How to Become a Proofreader from Home with No Experience

Are you the kind of person who instantly spots typos, misplaced commas, or awkward sentence structures? If so, becoming a professional proofreader might be just the opportunity you've been looking for! Whether you're seeking a flexible work-from-home schedule or a side hustle that pays well, proofreading could be a great fit.

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about becoming a proofreader—including what the job involves, the skills you'll need, how much you can earn, where to find proofreading jobs, and more.

What Is Proofreading, Exactly?

Proofreading is often mistaken for editing, but the two are not the same. While editing may involve improving clarity, tone, and structure, proofreading focuses on catching surface-level errors before a piece of writing is published or submitted.

A proofreader’s job is to spot and correct:

• Spelling mistakes
• Grammatical errors
• Punctuation issues
• Typographical errors
• Inconsistent formatting
• Incorrect verb tenses

Proofreaders work across a wide range of materials—everything from blog posts and website content to books, academic papers, marketing materials, and even legal documents.

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Is Proofreading Right for You?

Proofreading requires a keen eye for detail and a strong grasp of language rules. It’s not for everyone—but if you enjoy correcting grammar, have a love for polished writing, and always find yourself spotting errors on menus or signs, this might just be the perfect gig for you.

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Editing and Proofreading Jobs Comparison

An editor checks a written text at a structural level. Editors may change the sequence or order of thoughts or improve the sentences without changing their intended meaning. 

Proofreading, on the other hand, is the final stage of text preparation. As a proofreader, you do not modify the text at a structural level. Instead, you correct errors and inconsistencies in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, among others in a text that already went through an editorial process.

Your goal as a proofreader is to polish and perfect a properly edited text and make it ready for publication. 

You might believe that proofreading is as easy as replacing commas with periods and that using a sophisticated proofreading program would be enough to spot these errors. 

In reality, professional proofreaders follow a systematic approach to spotting and correcting errors. And this is where learning this approach is key to becoming a successful proofreader.

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Proofreading Online Rates: How Much Do Proofreaders Make? 

Proofreading continues to be a viable and rewarding career option, whether you're freelancing or working in a specialized field like legal proofreading. 

Here's the latest data on what proofreaders are earning:

Average Proofreader Salaries

• Hourly Rates: According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for proofreaders in the United States is $27.65 as of April 2025. Rates typically range between $20.43 (25th percentile) and $33.65 (75th percentile), with top earners making up to $43.99 per hour.
• Annual Salaries: Glassdoor reports that the estimated total pay for proofreaders is $67,040 per year, with an average base salary of $57,947 and additional pay (such as bonuses) averaging $9,093.

Legal Proofreading Pays More

If you're considering a niche like legal proofreading, the compensation is even more competitive:

• Legal Proofreaders: ZipRecruiter notes that legal proofreaders earn an average of $27.65 per hour, with annual salaries around $57,520.
• Top-Paying Cities: In cities like San Mateo County, CA, legal proofreaders can earn up to $84,667 annually, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand in these areas. 

Freelance Proofreading Opportunities

Freelance proofreaders also enjoy substantial earnings:

• Freelance Proofreaders: Glassdoor estimates that freelance proofreaders earn an average of $51,976 per year, with total compensation (including bonuses) reaching up to $60,188 annually.

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Benefits of Working from Home as a Proofreader

Demand

Proofreading may be one of the lesser-known ways to make money from home. Yet, with the explosion of internet marketing, there is an incredibly high demand for proofreaders online.

There are 1.88+ billion active websites today, and just by looking at the Internet Live Stats' counter, we know that this figure is increasing at a fast rate.

Remote

You don’t need to be in any specific location to do the job… it’s all from your tablet or computer!

Pays Fairly Well

Proofreading jobs typically pay about $23 an hour which translates to over $40,000 per year if you work 40 hours per week. Your rates may increase considerably as you establish experience and credibility as a proofreader. 

