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Word Processor or Typist

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What Does it Take to Be 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.

Word Processor or Typist Responsibilities

  • Work with technical material, preparing statistical reports, planning and typing statistical tables, and combining and rearranging material from different sources.
  • Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
  • File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update and delete documents.
  • Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.
  • Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters to make changes.
  • Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.

Qualities of a Word Processor or Typist

When polled, Word Processors and Typists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Other Word Processor or Typist Job Titles

  • Script Girl
  • Keyboard Specialist
  • Office Technician
  • Clerk Typist
  • Word Processor Operator

Are There Job Opportunities for Word Processors and Typists?

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.

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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 typical yearly salary for Word Processors and Typists is somewhere between $27,070 and $58,090.

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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

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 SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • 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?

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

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Where do Word Processors and Typists Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Word Processors and Typists work:

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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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