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Typist vs clerk

The differences between typists and clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a typist, becoming a clerk takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a typist has an average salary of $32,143, which is higher than the $31,163 average annual salary of a clerk.

The top three skills for a typist include data entry, WPM and real estate. The most important skills for a clerk are basic math, math, and data entry.

Typist vs clerk overview

TypistClerk
Yearly salary$32,143$31,163
Hourly rate$15.45$14.98
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs34,02880,311
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age5047
Years of experience122

What does a typist do?

A typist is responsible for typing all of a company's documents and materials, including reports, policies, and correspondence. A typist may also be known as a word processor or copy clerk. They are a professional who may work for companies or individuals. Their job responsibilities may include typing up letters, filling out forms, creating transcriptions of audio recordings, or organizing documents. They may also have to answer phones.

What does a clerk do?

Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies. Clerks should have good office skills, communication skills, business writing skills, and time management skills. They should also be able to treat any document or paperwork they handle with confidentiality.

Typist vs clerk salary

Typists and clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

TypistClerk
Average salary$32,143$31,163
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $48,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew Hampshire
Best paying companyErie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCESUniversity of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industryGovernmentHealth Care

Differences between typist and clerk education

There are a few differences between a typist and a clerk in terms of educational background:

TypistClerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Western Carolina University

Typist vs clerk demographics

Here are the differences between typists' and clerks' demographics:

TypistClerk
Average age5047
Gender ratioMale, 11.2% Female, 88.8%Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 4.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 7.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage7%6%

Differences between typist and clerk duties and responsibilities

Typist example responsibilities.

  • Process and obtain DoD secret level clearance.
  • Complete HTML coding for online versions of books and newsletters.
  • Assist in providing telephone help desk support to troubleshoot application questions.
  • Update title work from mark up commitment prepare by the escrow closers.
  • Type, copy, assemble and distribute policies to escrow officers and clients.
  • Type policies, endorsements, amendments and other miscellaneous materials for insure and their agents.
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Clerk example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
  • Manage orthopedic accounts regarding payment posting through IDX medical systems.
  • Administer financial bookkeeping by way of QuickBooks.
  • Bank reconciliation in QuickBooks and assist bookkeeper when need.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • Call DMV's and dealerships when liens are not perfect.
  • Show more

Typist vs clerk skills

Common typist skills
  • Data Entry, 19%
  • WPM, 13%
  • Real Estate, 8%
  • Telephone Calls, 8%
  • Computer Database, 6%
  • Escrow, 5%
Common clerk skills
  • Basic Math, 18%
  • Math, 10%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 8%
  • POS, 5%

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