You Can Work on Multiple Projects

Proofreader jobs are not limited to written publications, books, and novels. Your potential clients could include digital authors, freelance writers, bloggers, and website owners. 

But, that's not the only field that needs online proofreaders. Proofreaders are also in demand in the legal and medical fields. Legal proofreading jobs and medical proofreading jobs typically pay higher rates compared to general proofreading jobs. 

Perfect for Introverts 

If you are the type who prefers working alone, then this could be one of your best job options out there. With online proofreading jobs, you typically work by yourself from home. 

Read: 12 Best Jobs for People Who Hate People

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How Do I Become a Proofreader?

Spoiler alert: You don’t need an English degree, a bachelor’s degree, or an official “proofreader certification” to become a professional proofreader—this isn’t like becoming a CPA or lawyer where formal credentials are a must.

In fact, there are no strict educational requirements to enter the field of proofreading. That said, having an associate's or bachelor's degree—especially in English, journalism, or communications—can give you a competitive edge.

Most employers, however, may require you to pass a proofreading test to assess your skills. This is usually a timed exam that tests your skills in grammar, comprehension, punctuation, formatting, and more.

So, how do you become a proofreader without a degree? Here are some tips!

Develop the necessary skills

The first step to becoming a proofreader is acquiring the essential skills. These include:

• The ability to correct errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, formatting, and more
• Proficiency in the English language
• Strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with various style guides (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style, AP, APA, MLA, and others)
• Excellent communication skills

To hone your proofreading skills, here are a few helpful strategies:

• Read proofreading books, such as McGraw-Hill’s Proofreading Handbook, to learn the rules of proofreading, and grammar books like The Elements of Style.
• Browse through books on Goodreads that have received a lot of negative reviews for grammar errors. This will allow you to develop your eye for spotting mistakes, as well as give you more practice reading through text and figuring out the correct way words should be spelled or used in context.
• Take proofreading quizzes to learn what level skills you have
• Take an online course. A course can be very beneficial for anyone who wants to be a very proficient proofreader.

Create your own website

Since you’ll likely be working from home and finding clients online, having your own website is essential. It serves as both a portfolio and a credibility-builder for your services.

The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or be tech-savvy to create a professional website. You can get started in just 5 simple steps for less than $3 per month by following this tutorial here.

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Free Proofreading Workshop

One of the best ways to learn how to become a proofreader and kickstart your freelance career is by learning from those who’ve done it successfully.

Caitlin Pyle of Proofread Anywhere offers one of the most comprehensive online proofreading courses. To date, she has helped over 10,000 students learn how to become proofreaders and earn money from home.

Her signature course, General Proofreading: Theory and Practice, covers:

• How to make money proofreading books and blogs from home
• A proven, step-by-step proofreading process
• How to land your first clients
• Where and how to find high-paying clients
• Business setup, billing, taxes, and more

The course includes over 80 lessons across 10+ in-depth modules, grammar worksheets, quizzes, case studies, bonus eBooks, and more!

Read: Proofread Anywhere Review

Not Ready to Commit? Try the Free Workshop First!

If you’re not sure whether proofreading is right for you, start with Caitlin’s  free 76-minute workshop. It’s a great introduction to the world of proofreading and will help you evaluate your current skills and interest in the field.

Who is Caitlyn Pyle? 

Caitlyn started out as a proofreader for court reporters, and later on figured that she could actually make more money as a freelance proofreader than on her day job. 

She built her own freelance proofreading business, and in 2014, she earned around $48,000 proofreading online part-time.

Now, she's teaching people how to become a proofreader online using a process that works. She's already helped a lot of men and women make a full-time income with legitimate proofreading jobs online. 

