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.
A Day in the Life of a Word Processor or Typist
- Perform other clerical duties such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- Operate and resupply printers and computers, changing print wheels or fluid cartridges, adding paper, and loading blank tapes, cards, or disks into equipment.
- Gather, register, and arrange the material to be typed, following instructions.
- Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.
- Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
- Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
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Skills Needed to be 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.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Cable Operator
- Transcription Typist
- Statistical Typist
- Medical Typist
- Electromatic Typist
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. 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 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 |
What Tools & Technology 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 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?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Word Processors and Typists?
Word Processors and Typists work in the following industries:
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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