Occupation · SOC 43-9022
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.
Median wage
$47,850
$35,300–$64,370
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
36,030
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
91 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingMonitoringTime Management
Knowledge areas
AdministrativeEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Customer relationship management CRM softwareDocument management softwareOffice suite softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail software
Representative tasks
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.Gather, register, and arrange the material to be typed, following instructions.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.Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.Keep records of work performed.Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters to make changes.Collate pages of reports and other documents.Reformat documents, moving paragraphs or columns.Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.Use data entry devices, such as optical scanners, to input data into computers for revision or editing.Operate and resupply printers and computers, changing print wheels or fluid cartridges, adding paper, and loading blank tapes, cards, or disks into equipment.Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.Work with technical material, preparing statistical reports, planning and typing statistical tables, and combining and rearranging material from different sources.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Typed documents and correspondence — produce from clear written drafts under direct supervision using office word processing software.Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors — identify and flag in completed documents using built-in spell-check tools in a supervised office setting.Completed documents — save and file to designated folders on a computer hard drive following an established naming convention provided by a supervisor.Printed copies and photocopies — produce by operating office printers and copiers under guidance in a general office environment.Envelope addresses and mailing labels — prepare using a word processor or typewriter following a template provided in a clerical support role.Incoming and outgoing mail — sort and distribute to correct recipients under direction in a standard office setting.Electronic documents — transmit via email to designated recipients following step-by-step instructions in an office support role.Typed materials and source documents — gather and arrange in the correct order before keying, following written instructions from a supervisor.Telephone calls — answer and transfer to appropriate staff members using a basic multi-line phone system in a clerical environment.Office suite software — navigate core features such as word processing and email at a basic level to complete assigned typing tasks in an entry-level administrative role.
developing
Correspondence, reports, and routine documents — type accurately from rough drafts, corrected copies, or voice recordings with minimal supervision in a busy office environment.Completed documents — review independently for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting consistency before submission in a standard administrative role.Computer-based filing systems — maintain by storing, retrieving, updating, and deleting documents in an organized manner to support office workflow.Outgoing faxes and electronic file transmissions — prepare and send to correct recipients, confirming successful delivery in a general clerical setting.Envelope labels and mailing materials — generate in volume using mail-merge features of office suite software to support routine office mailings.Time-sensitive documents and competing tasks — prioritize and manage to meet daily deadlines with limited oversight in an office support position.Dictated or recorded audio content — transcribe accurately into formatted text documents using word processing software in an administrative environment.Document management software — use to file, tag, and retrieve records efficiently within an established office document management system.Spreadsheet and database software — enter and update data accurately to support administrative reporting and record-keeping tasks in a clerical role.Routine clerical duties including errands and supply requests — coordinate and complete dependably to contribute to smooth office operations.
proficient
Complex multi-page reports and technical documents — format and produce to professional standards autonomously from varied source materials in a high-volume administrative environment.Document quality — audit independently for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with organizational style guides before final distribution in a professional office setting.Office filing systems — design, organize, and continuously improve to ensure reliable retrieval of active and archived documents across an administrative department.Non-routine transmission and delivery requirements — troubleshoot and resolve, selecting appropriate electronic or physical channels to meet urgent or sensitive deadlines.Desktop publishing and presentation software — apply to produce polished, visually formatted documents, reports, and presentations that meet organizational standards.CRM and database software — query and update to generate customized correspondence, mailing lists, and client records supporting office-wide administrative needs.Incoming dictation, voice recordings, and handwritten drafts — interpret and transcribe accurately under ambiguous conditions, exercising independent judgment on formatting and structure.Confidentiality and data integrity standards — uphold consistently when handling sensitive documents, correspondence, and personnel records in a professional administrative role.Office suite and document management tools — guide colleagues in their effective use, troubleshooting common issues and sharing best practices in a team environment.Workload and document production timelines — plan and self-manage across multiple simultaneous assignments to meet organizational priorities without supervisory direction.
advanced
Office-wide document production standards and style guides — develop and implement to ensure consistency and professionalism across all typed and processed materials.Clerical and typing workflows — redesign and optimize by introducing improved software tools, templates, and processes to increase team efficiency and output quality.Incoming staff and new hires in word processing roles — mentor and train on software tools, formatting standards, and quality-checking procedures in an administrative setting.Document management systems — select, configure, and govern at the departmental level to support secure storage, version control, and compliance requirements.Cross-functional correspondence and reporting processes — lead and coordinate among multiple departments to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent document production.Technology adoption decisions for office software — evaluate and recommend upgrades to word processing, database, and desktop publishing tools to meet evolving organizational needs.Administrative support service standards — set and monitor performance benchmarks for accuracy, turnaround time, and customer service within the clerical support function.Sensitive and executive-level documents — manage production and distribution with the highest levels of discretion, accuracy, and confidentiality in a professional organization.Audit and compliance reviews of document handling practices — conduct periodically to identify risks, address gaps, and uphold organizational and regulatory standards.Strategic improvements to clerical operations — propose and champion to senior leadership, using evidence from productivity metrics and quality assessments to support recommendations.
Also known as
91 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Word Processor OperatorSubmarine Administrative Assistant (Navy 002765)Processing SpecialistKnowledge Operations Management (Air Force 3D0X1)Statistical TypistReligious Program Specialist (Navy RP)Office AssociateTelegraphic Typewriter OperatorDictaphone TypistClerk TypistQuartermaster (Navy QM)Yeoman (Coast Guard YN)Office AssistantNotereaderMedical TypistTyping Office WorkerKeyboard SpecialistPolicy Writer TypistHealth Services Management Superintendent (Air Force 4A091)TranscriberDocument ProcessorSubmarine Administrative Office Supervisor (Navy 002767)Office Manager (Navy 001815)Ediphone OperatorAdministrative Supervisor (Navy 001810)Office Support Specialist (Navy 003764)TypistPersonnel Superintendent (Air Force 3F091)Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force 4A071S)AddresserWord ProcessorTranscriptionistOrder Processing SpecialistLegal TypistClerk-TypistAdministration Craftsman (Air Force 3F571)Word Processing Machine OperatorContinuity ClerkBordereau ClerkHuman Resources Specialist (Army 42A)