What is a Word Processor or Typist?
Word Processor or Typist Job Description 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?
- Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
- Perform other clerical duties such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- Print and make copies of work.
- Keep records of work performed.
- Transcribe stenotyped notes of court proceedings.
- Reformat documents, moving paragraphs or columns.
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Word Processor or Typist Needed 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.
Types of Word Processor or Typist Jobs
- Notereader
- Typing Office Worker
- Electromatic Typist
- Word Processor
- Office Technician
Word Processor or Typist Job Outlook
There were about 74,900 jobs for Word Processor or Typist in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Word Processor or Typist. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,500 job openings in this field each 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 Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Word Processor or Typist ranges between $27,070 and $58,090.

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 each U.S. state?
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
Becoming a Word Processor or Typist
Are there Word Processors and Typists education requirements?

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

Where Word Processors and Typists Work

Word Processors and Typists work in the following industries:

Related 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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