37 Best Online Proofreading Jobs in 2023 (Earn up to $50/Hour)

Last updated Jul. 5, 2024 by Peter Jakes

In today’s digital age, proofreading has emerged as a lucrative career option, offering people the chance to work remotely and earn a good income. As the demand for content skyrockets across websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials, the need for meticulous, detail-oriented proofreaders is higher than ever. Here are 37 of the best online proofreading jobs that can help you earn up to $50 an hour in 2023.

1. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal offers a wide range of proofreading and editing services. They require prospective proofreaders to have a minimum of a Ph.D., MBA, or five years of experience in proofreading. Pay rates start from $500 to $3000 a month.

2. Cactus Global

Cactus Global hires freelance editors and proofreaders in various academic fields. They offer flexible hours and the ability to work remotely. Depending on experience, proofreaders can earn a competitive salary.

3. Scribendi

With Scribendi, you can work from anywhere in the world. They cater primarily to academic and business documents, providing consistent work for freelancers. Proofreaders can expect to earn between $20-$30 per hour.

4. Polished Paper

Polished Paper requires applicants to pass a 35-question test before they are considered. They provide consistent editing and proofreading tasks for freelancers, and pay varies based on project complexity.

5. ProofreadingServices.com

This company offers flexible part-time and full-time proofreading opportunities. They pay well, with rates between $19-$46 per hour depending on turnaround time.

6. EditFast

EditFast connects proofreaders with clients in need of editing services. The company takes a 40% commission, but proofreaders can still make good money thanks to a large client base.

7. Wordvice

Wordvice is a professional editing service that hires freelance editors and proofreaders. The work involves academic editing for non-native English speakers. Proofreaders here can earn up to $24 per hour.

8. Kibin

Kibin offers editing and proofreading services primarily for students and academics. They offer flexible work hours, allowing proofreaders to work as much or as little as they like.

9. Gramlee

Gramlee is always looking for detail-oriented proofreaders. They focus on high-quality editing work, and the pay is competitive, typically around $15-$20 per hour.

10. Clickworker

Clickworker offers various microtasks, including proofreading. While it might not pay as high as some other sites, it provides consistent work and can be a good side gig.

11. Literably

Literably offers proofreading opportunities that involve transcribing and correcting students’ reading tests. You can work from home with flexible hours.

12. Reedsy

Reedsy is a marketplace where authors can hire professional proofreaders. The site requires proofreaders to have specific experience in the publishing industry. Pay rates are high, ranging from $20-$50 per hour.

13. Edit911

Edit911 hires proofreaders who hold a Ph.D. to edit manuscripts, academic papers, and books. They offer competitive pay rates, making it an excellent option for those highly qualified individuals.

14. Upwork

Upwork is a freelancing platform where you can offer your proofreading services directly to clients. Rates vary widely but finding the right clients can lead to substantial income.

15. Freelancer

Freelancer works similarly to Upwork in terms of bidding for jobs. It offers plenty of proofreading job listings for freelancers to choose from.

16. Fiverr

Fiverr allows you to create a gig offering proofreading services. While the platform takes a commission, it offers broad exposure to clients looking for proofreaders.

17. Lionbridge

Lionbridge hires freelance proofreaders for various projects, typically involving multimedia content. The pay is competitive, though it can vary depending on the project.

18. SmartBrief

SmartBrief hires remote editors and proofreaders to work on its industry-specific newsletters. They offer steady work with daily deadlines.

19. Magoosh

Magoosh offers proofreading jobs related to educational content, especially test preparation materials. Proofreaders are required to work a minimum number of hours per week.

20. Domainite

Domainite offers proofreading and editing services for various types of content. They require a sample edit before you start working and typically offer less than $10 per page.

21. Proofreading Whiz

Proofreading Whiz provides a platform for proofreaders to connect with clients. While the site is relatively new, it holds promise for freelancers willing to establish their portfolio.

22. Scribe Media

Scribe Media looks for proofreaders with editing experience, especially in book editing. They offer a generous pay rate and steady work.

23. Proofread Now

Proofread Now provides editing and proofreading services for business and academic papers. They offer competitive pay rates depending on the length and complexity of the project.

24. WordsRU

WordsRU is an editing and proofreading service where proofreaders are hired on a contract basis. They accept candidates with a Master’s degree or higher in English.

25. Cambridge Proofreading

Cambridge Proofreading offers remote proofreading positions for qualified proofreaders. They require a graduate degree and several years of experience in academic editing.

26. FirstEditing

FirstEditing specializes in book editing and proofreading. They hire experienced editors and pay competitive rates for high-quality work.

27. English Trackers

English Trackers specializes in academic proofreading. They hire Ph.D. experts in various fields and offer flexible working hours with reasonable pay.

28. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job search board offering freelance proofreading positions. It’s necessary to pay a subscription fee, but it often lists high-quality remote jobs.

29. American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts (AJE) focuses on academic proofreading and hires subject-matter experts. The company provides steady work with competitive pay.

30. ProofreadBot

ProofreadBot offers online proofreading services. While the site offers lower pay rates, it is a good starting point for beginners.

31. OneSpace

OneSpace provides various freelance assignments, including proofreading. The platform connects freelancers with clients across different industries.

32. Editor World

Editor World hires freelance proofreaders with a degree in English or a related field. They offer competitive pay rates and flexible working conditions.

33. Indeed

Indeed is a job search engine that offers plenty of remote proofreading opportunities from various companies.

34. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour allows you to offer your proofreading services and connect with clients. It functions similarly to Fiverr and Upwork.

35. Guru

Guru is a freelancing platform where you can offer your proofreading services to clients. Like Upwork and Fiverr, it offers a wide range of opportunities.

36. Pro Editing Services

Pro Editing Services looks for experienced proofreaders to work on a wide range of documents. They offer steady work and competitive pay rates.

37. TripleCurve

TripleCurve looks for proofreaders to edit educational content. They hire on a freelance basis and offer flexible work hours.

FAQs

What do proofreaders do?

Proofreaders ensure that written content is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. They review texts for consistency and clarity, providing the final polish before publication.

How much can a proofreader earn?

Earnings can range from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and the complexity of the work.

Do I need a degree to become a proofreader?

While a degree can be beneficial, many proofreading jobs value experience and a keen eye for detail over formal qualifications. However, for academic and specialized proofreading, advanced degrees may be required.

Can proofreading be a full-time career?

Yes, proofreading can be a full-time career, especially if you build a strong client base or work for a company offering steady work. Freelancers often combine multiple clients to maintain a full-time workload.

How do I start as a proofreader?

Starting as a proofreader involves building a strong command of the English language, gaining experience (potentially through initial low-paying or volunteer opportunities), and creating a portfolio to showcase your skills. Joining freelancing platforms and applying to specialized proofreading companies can also help you get started.

Is proofreading the same as editing?

No, proofreading focuses specifically on correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. Editing, on the other hand, involves more in-depth changes including content restructuring, improving clarity, and refining the overall flow of the text.