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: Account Clerk Typist, Clerk Specialist, Clerk Typist, Continuity Clerk, Court Stenographer, Data Transcriber
Median pay
$49,280
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,810 – $65,150
People employed
35,010
Holland code
CRA
Conventional · Realistic · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Word Processors and Typists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (36 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What word processors and typists do
- 01File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- 02Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- 03Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.
- 04Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- 05Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
- 06Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from word processors and typists
- File Clerks93% · −12%
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive86% · −4%
- Correspondence Clerks84% · −5%
- Billing and Posting Clerks84% · −2%
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers81% · +19%
Change into word processors and typists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- File Clerks94% · $43,600
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service84% · $38,630
- Medical Transcriptionists82% · $40,410
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive82% · $47,540
- Billing and Posting Clerks80% · $48,500
Majors that lead here
- Word Processing
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.