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Word Processor or Typist

What is a Word Processor or Typist?

Example of Word Processor or Typist Job 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.

Life As a Word Processor or Typist: What Do They Do?

  • File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update and delete documents.
  • Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
  • Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.
  • Perform other clerical duties such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
  • Collate pages of reports and other documents prepared.
  • Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.

Word Processor or Typist Skills

Word Processors and Typists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Typist
  • Transcriber
  • Document Processor
  • Script Girl
  • Statistical Typist

Job Outlook for Word Processors and Typists

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 74,900 jobs in the United States for Word Processor or Typist. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Word Processor or Typist. The BLS estimates 4,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Do Word Processors and Typists Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Word Processors and Typists ranges between about $27,070 and $58,090 a year.

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Word Processors and Typists who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Word Processors and Typists 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?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Word Processors and Typists may use on a daily basis:

  • 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 do I Become a Word Processor or Typist?

Learn what Word Processor or Typist education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Word Processor or Typist?

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Are you already one of the many Word Processor or Typist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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