Word Processors

Word processors use computers and word processing software to prepare reports, mailing labels, letters and other types of materials. A word processor uses a variety of word processing commands to format material and to instruct the computer to perform various functions. Word processing personnel perform other tasks such as answering telephones and copying documents.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare texts, reports and other written materials
  • Print out documents for presentation or filing
  • Use data entry devices, including optical scanners to input data into computers for editing or revision
  • Work with technical data and make statistical tables
  • Check completed work for grammar, spelling, punctuation and format
  • Prepare various materials from voice recordings and dictation
  • File and store completed documents in computers
  • Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data
  • Adjust settings for page layout, format, line spacing and other style requirements
  • Transmit work electronically to other locations

Job Characteristics

Word processors work in a variety of settings. They sit for long periods of time. The majority of word processors work 40 hours a week. They should be detailed oriented.

Employment Outlook

The employment growth for word processors and typists is projected to decline by 11 percent from 2006 to 2016. The employment of these workers is forecasted to decline due to the proliferation of personal computers, which allow people to perform tasks typically given to word processors and typists. In addition, the average annual wage in 2008 for word processors and typists was $31,390.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Most employers seek candidates that have at least a high school diploma. Employers prefer candidates that have all-around clerical skills including the ability to type fast and accurately. Numerous business schools and two-year colleges certify word processors that have completed a program in word processing or business. Some companies sponsor training programs.

Resources

Major Employers

The primary employment sectors are state, local and the federal government; professional, scientific and technical services; administrative and support services, educational services and self-employed workers.

Schools for Word Processors And Typists are listed in the Browse Schools Section.

Word Processors and Typists Skills

Below are the skills needed to be word processors and typists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Skill NameImportanceCompetence
Reading Comprehension3.53.5
Active Listening3.253.12
Writing3.253.25
Monitoring32.38
Speaking32.88

Word Processors and Typists Abilities

Below are the abilities needed to be word processors and typists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Ability NameImportanceCompetence
Near Vision44
Written Comprehension3.753.62
Speech Recognition3.53.25
Oral Comprehension3.383.5
Written Expression3.253.25

Word Processors and Typists Knowledge

Below are the knowledge areas needed to be word processors and typists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Knowledge AreaImportanceCompetence
Clerical4.815.44
English Language4.264.18
Customer and Personal Service4.194.38
Computers and Electronics3.514.11
Law and Government2.581.74

Word Processors and Typists Work activities

Below are the work activities involved in being word processors and typists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest).

   
Work ActivityImportanceCompetence
Interacting With Computers4.153.34
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.994.36
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.954.7
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.935.14
Performing Administrative Activities3.913.23

Word Processors and Typists Work styles

Below are the work styles involved in being word processors and typists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest).

   
Work StyleImportance
Integrity4.76
Attention to Detail4.57
Cooperation4.35
Dependability4.32
Independence4.24

Metro Areas Sorted by Total Employment for
Word Processors and Typists

Listed below are the 10 largest metro areas based on the total number of people employed in Word Processors and Typists jobs , as of 2019

   
Metro AreaTotal EmploymentAnnual Mean Salary
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim4,980$46,200
San Juan-Carolina-Caguas2,030$27,980
Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls1,620$38,340
Albany-Schenectady-Troy1,290$39,200
Pittsburgh970$37,080
Harrisburg-Carlisle880$38,750
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land730$37,860
Syracuse700$38,210
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward670$63,600
Trenton650$44,790

Compare Total Employment & Salaries for Word Processors

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Employment
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Total employment and salary for professions similar to word processors

Source : 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov; O*NET® 24.3 Database, O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development, Employment & Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, onetonline.org

We have some additional detailed pages at the state level for Word Processors and Typists.

Numbers in parentheses are counts of relevant campus-based schools in the state; online schools may also be available.