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Contract Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Washington, DC

The Prospective Group (TPG)

Proposal Manager

Fairfax, VA

$120K - $135K/yr

... contract. Position Responsibilities amp; Activities: Proposal Planning and Strategy * Develop a ... Command of the English language with exceptional writing and editing /proofing skills, including ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Technical Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Perform reorganization, cut, or rewrite, as necessary, and edit copy. You Have: * 3+ years of ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Red Carrot

Video Producer

Washington, DC · Remote

On-Site - Washington, DC (telework may be authorized) ⚠ This position is contingent upon contract ... Collaborate with translators, copy editors, policy teams, and outside vendors to ensure all aspects ...

Red Carrot

Video Producer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

On-Site - Washington, DC (telework may be authorized) ⚠ This position is contingent upon contract ... Collaborate with translators, copy editors, policy teams, and outside vendors to ensure all aspects ...

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How much do contract copy editor proofreader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract copy editor proofreader in Washington, DC is $32.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $36.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract copy editor proofreader?

Contract Copy Editor Proofreaders are professionals hired on a freelance or temporary basis to review and correct written content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and consistency. They work with a variety of clients, such as publishers, businesses, and authors, to ensure that documents meet high standards of accuracy and clarity. Their responsibilities often include checking for errors, improving readability, and ensuring adherence to specific style guides. Contract roles provide flexibility, allowing editors and proofreaders to work on multiple projects for different clients. This job is ideal for individuals with strong language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract copy editor proofreader?

To thrive as a Contract Copy Editor Proofreader, you need exceptional grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with style guides (such as AP, Chicago, or MLA), and proficiency in editing software like Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help you deliver accurate work and collaborate with writers or clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring error-free, consistent, and polished content that meets client expectations and deadlines.

What are common challenges faced by contract copy editor proofreaders when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract copy editor proofreaders often juggle projects from various clients, which can present challenges such as managing different style guides, turnaround expectations, and communication preferences. Staying organized and flexible is essential, as each client may have unique workflows and feedback processes. It's important to establish clear timelines, maintain consistent quality, and proactively clarify requirements to ensure smooth collaboration and avoid misunderstandings.

What is the difference between Contract Copy Editor Proofreader vs Contract Content Writer?

AspectContract Copy Editor ProofreaderContract Content Writer
Primary RoleReviewing and correcting written content for grammar, style, and accuracyCreating original content for various platforms and audiences
Skills & CertificationsStrong editing, proofreading, and language skills; often certifications in editing or proofreadingExcellent writing, research, and storytelling skills; portfolio of writing samples
Work EnvironmentTypically remote, freelance or contract basis, working with publishers, agencies, or businessesRemote or on-site, working with marketing teams, publishers, or clients

While both roles involve written communication, Contract Copy Editor Proofreader focuses on refining existing content, ensuring correctness and consistency. Contract Content Writers create new content from scratch, emphasizing originality and engagement. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC are:

Contract Copy Editor Proofreader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Copy Editor Proofreader job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,739 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Editor, IS-1082-09

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

OPEN DATE: July 31, 2026                 
CLOSING DATE: August 31, 2026              
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite   
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk: Non sensitive / Low risk
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
About the National Museum of Asian Art 
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art opened in 1923 as America's first national art museum and the first Asian art museum in the United States. It now stewards on of the world's most important collections of Asian art, with works dating from antiquity to the present. The museum also hosts an unparalleled collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American art.
Through an ambitious program of collecting, conservation, exhibitions, programming and research, both onsite and online, the museum serves as a global and national resource for understanding the arts and cultures of Asia and their interaction with America, past and present. By presenting the arts and cultures of Asia in their extraordinary richness, the museum furthers cross-cultural understanding and aims to exemplify foundational ideals of curiosity, creativity and respect.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum is free and open 364 days a year (closed Dec. 25). The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum, education and research complex and welcomes millions of visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, visit asia.si.edu
The Opportunity

NMAA is seeking a keen-eyed and thorough Editor to join the Editorial Team embedded within our Brand Engagement and Communications Department. Your role will support ensuring quality, consistency, accuracy, and sensitivity across all printed and digital text produced by the museum, which might include publications (both print and digital), in-gallery text, web copy, blog posts, signage, newsletters, brochures, flyers, advertisements, reports, internal communications, digital media projects, etc. You will also work closely as part of core teams of stakeholders to develop and maintain platform- and project-specific voice and style guidelines.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and curious. They will be confident translating complex information (including academic research material) into clear and inviting copy for a variety of audiences, balancing cultural and political sensitivities, conducting independent research as needed, and reconciling the priorities of different stakeholders. They will be a team player who excels in a deadline-driven, collaborative team environment and who enjoys the challenge of working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Reviewing, proof-reading, and/or substantively editing all written content in support of the museum's various activities and initiatives; conducting subject matter research as needed to ensure error-free content; identifying opportunities to adjust existing content for different platforms, formats, and audiences as needed; developing and maintaining institutional and project-specific style guides; and other duties as assigned.
In executing these responsibilities, you can expect to:
Work closely with other editors, writers, designers, content strategists, curators, and other key stakeholders around the museum
Contribute to establishing and maintaining guidelines to promote consistency and coherence across all of our printed and digital content
Identify opportunities for content improvements
Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across the NMAA and at central Smithsonian
Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in editing and museum interpretation
To qualify for the IS-09 level, applicants must meet one of the following:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the IS/GS-07 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience, that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position. Specialized experience includes experience assisting with editorial processes, such as reviewing manuscripts or written materials for grammar, clarity, style, consistency, and accuracy; proofreading or copyediting publications, reports, web content, or other written materials; coordinating editorial workflows, deadlines, or author/reviewer communications; preparing or maintaining publication files; and supporting production of print or digital content.
Education:
Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, in a field related to the position, such as English, journalism, communications, publishing, art history, museum studies, humanities, or another field that provided the writing, editing, research, and communication skills needed to perform the work.
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of graduate education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
Exceptional English-language writing and editing skills, including a strong grasp of style and grammar
Fluency with the principles of editing and proofreading, including proofreader's marks, commenting, and track changes functions
Understanding of the different types of editorial work (e.g. copyediting, content editing, proofreading, etc.)
Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style standards
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Attention to detail
Strong research skills
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Ability to interact with stakeholders tactfully, persuasively, and productively
Ability to respond to constructive criticism and incorporate feedback
Professional demeanor and collegiality
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred:
Experience editing art historical content, whether through formal education or professional experience
Experience working for a large non-profit organization and/or in the cultural sector
General understanding of AP and MLA style standards
Familiarity with accessibility best practices
Familiarity with collaborative task management software (i.e. Asana, Trello, Basecamp)
Passion for art and culture, particularly as related to the collections of the National Museum of Asian Art
Reading and writing proficiency in one or more foreign languages
 
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact nmaa-hr@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures. 
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo   

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