If you interested in typing up transcriptions then a career as a correspondence typist may be for you. These professional typists create documents dictated and recorded by others and perform basic administrative duties. A majority of training a correspondence typist receives is done on the job, but certificate programs are an option.
Essential Information
Correspondence typists use computers to transcribe documents or recordings. They may also perform some front-office administrative duties. While people in this occupation may have completed some postsecondary education, such as a certificate program, on-the-job training is common.
| Required Education | High school diploma or the equivalent, on-the-job training; certificate programs are optional |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) | -36% (for all word processors and typists)* |
| Mean Salary (2020) | $42,630 (for all word processors and typists)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Correspondence Typist Job Description
Correspondence typists create computer documents from letters, reports, forms or other materials written or dictated by other people. They may type up handwritten drafts, previously printed copies that have been edited or voice recordings. Typists might also be responsible for some clerical duties, such as filing and retrieving records, updating records with newly created documents and answering phones. These professionals may also be known as information processors, typists, file clerks or receptionists. Correspondence typists can work in many different industries, including business, legal and government sectors.
Correspondence Typist Education and Skills
There are no specific education requirements for becoming a correspondence typist. Many have high school diplomas and are trained on the job; however, aspiring correspondence typists might prepare for the field by completing clerk typist, office assistant or word processing certificate programs. These programs focus on instruction in typing and computer usage. Courses often include keyboarding, correspondence, record keeping, data processing, office procedures and computer applications.
In addition to having strong keyboarding skills, correspondence typists must be familiar with proper spelling, punctuation and grammar. Knowledge of how to use basic office equipment may also be helpful.
Correspondence Typist Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of word processors and typists, including correspondence typists, was projected to decline 36% from 2019-2029 (www.bls.gov). In 2020, there were 52,700 word processors and typists in the nation. These individuals earned a mean salary of $42,630 as of 2020. The highest-paid workers were employed by legal services and made a mean annual wage of $55,790. Local governments employed the largest number of these workers and paid a mean annual wage of $43,940.
Correspondence typists must have great listening skills and obviously great typing skills to match. It's important to note that the BLS is predicting a sharp decline in available positions for this field, making it absolutely essential to gain as much experience and familiarize yourself with as many related topics as you can. While on-the-job training is typical in this field, related certificate programs are available.
