All About Word Processors and Typists
Word Processor or Typist Example Use word processor, computer or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.
What Do Word Processors and Typists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Transcribe stenotyped notes of court proceedings.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters to make changes.
- Collate pages of reports and other documents prepared.
- Gather, register, and arrange the material to be typed, following instructions.
- Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.
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Skills Needed to be a Word Processor or Typist
Below is a list of the skills most Word Processors and Typists say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Word Processor or Typist Jobs
- Alarm Signaler
- Order Processing Specialist
- Clerk Specialist
- Transcriber
- Word Processor
What Kind of Word Processor or Typist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 74,900 jobs for Word Processor or Typist in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Word Processor or Typist. There will be an estimated 4,500 positions for Word Processor or Typist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Word Processor or Typist are Maryland, Alaska, and Indiana. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, North Dakota, or Montana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Word Processor or Typist Salary
Word Processors and Typists make between $27,070 and $58,090 a year.

Word Processors and Typists who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Word Processors and Typists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $35,820 |
Alaska | $44,210 |
Arizona | $35,630 |
Arkansas | $36,800 |
California | $44,790 |
Colorado | $40,980 |
Connecticut | $48,600 |
Delaware | $42,960 |
District of Columbia | $50,920 |
Florida | $32,340 |
Georgia | $40,660 |
Hawaii | $36,760 |
Idaho | $29,450 |
Illinois | $46,620 |
Indiana | $32,190 |
Iowa | $35,950 |
Kansas | $38,480 |
Kentucky | $36,650 |
Louisiana | $28,910 |
Maine | $40,890 |
Maryland | $42,930 |
Massachusetts | $46,020 |
Michigan | $37,840 |
Minnesota | $41,070 |
Mississippi | $28,700 |
Missouri | $34,770 |
Montana | $33,820 |
Nebraska | $33,140 |
Nevada | $33,480 |
New Hampshire | $32,420 |
New Jersey | $42,740 |
New Mexico | $34,430 |
New York | $43,880 |
North Carolina | $41,220 |
Ohio | $39,040 |
Oklahoma | $35,480 |
Oregon | $44,150 |
Pennsylvania | $36,600 |
Rhode Island | $43,350 |
South Carolina | $37,270 |
Tennessee | $34,650 |
Texas | $37,790 |
Utah | $36,090 |
Virginia | $42,290 |
Washington | $45,960 |
West Virginia | $36,180 |
Wisconsin | $42,650 |
What Tools do Word Processors and Typists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Word Processors and Typists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Oracle Siebel CRM
How to Become a Word Processor or Typist
What education is needed to be a Word Processor or Typist?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Word Processor or Typist?

Word Processors and Typists Sector

Word Processors and Typists work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those who work as a Word Processor or Typist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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