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Typist: Job Description, Salary, & Job Openings 2022

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Working as a typist may offer a comfortable living for those with the right skills.

So, what does it take to become a typist?

Typists need to know how to type, but there is more to consider.

Learn more about the job requirements for this profession, including whether you need to attend college or earn a certification.

A typist job may not be a good match for everyone.

First, learn the basics of this career…

What Is a Typist?

A typist is an individual who uses a computer to type letters, forms, reports, and other material using data obtained from other sources, such as voice recordings or spreadsheets.

What Is a Typist Called?

Typists and other individuals who type letters and reports may be called word processors.

Medical transcriptionists and data entry keyers perform many of the same duties as typists.

What Does a Typist Do?

A typist types on a computer.

They often transcribe or transfer information.

For example, they may type documents from audio recordings, paper letters, and computer documents.

Work Opportunities in the Typist Industry

Typists work in a variety of sectors, which creates a wide range of job opportunities.

Here’s a closer look at the job market for typists.

Typist Job Description

Typists need to type quickly and accurately.

They need to type letters and reports from other sources.

Some typist jobs may also involve light administrative work, such as sorting mail or answering the phone.

Top Typist Jobs and Careers

Typist is typically an entry-level job and may progress to greater job opportunities.

Some of the jobs in this field include:

  • Office clerks perform administrative duties in an office setting. Their job duties may involve typing documents.
  • Personal assistants perform administrative work for one or more clients.
  • Full-time typists work in-house to type company documents.
  • Freelance typists look for work online.

Where Can a Typist Work?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, typists typically work for the local government, elementary schools, state governments, federal agencies, and business support services.

Many typists also work as freelancers.

What It’s Like to Be a Typist

You may want to know what it is like working as a typist before devoting time to this career path.

Is Being a Typist Hard?

Being a typist can be difficult due to the monotony of the job.

Some typists may grow tired of typing for hours on end.

Is a Typist’s Job Stressful?

Working as a typist is not overly stressful, as the job isn’t too demanding.

Common Typist Workday

Typists often start their day by reviewing the work that needs to be typed or transcribed during the day.

They may need to complete tasks in a specific order or have the freedom to work on projects in the order that works best for them.

Typist Tasks & Duties

As discussed, the typical duties of a typist include transcribing information from other sources.

Typists who work in a physical office may also perform administrative duties.

Typist Work Hours & Schedule

In-house typists may work 40-hour work weeks.

Freelance typists set their own schedules.

Typist Dress Code

Typists may need to dress in business casual attire when working at an office.

Freelance typists can wear whatever they want.

Does This Career Field Embrace Work/Life Balance?

Typists can typically enjoy a good work/life balance, as this job rarely requires workers to put in extra hours.

Typist Salary & Income

Working as a typist may depend on the income.

Typists can make good money, especially after gaining several years of experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a typist is $34,452 per year or $17 per hour.

Overview of the Typist Industry

Review the current state of the typist industry before pursuing a career in this field.

  • Typist Field: Career Progression: Typists often start as data entry keyers or entry-level word processors before progressing to more senior roles.
  • Is Typist a Good Career? Working as a typist is a decent career for those who can find work. However, this job may not offer the greatest stability in the coming years.
  • Typist Job Outlook: The job outlook for typists is not great. Advancements in technologies have decreased the need for typists and word processors.
  • Demand for Typists: The total demand for typists is expected to continue decreasing in the coming years.T he number of jobs for typists has decreased from 168,000 in 2004 to just over 42,000 in 2019.
  • Typist Facts: The fastest typing speed using a modern keyboard was 212 words per minute (WPM). The record was set in 2005 by Barbara Blackburn.

Jobs Related to Typists

Here are a few jobs to think about pursuing if the typist profession does not work out:

Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for Typists

Being good at typing is just one thing you need to become a typist.

Here’s a closer look at the job requirements.

  • Who Should Consider a Typist Career Path? Individuals who can type quickly with few errors and have good attention to detail may excel as typists.
  • Who Should Not Consider a Typist Career Path? You should look for other careers if you cannot type quickly or struggle with reading comprehension.
  • Is It Hard to Become a Typist? Becoming a typist isn’t difficult thanks to the wide range of employment options. You can find steady employment at schools and government agencies or work as a freelance contractor with online gigs.

Requirements for Becoming a Typist

Becoming a typist often requires good typing skills and some training after high school.

The requirements for becoming a typist include the ability to type quickly and accurately.

You should also be able to be proficient in the language that you type.

What Skills Does a Typist Need?

A typist needs exceptional typing skills.

Attention to detail and organizational skills are also helpful.

What Education Does a Typist Need?

Typists typically need a high school diploma or a GED and some postsecondary education.

Some employers may prefer to hire typists who have completed certificate programs in typing or transcription.

Many typists earn certificates to demonstrate proficiency in typing and office software, such as Microsoft Office products.

Typists who plan on specializing in specific areas, such as court typing or technical transcription, may benefit more from a college education.

For example, in some states, a court typist needs to complete a certification program.

A degree in court reporting, transcription, or a related field of study can lead to better career opportunities.

  • Can You Become a Typist Without a Degree? You can become a typist without a degree but may advance in your career more quickly with a college degree.
  • What Experience Does a Typist Need? Typists do not typically need previous work experience, as there are many entry-level typist jobs. However, some employers may hire experienced typists for important projects or contracts.
  • Typist Education & Schooling:Typists may complete postsecondary courses and certificate programs to boost their resumes and broaden their career prospects. Common courses include typing courses and clerk training courses.
  • What Is Taught in a Typist Course? A typing course helps students type faster and with greater accuracy. Clerk training courses teach students how to perform various administrative tasks, such as filing documents.
  • How Long Does a Typist Course Take? Typing courses and clerk training courses may take a few hours or several weeks.
  • Typist Education Options and Degree Programs:Typists typically have at least a high school education. They also benefit from some postsecondary schooling, even if they do not earn a college degree.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: No bachelor’s programs exist for typists. However, a degree in almost any field of study may lead to better career prospects.
  • Master’s Degree: A master’s degree is rare for typists.

Schools for Typists

Typists may attend clerk training to learn how to perform administrative and office support tasks.

These courses are often available at community colleges and vocational schools.

Steps to Become a Typist

After learning more about this profession, you may decide that you are ready to become a typist.

Here are the steps involved.

  1. Start by finishing high school, as you need at least a high school education for any typist job.
  2. Enroll in certificate courses. Common options include typing certificates and MS Office certificates.
  3. Consider earning an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. A college degree can lead to better career opportunities.
  4. Apply for entry-level typing or data entry positions.
  5. Continue to further your education and apply for jobs with greater responsibilities.

Current Career Job Openings

If you believe that you already have the skills and training needed to become a typist, start searching for job openings.

Here are some of the best opportunities currently available:

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fast Should Typists Type?

Most typists have a typing speed of 65 to 70 words per minute (WPM).

The average typing speed for the typical computer user is about 40 words per minute.

Do Typists Use Mechanical Keyboards?

Many typists prefer the tactile feel of mechanical keyboards.

You can feel each keystroke, allowing for faster, more accurate typing.

Wrapping Up

Typists are responsible for typing documents and often earn a decent living.

Some typing jobs are entry-level positions that mostly revolve around data entry tasks.

Other typing jobs involve transcribing material from other sources, such as typing information from a PDF into a spreadsheet.

If you are good at typing and want to earn a living using your skills, working as a typist may be a good fit.

The next step is to look for jobs in your area.

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