Image that illustrates Proofreader, book publisher

Proofreader, book publisher

44 500 kr

Authors etc.

44 200 - 45 200 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Proofreader, book publisher

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
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What does a proofreader in a publishing house do? – Tasks and work environment

A proofreader in the publishing industry is responsible for reviewing and correcting texts before they go to print or are published digitally. The tasks include detecting and correcting spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, ambiguities, and inconsistencies in language. It often also involves ensuring that the text follows the publisher's linguistic guidelines and tone. The work is usually performed in a quiet office environment, but remote work is becoming more common. Collaboration with authors, editors, and translators is a natural part of everyday life, where deadlines and accuracy demand high concentration and attention to detail.

Salary development over time

The salary for proofreaders in publishing has shown a positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 42 100 SEK, representing an increase of about 5.25%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 44,500 SEK per month, which is an additional increase of 5.7% from the previous year. This development reflects an increased demand for language-skilled professionals in the publishing industry, as well as a greater focus on quality assurance in the publishing process. Inflation and competition for expertise have also contributed to rising wages, while digitalization and new working methods have created more opportunities within the profession.

Proofreader, publishing house salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 268 SEK
  • Women’s average salary: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Men’s average salary: 45 100 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 98% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a proofreader in a publishing house, an academic degree in language, literature, or similar fields is usually required. Combining formal education with practical experience in text review is common. Many employers also value documented language sense and the ability to work independently. Courses in proofreading, editing, and digital tools can be advantageous, as can internships or trainee programs at publishing houses.

  • Bachelor’s degree: Language, literature, or journalism (3 years)
  • Courses and certifications: Proofreading, text editing
  • Internship: Meritorious at publishing houses or media companies
  • Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of Swedish and grammar
  • Self-study: Online courses and active reading recommended

Many proofreaders in the publishing world develop a special sense for different authors' styles and tones over time, making them invaluable collaborators in the publishing process. For some, this also means the opportunity to work closely with authors and editors, and sometimes contribute to shaping the final text.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Proofreaders in publishing houses are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, wellness allowances, and professional development opportunities. Some workplaces also offer bonuses for major publishing projects or extra compensation for work under tight deadlines. The work environment is characterized by respect for individual working styles and opportunities for skill development.

Competition and challenges

The competition for proofreading positions in publishing houses is relatively high, as many have a strong interest in language and literature. Digitalization and automated spelling and grammar checking tools have changed the profession, but the human factor remains crucial to ensure nuance and style. A challenge is staying updated on new linguistic guidelines and technology, while workload can vary significantly depending on publishing pace and season. Precision and resilience under pressure are therefore important qualities for success in the profession.

Tips for aspiring proofreaders in publishing houses

To succeed as a proofreader in publishing, it’s beneficial to combine a genuine interest in language with meticulousness and patience. Actively practicing to find errors in different text types and staying updated on language rules provides a competitive advantage. Building a network within the publishing industry, for example through internships or volunteer work, is also valuable, as many positions are filled through contacts. Initiative and independence are appreciated by employers, especially when tasks need to be prioritized under tight deadlines. Showing openness to feedback and a desire to develop is key to long-term success. The ability to work structurally while maintaining a sense of the text’s tone and style makes one quickly indispensable to the team. Finally, good technical understanding facilitates daily work, as digital tools are often used.

Key facts about Proofreader, publishing house

  • Educational level: Bachelor’s degree in language or literature recommended
  • Work environment: Office work with remote options
  • Typical employment type: Permanent, but freelance work also occurs
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession
  • Special skills: Very good language sense and attention to detail

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a proofreader in a publishing house, career development can lead to roles such as editor, language reviewer, or project manager for publishing projects. Some move on to specialized roles within digital publishing or translation. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate stable demand, with 620 job openings within the profession for authors and others. Digitalization and increased publishing pace drive the need for qualified language reviewers, although competition remains high. Opportunities for further education and specialization, for example in non-fiction or children’s books, provide additional career paths for those wishing to develop within the profession.

Frequently asked questions about Proofreader, publishing house

  • What does a proofreader in a publishing house earn?
    - The average salary is 44,500 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 268 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a proofreader?
    - Usually, a bachelor's degree in language, literature, or similar, along with good Swedish language skills.
  • What is the job market like for proofreaders?
    - Currently, there are 620 job openings within the profession, with continued stable demand.
  • Can you work remotely as a proofreader?
    - Yes, remote work is becoming more common in the publishing industry.
  • What are the main challenges in the profession?
    - High competition, varying workload, and the need for continuous skill development.
  • How has the salary development been?
    - Salaries have increased from 40,000 SEK in 2022 to 44,500 SEK in 2024, indicating a positive trend.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Proofreader, book publisher is 45200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Proofreader, book publisher is 44200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 37400 kr 37500 kr
35-44 43700 kr 43700 kr
45-54 47900 kr 48300 kr
55-64 48700 kr 48900 kr
Snitt 98% 44300 kr 44500 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Proofreader, book publisher has the SSYK code 2641, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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