Will AI replace proofreaders?
Updated
Proofreaders score 76 of 100 for AI exposure. AI can already do 62% of their task time. AI speeds up the other 38%.
- 62% AI can do it
- 38% AI helps
Very high exposure
Higher than 100% of the 923 occupations we scored.
Task by task
We graded 11 tasks, listed here from most to least exposed. AI can do 6 of them today, speeds up 5 and leaves 0 to people.
| Task | AI exposure |
|---|---|
| Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors. Automated comparison matches figures and data against source records. | 85% AI can do it |
| Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks. AI reliably flags typos, grammar and punctuation errors in text. | 80% AI can do it |
| Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made. Diff and comparison tools can verify every correction was applied. | 80% AI can do it |
| Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found. AI can log and correct omissions and inconsistencies in text. | 75% AI can do it |
| Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition. AI checks grammar rules fast, but readers still needed for some checks. | 70% AI helps |
| Write original content, such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy. AI drafts headlines, captions and cover copy; a person approves. | 70% AI can do it |
| Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting. Routing marked proofs is email and workflow software work. | 65% AI can do it |
| Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs. Search and archiving tools speed research, but a person judges sources. | 65% AI helps |
| Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names. Text-to-speech can read proofs aloud, but a human leads the check. | 55% AI helps |
| Typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements, such as copy and illustrations, to verify conformance to specifications, using printer's ruler or layout software. Layout software and scripts help, but spacing checks need human judgement. | 45% AI helps |
| Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions. AI drafts change notes, but consultation needs live human discussion. | 35% AI helps |
How proofreaders compare
All occupations (923)
Office and administrative support (51)
Pay and outlook in the US
- Median pay
- $51,120 a year, May 2025
- People employed
- 4,580 in the US, May 2025
- Projected change in jobs
- -0.9% from 2024 to 2034
Skills to build
- Mark copy with standard printers' marks in Adobe InDesign
- Check house style rules in Microsoft Word review tools
- Verify page layout and spacing in Adobe InDesign
- Confirm proof corrections in Microsoft Excel comparison sheets
- Read proof sheets aloud for proper names and unusual spellings
Safer roles nearby
5 related occupations with lower scores.
Questions about proofreaders and AI
Will proofreaders be replaced by AI?
Partly. About 7 in 10 working hours go to tasks AI can already do, mostly comparing figures against source records and marking typos, grammar and punctuation errors. Proofreaders stay on the work that needs a person to judge sources, check spacing and read proper names aloud.
Which proofreader tasks is AI taking over?
Comparing figures on one record against other records or original copy has an exposure score of 85, so automated comparison now matches data against source files. Marking typos, grammar and punctuation errors, exposure 80, is also handled well by AI, which flags most errors in seconds.
Which proofreader tasks stay human?
Consulting with authors and editors on manuscript changes has the lowest exposure score, 35, because it needs live discussion. Reading proof sheets aloud and checking spacing in layout software also stay with people, since a person must lead the check and judge spacing.
How can proofreaders stay valuable as AI takes on more checking?
Move toward the steps AI handles poorly, such as reviewing final InDesign layouts for spacing and placement. Learn to set up and audit automated comparison and diff tools in Word and Excel, then sign off on the results. Keep direct contact with authors and editors on changes.
Related jobs
Next steps for proofreaders
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