Word processors and typists
SOC Code: 43-9022
Word processors and typists carries a 80% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $47,850 and -36.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 40,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Word processors and typists (SOC 43-9022) carries an AI exposure score of 80%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable — workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 40,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -36.1% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $47,850, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Word processors and typists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- 2. Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
- 3. File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- 4. Print and make copies of work.
- 5. Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- 6. Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
- 7. Type correspondence, reports, text and other written material from rough drafts, corrected copies, voice recordings, dictation, or previous versions, using a computer, word processor, or typewriter.
- 8. Gather, register, and arrange the material to be typed, following instructions.
- 9. Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.
- 10. Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Administrative
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
- Psychology
- Telecommunications
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Word processors and typists?
Word processors and typists has an AI exposure score of 80%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Word processors and typists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Word processors and typists is projected to decline by 36.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 40,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Word processors and typists?
Key skills for Word processors and typists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Word processors and typists earn?
The median annual wage for Word processors and typists is $47,850, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Word processors and typists?
The typical entry-level education for Word processors and typists is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Word processors and typists?
Word processors and typists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).