Proofreading Pricing Calculator (Entry-Level to $50+/Hour)
Most proofreaders should price based on hourly target → convert to per-word or per-project rates to stay competitive and predictable.
Step 1: Choose Your Target Hourly Rate
Start with a realistic hourly goal based on experience level:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner (0–6 months) | $18–$25/hr |
| Intermediate (6–24 months) | $25–$40/hr |
| Specialized (Medical, Legal, Technical) | $40–$60+/hr |
Entry-level goal: $25/hour is reasonable and competitive.
Step 2: Estimate Your Editing Speed (Words per Hour)
Most beginners underestimate this. Here are realistic ranges:
| Skill Level | Words per Hour (Proofreading) |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 800–1,200 |
| Comfortable | 1,200–1,800 |
| Experienced | 2,000+ |
Use the low end at first to avoid underpricing.
Step 3: Convert Hourly Rate → Per-Word Rate
Use this simple formula:
Per-Word Rate = Hourly Rate ÷ Words per Hour
Example (Beginner-Friendly):
- Target: $25/hr
- Speed: 1,000 words/hr
$25 ÷ 1,000 = $0.025 per word
That’s 2.5 cents per word, which is common for entry-level proofreading.
Step 4: Quick Pricing Calculator Table (Client-Facing Friendly)
| Hourly Goal | Speed (WPH) | Per-Word Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $20/hr | 1,000 | $0.020 |
| $25/hr | 1,000 | $0.025 |
| $30/hr | 1,200 | $0.025 |
| $40/hr | 1,600 | $0.025 |
| $50/hr | 2,000 | $0.025 |
Insight: As your speed improves, your effective hourly rate increases without raising prices.
Step 5: Project-Based Pricing (Recommended)
Many clients prefer flat fees. Here’s how to calculate them safely.
Formula:
Project Price = Word Count × Per-Word Rate
Example:
- Blog post: 2,000 words
- Rate: $0.025/word
2,000 × $0.025 = $50
If it takes you 2 hours → $25/hr
If it takes you 1.5 hours → $33/hr
This rewards efficiency.
Entry-Level Pricing Examples (Realistic & Competitive)
| Project Type | Typical Length | Fair Entry Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blog post | 1,000–2,000 words | $25–$50 |
| Email sequence | 5–7 emails | $40–$75 |
| Short ebook | 10,000 words | $200–$300 |
| Website copy | 5 pages | $75–$150 |
Proofreading Power: How to Earn $25 an Hour From Your Laptop (Even With No Formal Experience)
When to Raise Your Rates (Clear Signals)
Increase pricing when:
- Clients stop pushing back
- You’re booked 2–3 weeks out
- You finish projects faster with fewer revisions
- You move into a niche (medical, legal, technical)
A safe rule:
Raise rates by 10–20% every 6–12 months, not all at once.
Common Beginner Pricing Mistakes (And Fixes)
Mistake: Charging “per hour” only
✅ Fix: Quote per project, track hourly internally
Mistake: Copying low Fiverr rates
✅ Fix: Anchor pricing to your speed and quality
Mistake: Not accounting for revisions
✅ Fix: Include 1 revision in writing
Frequency Asked Questions About Proofreading Pricing
Your Next Step (Do This in 15 Minutes)
- Time yourself proofreading 1,000 words
- Choose a conservative hourly goal ($25/hr)
- Calculate your per-word rate
- Use that rate in your next application or pitch
Pricing clarity builds confidence—and confidence closes clients.
AI Content Disclosure: This website uses AI tools to assist in research and content drafting. All articles are reviewed, refined, and updated by a human to ensure originality, accuracy, and real-world usefulness for readers.
