Typist

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-38.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Typist?

A Typist is a professional who specializes in typing text, usually from handwritten notes or audio recordings, into formatted documents. They are skilled in fast and accurate typing, ensuring that documents are error-free and well-presented.

Sample job titles:

Clerk Typist, Keyboard Specialist, Typist, Word Processor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Typist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Typist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Typist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year	$71K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Typist do?

Work environment

Typists often work in office settings, including government agencies, legal offices, healthcare facilities, and business corporations. Their environment typically involves working at a computer for extended periods, and may include transcribing meetings or legal proceedings.

Quick task list

Transcribes written notes or audio recordings into digital documents.
Proofreads and edits documents for accuracy and format.
Manages and organizes files and documents.
Assists with document distribution and office communication.
Maintains confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Legal Typist: Specializing in legal documents, court transcripts, and legal correspondence.
Medical Typist: Focused on medical reports, patient records, and healthcare documentation.
Stenotype Typist: Using a stenotype machine for real-time transcription, often in legal or broadcasting settings.

Description

Typists play a crucial role in efficiently converting spoken or handwritten content into well-organized, readable, and accurate text documents. They must be adept at understanding different accents and dialects, as well as specialized terminology, particularly in fields like law and medicine. Typists need to have excellent concentration and attention to detail to ensure accuracy in their transcriptions.

In addition to typing skills, they must be familiar with various document formats and proficient in word processing software. They may also need to edit and format documents according to specific guidelines. As technology advances, typists must stay updated with the latest transcription software and tools, which can include voice recognition technology.

The role of a typist is evolving, with increased use of automated transcription services. However, their skill in understanding context, nuance, and specialized terminology continues to be valuable, particularly in fields where accuracy is paramount, such as legal transcription or medical documentation.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the creation of clear and accurate documentation.
The satisfaction of transforming raw information into structured formats.
Opportunities to work in various fields and learn specialized terminologies.

You might make a good Typist if you are...

Highly proficient in typing with a fast and accurate typing speed.
Detail-oriented, able to spot and correct errors efficiently.
Familiar with different document formats and word processing software.
Able to sit and concentrate for extended periods.
Good at understanding and interpreting spoken language and handwritten notes.

Pros:

Flexible working environments, including potential for remote work.
Opportunities across various industries, offering diverse experiences.
Less demanding educational requirements compared to other professions.

Cons:

Repetitive nature of the work can be monotonous.
Prolonged periods of sitting and typing may lead to physical discomfort.
Technological advancements could impact the demand for traditional typing roles.

How to become a Typist

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, with additional training in typing and computer skills. Some positions may require vocational training or certification, but generally, no advanced degree is necessary.

High school preparation

Courses:

Keyboarding or typing classes to build speed and accuracy.
English and Grammar to enhance language and editing skills.
Computer Science to become familiar with various software and technology.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a journalism or yearbook club to practice typing and editing.
Participating in debate or language clubs to improve listening and comprehension skills.
Volunteering for administrative roles that involve typing or data entry.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training programs in office administration or secretarial skills.
Certification courses in typing and transcription to improve credibility and skill set.
Seeking internships or part-time jobs that require extensive typing to gain practical experience.

More resources

Typing.com - Offers free typing lessons and tests to improve speed and accuracy.
National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) - Provides resources for those interested in stenotype typing.
American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) - Offers certification and education for electronic transcription and reporting.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information on the typist occupation, including required skills and job outlook.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.