Proofreading rates vary from person to person, project to project, and even location to location. Generally speaking, most freelance proofreaders charge per-word or per-page rate. The most commonly used per-word rate range is between 5-20 cents per word, while freelance per-page or per-1000-words rate range is usually between $2-30, depending on the complexity of the document.
If you are hiring a professional proofreader, you should consider all the details of your project to decide on the most suitable rate. You should also consider the proofreader's experience, expertise, and qualifications before making your decision. Additionally, a proofreader's rate is usually dependent on the scope of the project and the turnaround time.
As a general rule of thumb, the more complex the project, the higher the rate. Moreover, more experienced proofreaders often charge more than less experienced ones. Lastly, the more time the proofreader has to complete a project, the lower the rate may be.
Ultimately, determining a fair rate for proofreading is dependent on the individual needs of your project. That is why it is best to take the time to research and compare different proofreaders and their rates to determine who is the best candidate for your project.