Automation index
How much of a Copy editor’s job can AI already do?
A checker and a first pass come earlier. Keeping the author’s voice and not inserting a typo do not.
This percentage does not predict how many people will lose their jobs.
Task comparison
IS WORK OVER?
Copy editor
31%
AI can already do 31% of this job.
#32 / 623
View rankingCopy editor
Where the time goes
Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.
The time saving for each task is estimated separately.
| Task | Share | AI | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Spelling, agreement and consistency.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 18% | 52% | +9.4 |
Style, repetition and sentence rhythm.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 48% | +7.7 |
Queries to the author, grey areas and the house style.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 28% | +4.5 |
Second proofs, PDF and last-minute typos.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 18% | 22% | +4 |
Deadlines with publisher, layout and translation.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 18% | +2.9 |
Judgement, not over-rewriting, and the typo that remains.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 14% | +2.2 |
| Total | 100% | 31% |
Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low
Skills and activities
- copy-edit
- spelling and punctuation
- unify style
- catch typos
- house style
- second proofs
- author queries
- avoid over-editing
Sources for this job· O*NET 27-3041.00· ESCO/ISCO 2641
IS WORK OVER?
University professor
24%
#278 / 623
View rankingUniversity professor
Where the time goes
Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.
The time saving for each task is estimated separately.
| Task | Share | AI | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Prep materials, tests and rubrics.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 20% | 45% | +9 |
Papers, grants and reviews.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 38% | +6.1 |
Teach and tutor.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 20% | 12% | +2.4 |
Supervise theses and examine.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 15% | +2.4 |
Department meetings and academic admin.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 14% | +2 |
Actually research and choose the problem.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 16% | +2.2 |
| Total | 100% | 24% |
Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low
Skills and activities
- teach class
- mark students
- lesson plans
- teach
- Prep materials, tests and rubrics
- Papers, grants and reviews
- Teach and tutor
- Supervise theses and examine
- Department meetings and academic admin
- Actually research and choose the problem
Sources for this job· O*NET 25-1081.00· ESCO/ISCO 2310