Related post: 11 High-Income Skills to Make More Money Online

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Best Places to Find Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners

If you’re just starting out in proofreading, there are several reliable platforms where you can land your first gig. Below are some of the most beginner-friendly options:

1. Freelance Boards or Websites

You can find a variety of entry-level proofreading jobs on popular freelance platforms like:

• Freelancer
•  UpWork
•  People per Hour

These sites offer a large pool of freelance opportunities, but keep the following drawbacks in mind:

• High competition: Many freelancers apply for the same jobs, so it can be tough to stand out as a beginner.
• Limited free applications: On sites like Freelancer, you only get a limited number of free bids per month—unless you pay for additional ones.
• Lower pay rates: Entry-level gigs on these platforms often pay below industry averages.
• Service fees: You’ll pay a percentage of your earnings to the platform for each completed project.

2. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is our top recommended platform for finding flexible, remote jobs—including proofreading, virtual assistance, freelance writing, and more.

What sets FlexJobs apart:

• Every job listing is screened: FlexJobs thoroughly vets each post to eliminate scams and low-quality opportunities.
• Dedicated section for proofreading jobs: You won’t have to dig through unrelated gigs to find what you need.
• High-quality clients: Employers on FlexJobs often offer better rates and more reliable work.

Note: FlexJobs charges a small subscription fee of $14.95/month. While I usually caution against job boards that require payment, this one is well worth the investment due to its vetting process and job quality.

Special Offer for This Mama Blogs Readers: Use promo code FLEXLIFE to get an exclusive discount on your FlexJobs subscription. Click here to claim the offer.

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Online Proofreading Job Agencies

One of the easiest ways to find proofreading gigs—especially if you’re just starting out—is by applying to online proofreading agencies. These companies typically have a steady stream of projects, so you won’t need to chase clients constantly.

Keep in mind, though, that the pay may be lower than what you could earn as an independent freelancer. Still, these opportunities are a great way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and earn money while you improve your skills.

Here are some reputable companies that regularly hire proofreaders and editors. (You can also check out my running list of companies that hire proofreaders for more options.)

1. Babbletype 

Babbletype is a niche platform that primarily hires transcribers and proofreaders. They accept applicants from native English-speaking countries such as the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

• Cons: Only open to native English speakers
• Pay: Around $0.13 to $0.18 per word
• Pros: Specialized platform, steady work opportunities

2. Proofreading Pal 

Proofreading Pal provides professional proofreading and editing services and is constantly hiring qualified proofreaders.

• Cons: More stringent requirements than other platforms
• Requirements: You must hold a degree or be currently enrolled in college
• Quality control: Each document is reviewed by two proofreaders to ensure accuracy
• Earnings: Between $500 and $3,000 per month

3. ProofreadingServices.com 

To get started with Proofreading Services, you’ll need to pass a 20-minute screening test. This platform is ideal if you’re looking for flexibility and the ability to set your own hours.

• Pros: Flexible schedule, good income potential
• Note: Read our Proofreading Services Review for more insight

4. Gramlee 

Gramlee offers 24/7 access to proofreading jobs, making it a great option for people with non-traditional schedules.

• Turnaround time: Fast—expect to proofread 3,000-word documents within 24 hours
• Pros: Ideal for working at night or during quiet hours
• Cons: Requires the ability to work quickly without compromising quality

5. Kibin 

Kibin is a platform that provides proofreading services primarily to students, especially those who need their thesis and essays checked. The job board is open 24/7, and freelancers may get work on demand. 

Kibin is also known for its fair rates and sound management handling, as well as perks and bonuses. 

If you’d like to work with Kibin, make sure to check back every couple of hours because the workload can fluctuate every so often.  

6. Scribe Writing

Scribe Writing offers wonderful perks to full-time proofreaders, but there are also lots of work for freelancers as well. You may be able to earn an average of $50 per hour, so working with Scribe can be lucrative. 

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Ready to Kickstart Your Proofreading Career?

A lot of people and businesses are willing to pay for high-quality proofreaders, so proofreading can very well be a business that you can offer from the comfort of your own home!

You can get started by checking out Caitlyn’s 76-minute workshop. It’s completely FREE, and you’ll learn what proofreading is really all about and whether it’s for you. Who knows, you could be good at this, and proofreading can be your ticket to reaching your financial goals!