What is a Word Processor or Typist?
Position 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.
Life As a Word Processor or Typist
- Transcribe stenotyped notes of court proceedings.
- Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.
- Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- Print and make copies of work.
- Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
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Skills Needed to be a Word Processor or Typist
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.
Other Word Processor or Typist Job Titles
- Project Assistant
- Legal Transcriptionist
- Office Technician
- Statistical Typist
- Keyboard Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities for Word Processors and Typists?
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. The BLS estimates 4,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Salary for a Word Processor or Typist
The salary for Word Processors and Typists ranges between about $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 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Word Processors and Typists
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 kind of Word Processor or Typist requirements are there?

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

Where Word Processors and Typists Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Career changers with experience as a Word Processor or Typist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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