What You Need to Know About Word Processor or Typist
Job Description & Duties 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?
- Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.
- Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
- Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.
- File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update and delete documents.
- Reformat documents, moving paragraphs or columns.
- Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
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What Every Word Processor or Typist Should Know
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
- Legal Transcriptionist
- Word Processor Technician
- Transcription Typist
- Transcribing Machine Operator
- Order Processing Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities 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. 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 Average 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 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?
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?
What kind of Word Processor or Typist requirements are there?

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

Word Processors and Typists Sector

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

Related 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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