Hiring Word Processors and Typists
Employers across the 46 metro areas we have BLS OEWS wage data for pay word processors and typists a median of $31,450 to $79,430 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A search through recruitlocalpros runs Tier I to Tier VI, $6,240 to $54,340, set by seniority, never by location or salary. Our vetted recruiting partner handles sourcing, screening and placement end to end.
What do word processors and typists do?
- 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.
Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-9022.00.
What does it take to become one?
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET Job Zone 2, SVP (4.0 to < 6.0). O*NET OnLine.
Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace software for this role.
What do word processors and typists get paid?
BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for word processors and typists in 46 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $31,450 to $79,430 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $48,070. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.
BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-9022.
What does hiring one cost?
The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for word processors and typists in this build is $79,430. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $15,886 to $23,829 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.
Frequently asked
- How fast can a word processors and typists search fill?
- 23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.
- What if the hire does not work out?
- A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.
Price a word processors and typists search
Eight questions about the role. Your tier range appears on screen, with the contingency comparison if you are paying one now.