAs a Senior Proofreader, you will lead proofreading projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure that all content meets the highest standards. Your role will be pivotal in shaping the quality of publications and guiding the editorial process.£38,000+
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.

Careermash

Careermash: navigate your career path with real data. Explore career profiles, salary benchmarks, AI impact forecasts, and the qualifications you need to get there.


AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

Part of the Sand Education ecosystem:Spill.orgWhatSchool.aiWhatCareer.netCourseMash.org