The exact amount you can expect to be paid for proofreading can vary a great deal depending on a few key factors. Generally speaking, the rate of pay per word is determined by the type of proofreading being done, the experience of the proofreader, and the difficulty of the material.
For basic proofreading of simple materials, novice proofreaders may charge anywhere from 0.3 to 1 cent per word. This amount can be adjusted as the proofreader develops more experience and increases their skill set.
More complex proofreading can be much higher, with fees ranging anywhere from 4 cents per word to 15 cents per word or more. As a rule of thumb, the higher the difficulty of the material, the higher the per-word rate. For example, proofreading highly technical subject matter such as programming code or legal documents may command a higher rate than proofreading of a children’s storybook.
It’s also important to consider the time it takes to complete the proofreading job. Longer projects may require a higher per-word fee than shorter projects, because the proofreader will be spending more time looking over and correcting the material. This is why it’s always important for a proofreader to include a detailed estimate of time required to finish a job and negotiate the rate accordingly.
In summary, the amount a proofreader earns per word can vary quite a bit. Generally speaking, the rate of pay per word is determined by type of proofreading, the experience of the proofreader, and the difficulty of the material. A novice proofreader may charge anywhere from 0.3 to 1 cent per word for basic proofreading, while more complex proofreading can be as high as 15 cents per word or more.
