Proofreaders and Copy Markers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a proofreaders and copy markers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $54,680/year ($26.29/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $83K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $50,220 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 62.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $55K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About proofreaders and copy markers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level proofreaders and copy markers (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $55K.Top earners bring in $83K or more - a $43K spread from bottom to top.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64K | +30% | 70 |
| California | $64K | +30% | 340 |
| New Jersey | $57K | +16% | 160 |
| Washington | $56K | +13% | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $55K | +11% | N/A |
| Maryland | $55K | +11% | 60 |
| New York | $54K | +11% | 1,230 |
| Nebraska | $53K | +8% | 40 |
| Minnesota | $51K | +3% | 80 |
| Texas | $50K | +2% | 200 |
| Ohio | $48K | -2% | 130 |
| Missouri | $48K | -3% | 80 |
| Virginia | $47K | -4% | 170 |
| Kansas | $47K | -5% | 90 |
| North Carolina | $46K | -7% | 60 |
Track proofreaders and copy markers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
Related careers in Office & Admin
Frequently asked questions
How much do proofreaders and copy markers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $54,680 a year - that works out to about $26.29 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,000, and experienced proofreaders and copy markers can clear $82,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $55K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,647/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 61.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a proofreaders and copy markers salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median proofreaders and copy markers salary is worth about $50,220 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do proofreaders and copy markers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.