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.
Life As a Word Processor or Typist
- Collate pages of reports and other documents prepared.
- Work with technical material, preparing statistical reports, planning and typing statistical tables, and combining and rearranging material from different sources.
- File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update and delete documents.
- Operate and resupply printers and computers, changing print wheels or fluid cartridges, adding paper, and loading blank tapes, cards, or disks into equipment.
- Type correspondence, reports, text and other written material from rough drafts, corrected copies, voice recordings, dictation or previous versions, using a computer, word processor, or typewriter.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
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Qualities of 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
- Bordereau Clerk
- Typist
- Typing Office Worker
- Script Girl
- Processing Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand 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.
Average Word Processors and Typists 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 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Word Processors and Typists
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
Becoming 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 do Word Processors and Typists Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Word Processors and Typists employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May 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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