How To Become A Typist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a typist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A typist is responsible for typing formal documents in a company. This includes reports, memos, correspondence, company rules and policies, meeting minutes, and other official materials. A typist converts materials that have been previously handwritten and audio materials to word-processed documents. As a typist, you are also expected to proofread documents for errors, handle the filing systems and assist with other clerical duties. Typists are known for typing, checking documents, and correcting errors rapidly. You may have to compile materials for the creation of presentations and spreadsheets. A typist works professionally with high confidentiality since you have access to sensitive company documents.

A high school diploma is the least educational requirement for this role. You must be able to use basic word processing software and other relevant tools on a computer. You should be able to type documents with great speed and accuracy. Typists are expected to be familiar with various office equipment and be able to use them. A typist should possess strong communication skills is a major requirement. Typically, typists earn an average of $12.60 per hour.

ScoreTypistUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,143

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.1

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.09%

Asian 4.71%

Black or African American 6.70%

Hispanic or Latino 10.69%

Unknown 4.53%

White 72.28%

Gender

female 88.75%

male 11.25%

Age - 53

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 53

Stress level

4.1

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

3.9

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a typist

Explore typist education requirements

Most common typist degrees

Bachelor's

30.2 %

Associate

27.7 %

High School Diploma

26.3 %

Start to develop specific typist skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Entry	19.44%
WPM	12.93%
Real Estate	8.36%
Telephone Calls	7.95%
Computer Database	5.96%

Complete relevant typist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New typists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a typist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real typist resumes.

Research typist duties and responsibilities

Process and obtain DoD secret level clearance.
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Update title work from mark up commitment prepare by the escrow closers.

Prepare your typist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your typist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a typist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable typist resume templates

Build a professional typist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your typist resume.