Word processors and typists

SOC Code: 43-9022
Also known as:
Addresser, Bordereau Clerk, Clerk Specialist, Clerk Typist, Continuity Clerk
Median Annual Salary
$47,850
-36.1% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
40K
Current Jobs

What Word processors and typists Do

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.

💰 Salary

$47,850
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-36.1%
Decline

🎓 Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

2K
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

40,000

Projected Employment (2034)

25,600

Related Careers

Medical transcriptionists

$37,550 • -4.9% growth

File clerks

$41,270 • -15.9% growth

Data entry keyers

$39,850 • -25.9% growth

Office clerks, general

$43,630 • -6.7% growth

Top Skills Required

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Monitoring

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Print and make copies of work.
  • Transmit work electronically to other locations.
  • Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
  • 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.
  • Keep records of work performed.

Technology & Tools

Adobe Acrobat Google Workspace software Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Visio

📚 Entry-Level Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Word processors and typists

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a word processors and typists:

General Office Occupations and Clerical Services

1,543 degrees awarded • 116 colleges offer this program

Word Processing

20 degrees awarded • 2 colleges offer this program

Best Colleges for Becoming a Word processors and typists

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become word processors and typists.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 Bob Jones University Greenville, SC 15 B
2 Diversified Vocational College Los Angeles, CA 97 C+
3 Panola College Carthage, TX 76 C+
4 Davis Technical College Kaysville, UT 45 C+
5 Eastern Arizona College Thatcher, AZ 29 C+
6 American Public University System Charles Town, WV 19 C+
7 Spokane Community College Spokane, WA 14 C+
8 Pierce College District Lakewood, WA 12 C+
9 Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WI 10 C+
10 Midland College Midland, TX 10 C+
11 Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI 9 C+
12 Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WI 8 C+
13 Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WI 7 C+
14 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA 7 C+
15 Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI 7 C+
16 Everett Community College Everett, WA 7 C+
17 Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WI 6 C+
18 Aims Community College Greeley, CO 6 C+
19 Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City, KS 5 C+
20 Southwest Texas Junior College Uvalde, TX 5 C+

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do word processors and typists make?
The median annual salary for word processors and typists is $47,850.
What education do word processors and typists need?
Most word processors and typists positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Common degree programs include General Office Occupations and Clerical Services, Word Processing.
Is becoming word processors and typists a good career choice?
Word processors and typists is projected to see -36.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,200 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for word processors and typists?
Top colleges for aspiring word processors and typists include Bob Jones University, Diversified Vocational College, Panola College, Davis Technical College, Eastern Arizona College. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to word processors and typists?
Word processors and typists may also be known as: Addresser, Bordereau Clerk, Clerk Specialist, Clerk Typist, Continuity Clerk, Court Stenographer, Data Transcriber, Dictaphone Typist, Document Processor, Ediphone Operator, Electromatic Typist, Keyboard Specialist, Legal Transcriptionist, Legal Typist, Medical Typist, Notereader, Office Technician, Order Processing Specialist, Policy Typist, Policy Writer Typist. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.