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Entry Level Proofreader Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Proofreader information

See Washington, DC salary details

$15

$31

$49

How much do entry level proofreader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level proofreader in Washington, DC is $31.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $38.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level proofreader do?

As an entry-level proofreader, your primary duties include making sure a piece of writing follows the correct style guide and proofreading for errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You read the written copy and make sure that the writer makes all necessary editorial changes. Your responsibilities involve working on new copy and going back to ensure that existing material meets new editorial standards as they roll out. You look at the layout of the work as well to ensure they used the right paragraph size, margins, spacing, and image layout. Your employer may also give you a role in copyediting, which involves editing for content and flow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level proofreader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Proofreader, you need excellent command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, often supported by a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with word processing software, style guides like AP or Chicago, and document editing tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong concentration, and time management are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure error-free content and efficient workflow, which are critical for maintaining high editorial standards.

What are common challenges faced by entry level proofreaders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level proofreaders often encounter challenges such as adapting to different style guides, maintaining focus during repetitive tasks, and managing tight deadlines. To overcome these, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the most commonly used style manuals (like AP or Chicago), develop strong attention to detail, and use checklists to ensure consistency. Additionally, communicating regularly with editors and writers can clarify expectations and help you quickly learn preferred practices, ultimately making the transition smoother.

What is the difference between Entry Level Proofreader vs Copy Editor?

AspectEntry Level ProofreaderCopy Editor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer a degree in English or related fieldSimilar; often requires a degree in English, journalism, or related field
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, media companies, freelancePublishing, media, corporate communications
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in publishing and media industriesUsed across publishing, marketing, and corporate sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles focusing on basic proofreadingCompared for editing depth and scope

Entry Level Proofreaders primarily focus on checking for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors, ensuring text accuracy. Copy Editors perform more comprehensive editing, including style, tone, and content consistency. While both roles require strong language skills and similar credentials, Copy Editors typically handle more complex editing tasks and may require additional experience or training.

More about Entry Level Proofreader jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC?

For Entry Level Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Proofreader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Proofreader job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,123 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Design Patent Assistant (Entry-Level)

Staff | Sterne Kessler

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Who are we?

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes this possible. Accordingly, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

What do we need?

We are looking for motivated entry-level candidates to join our firm as a Design Assistant in our Mechanical & Design group. Successful Design Assistants love to dive into details and enthusiastically perform administrative duties. Design Assistants should be willing to work hybrid schedules from the DC metro area.

How will you make an impact?

  • Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of USPTO rules, firm procedures and policies, and established client guidelines to determine necessary action to be taken in design patent applications in response to docketed deadlines and incoming correspondence.

  • Timely complete assigned tasks, and/or to create and proactively monitor projects and tasks to ensure compliance with firm and/or client Service Level Agreements.

  • Exercising excellent attention to detail, professional judgment, and initiative in following firm second-eye policies when communicating with clients and preparing responsive documents to assure timeliness and that work product consistently meets the highest levels of quality.

  • Assisting and supporting attorneys, patent agents, and Design Paralegals who are ultimately responsible for the legal patent services being provided to clients.

  • Demonstrating ownership of assigned matters, working collaboratively with others when needed, and working at other times independently with little needed supervision.

  • Handling electronic filings of documents with the USPTO, including assisting with the preparation and filing of patent applications, amendments, briefs, pleadings, petitions, memoranda, and other correspondence, including formatting, proofing, and editing of same.

  • Preparing checklists, formal documents, cover letters, USPTO forms, information disclosure statements (IDS’s), and other documents traditionally prepared by patent secretaries.

  • Reviewing and reporting to the client all correspondence received from the USPTO.

What will you bring to the role?

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
  • Some office, law firm, and/or IP experience is preferred. 
  • Art and/or design experience a plus, but not required. 
  • Ability to work in a highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven environment. 
  • Computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office and other software. 
  • Stellar verbal and written communication skills.
  • Interest in a minimum 2-year commitment to the position.

The base salary for this position is $55,000.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Apply