Word Processors and Typists
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.
Also called: Clerk Specialist · Clerk Typist · Keyboard Specialist · Office Technician · Stenographer · Typist
Median pay (national)
$47,850
$35,300–$64,370 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
36,030
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-36.1%
~2,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for word processors and typists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $64,370 versus $35,300 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $47,850 leaves roughly 35% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -36.1% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 2,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 46 states with released data, Colorado pays the most for this role (median $56,700, +18% vs the national median), while West Virginia sits lowest at $32,870 — a 72% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
- File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- 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.
- Gather, register, and arrange the material to be typed, following instructions.
- Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.
- Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
- Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.
- Operate and resupply printers and computers, changing print wheels or fluid cartridges, adding paper, and loading blank tapes, cards, or disks into equipment.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Google Workspace software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Visio
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
- Act!
- Blackbaud CRM
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Oracle Siebel CRM
- SRSsoft SRS EHR
Knowledge areas
- Administrative
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media