When I first started looking into online proofreading jobs, I wasn’t sure where to begin or if it was even possible to earn a substantial income from home. However, after doing some research and diving in, I realized that there are numerous opportunities available, even for beginners. In fact, many of these proofreading jobs can pay up to $50 an hour or more if you know where to look and how to market your skills. Here’s a list of 25 of the best online proofreading jobs that I’ve found for beginners looking to earn money from home.
1. ProofreadingServices.com
This is one of the most reputable platforms I came across. ProofreadingServices.com hires beginners and offers competitive pay rates. They assign you work based on your experience level, and the pay can go up to $50/hr as you gain experience.
2. Scribbr
Scribbr is an excellent option for new proofreaders. They specialize in academic proofreading, helping students with their thesis, essays, and dissertations. The pay is based on word count, and many proofreaders here make $25–$50/hr depending on the project.
3. Grammarly
While Grammarly is widely known as a proofreading tool, they also hire proofreaders. Becoming a Grammarly reviewer allows you to work as an editor, earning money by helping to improve articles, blogs, and documents. The pay can vary, but skilled proofreaders can earn up to $50/hr.
4. Reedsy
Reedsy is a great platform for freelance editors and proofreaders, especially for those interested in book proofreading. I found that Reedsy offers a wide range of editing and proofreading opportunities for all skill levels, and rates can easily go up to $50/hr depending on the type of work.
5. Freelancer
Freelancer is a popular freelance platform where I was able to find multiple proofreading jobs. Here, you can bid on projects, and as you build your reputation, you can command higher rates. Experienced proofreaders can easily reach $50/hr.
6. Upwork
Upwork is another fantastic platform where I found a variety of proofreading gigs. As a beginner, I started with lower rates to build my portfolio, but once I established myself, I raised my prices. Many clients are willing to pay $50/hr for skilled proofreaders.
7. EditFast
EditFast connects freelancers with clients needing editing and proofreading services. The site is straightforward, and while it takes some time to get established, it’s an excellent platform to find consistent work. Pay rates range from $20/hr to $50/hr based on experience.
8. ProBlogger Job Board
The ProBlogger Job Board features multiple proofreading job listings. As a beginner, you can find blog proofreading and editing gigs. Over time, as your experience grows, you’ll be able to charge higher rates, even up to $50/hr.
9. ProofreadingPal
ProofreadingPal hires freelance proofreaders for both academic and business documents. They offer competitive pay rates, and many beginners start earning around $25/hr. With more experience, you can increase your rate to $50/hr.
10. Polished Paper
Polished Paper hires entry-level proofreaders to work on academic papers, business documents, and more. I started here as a beginner and gradually built my skills, moving up to higher-paying opportunities as I proved my expertise. Rates can go up to $50/hr.
11. EditingProofreadingJobs.com
This site has a job board specifically for proofreading and editing jobs. As a beginner, I found several freelance gigs here, from content editing to academic proofreading. Pay can range from $25/hr to $50/hr depending on the job.
12. Clickworker
Clickworker offers small proofreading tasks, and while the pay per task is low at first, you can build up to more lucrative projects. It’s a good starting point for beginners, and if you’re diligent, you can earn $50/hr on higher-paying tasks.
13. Gramlee
Gramlee is another proofreading company that hires freelancers, and they provide consistent work. I found that they offer steady pay rates and allow for flexible hours. You can earn up to $50/hr if you’re skilled and can handle large amounts of work.
14. SmartBrief
SmartBrief hires proofreaders to work on newsletters, articles, and reports. This is a good option for those who want to work in a more specialized industry, and pay can go up to $50/hr for experienced proofreaders.
15. Wordy
Wordy is an online proofreading platform that specializes in fast-turnaround work. As a beginner, I found that the pay started lower but increased as I gained experience and demonstrated my efficiency. Wordy pays well for skilled proofreaders, and I eventually worked my way up to $50/hr.
16. VIA Editorial
VIA Editorial hires both beginner and experienced proofreaders to work on various types of documents. Whether you’re proofreading business reports or academic papers, VIA Editorial provides consistent opportunities. Pay can start at $25/hr and increase with experience.
17. Editage
Editage specializes in academic proofreading for research papers, theses, and manuscripts. They offer a steady stream of work and allow beginners to start at competitive rates. As you gain experience, the pay can easily reach $50/hr.
18. Booher Research Institute
This company offers proofreading jobs to freelancers, particularly for research and business documents. It’s a great platform for beginners, with rates starting around $25/hr but quickly climbing as your skills improve.
19. Lionbridge
Lionbridge offers online proofreading positions for beginners. They specialize in various fields like legal and medical proofreading, which can pay higher rates. As a beginner, I started with basic projects, but I eventually worked my way up to $50/hr with specialized work.
20. Textbroker
Textbroker is a freelance writing platform, but they also have proofreading opportunities. You can get paid based on your level of expertise, and many proofreaders earn up to $50/hr for high-quality work.
21. Bitesize Bio
Bitesize Bio offers proofreading and editing jobs, especially for science-related documents. If you have a background in science, this is a great opportunity, and pay rates can reach $50/hr for specialized work.
22. American Journal Experts (AJE)
AJE hires proofreaders for scientific and academic documents. Beginners can earn around $30/hr, and as you gain more expertise, rates increase to $50/hr or more.
23. Cactus Communications
Cactus Communications hires proofreaders for academic and medical documents. The work is steady and rewarding, and pay can start at $25/hr, with experienced proofreaders making $50/hr or more.
24. The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)
The EFA connects freelance proofreaders with high-paying clients. Once you’ve joined, you can bid on various proofreading jobs, including for books, websites, and academic papers. Pay varies, but experienced proofreaders can make up to $50/hr.
25. Workana
Workana is a freelance platform that offers proofreading jobs for beginners. As you build your portfolio and gain experience, you can start earning higher rates. Many jobs on Workana pay up to $50/hr for skilled proofreaders.
Final Thoughts
As a beginner, getting into online proofreading jobs can be a bit daunting, but with persistence and the right platforms, it’s entirely possible to start earning $50/hr or more. Whether you’re proofreading academic papers, business documents, or books, there’s a niche for everyone. The key is to build your skills, gain experience, and be consistent. With time and dedication, you can make proofreading a full-time income from the comfort of your home.