Typist
Also known as: phonotypist, data entry typist, transcription typist, braille typist, shorthand typist, audio typist
About this occupation
Typists operate computers to type and revise documents and compile material to be typed, such as correspondence, reports, statistical tables, forms, and audios. They read instructions accompanying material or follow verbal instructions to determine requirements such as number of copies needed, priority and desired format.
Essential skills and knowledge
- align content with form
- use free typing techniques
- use dictionaries
- use microsoft office
- company policies
- provide written content
- decode handwritten texts
- type error-free documents
- apply grammar and spelling rules
- transcription methods
- pose questions referring to documents
- draft corporate emails
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Word Processors and Typists (O*NET 43-9022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
- Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
- Print and make copies of work.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Monitoring, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$49,280 a year (2025), 35,010 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Data Entry Keyers
- File Clerks
- Medical Transcriptionists
- Office Clerks, General
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Document Management Specialists
- Receptionists and Information Clerks
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.