Proofreading rates in the UK vary, but understanding them is crucial for maintaining the quality and professionalism of your written work. Here’s what you need to know for 2024.
UK proofreading salary
In the UK, proofreading companies (that mainly work on academic documents such as dissertations and essays) often use a per-word pricing structure, and the rates can vary. However, these rates are generally a closely guarded secret. The only rate we could find was for Proof-Reading-Service.com, which starts at $8.50 (£6) per 1,000 words and even provides a free academic proofreading course. Other academic proofreading companies are notoriously tight-lipped about how much they pay their editors!
On platforms like Fiverr, the rates for proofreading are typically charged per job and can range from £25 to £150 for up to 1000 words. The specific rate depends on the word count and the chosen service level, such as basic, standard, or premium.
Platforms like Upwork, Scribbr, and Scribendi follow hourly rate pricing. Upwork proofreaders charge £12 to £40 per hour, reflecting their expertise and experience. Scribbr‘s rates range from €20 to €30 (£15 to £23). Scribendi pays freelance editors an average of $25 (£19) per hour, while in-house editors earn approximately $36 (£28) per hour. Please note that these rates are based on the May 2023 Euro/USD to GBP exchange rate.
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP.uk)) recommends £28.65 per hour for proofreading services and £33.30 for copyediting services, effective from 1 March 2023. The rates include holidays, sickness absence, National Insurance, pensions, continuing professional development, office space, utilities, software, subscriptions, and business equipment.
If you’re finding proofreading clients independently, basing your rates roughly on the CIEP recommendations is a good starting point. According to Find A Proofreader, most freelancers listed on their platform charge around £10 per 1,000 words and up.
The average salary for full-time proofreaders in the UK, according to Total Jobs, is £23,000 per annum.
Factors like return time, word count, service type, document type, and add-ons can influence proofreading service pricing. By being aware of these typical rates, you can make informed decisions aligned with your budget and ensure your work receives the attention it deserves.