Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 2 of 11 tasks
Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 12.0% of the role's time · $21.1M · all three pass it
Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 10.6% of the role's time · $18.6M · all three pass it
Does not pass
Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 14.3% of the role's time · $25.1M · waiting on a check
Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 13.7% of the role's time · $24.1M · waiting on a check
Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
physical work, outside the screen · 10.2% of the role's time · $18.0M
Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.8% of the role's time · $17.2M · waiting on a check
Write original content, such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 7.4% of the role's time · $13.1M · waiting on a check
Archive documents, conduct research, and read copy, using the internet and various computer programs.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 7.3% of the role's time · $12.8M · waiting on a check
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.
physical work, outside the screen · 7.2% of the role's time · $12.6M
Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.4% of the role's time · $9.5M · waiting on a check
Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.1% of the role's time · $3.7M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed · waiting on a check
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers | 1220 | $52.2M | $11.8M | $11.8M |
| Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services | 390 | $28.4M | $6.4M | $6.4M |
| Legal Services | 180 | $12.9M | $2.9M | $2.9M |
| Business Support Services | 260 | $12.5M | $2.8M | $2.8M |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 140 | $8.7M | $2.0M | $2.0M |
| Educational Support Services | 120 | $7.5M | $1.7M | $1.7M |
| Printing and Related Support Activities | 170 | $6.4M | $1.4M | $1.4M |
| Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations | 110 | $6.1M | $1.4M | $1.4M |
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 120 | $6.0M | $1.4M | $1.4M |
| Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers | 100 | $5.9M | $1.3M | $1.3M |