The decision of whether to include typing speed on a resume depends entirely on the context of the job application and the specific requirements of the role being sought. A resume functions as a marketing document, and every piece of information must serve to highlight the applicant’s qualifications. Listing a metric like words per minute (WPM) can either be a powerful demonstration of a core competency or an irrelevant detail. Determining the relevance of typing speed requires a clear assessment of the job description and the employer’s operational priorities.
The General Consensus: When to Omit Typing Speed
For the majority of modern professional positions, such as those in management, creative fields, or technical development, typing speed is considered a baseline clerical function rather than a distinct qualification. Recruiters reviewing resumes for knowledge-worker roles (e.g., Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, or Software Developer) focus primarily on cognitive abilities, strategic achievements, and specialized technical expertise. Including a WPM metric in these contexts can inadvertently signal that the applicant views the job as primarily administrative or data-entry focused.
The average typing speed for the general population is approximately 40 WPM, and most office professionals operate efficiently enough between 40 and 60 WPM. Since this level of proficiency is assumed for virtually all white-collar work, explicitly listing it does not provide a competitive advantage. Drawing attention to a basic clerical skill may cause an applicant to appear dated or suggest they are applying for a role below their expected professional level. Unless the job description specifically requests a high volume of transcription or data input, the resume space is better allocated to more substantive accomplishments.
Roles Where Typing Speed Is an Essential Requirement
Typing speed transforms into a core, measurable competency for professions where the volume and pace of text input directly impact productivity and service delivery. These roles require the ability to keep pace with live speech or process massive amounts of information quickly and accurately. For these specific jobs, listing a high WPM is a prerequisite that should be clearly stated.
Transcriptionists and data entry specialists, for example, typically require speeds ranging from 60 to 90 WPM to meet daily output quotas efficiently. A professional transcriptionist may need to process one hour of audio in six to eight hours, making fast, accurate typing directly proportional to their earnings and turnaround time. Executive Assistants who manage high-volume correspondence and real-time meeting minutes often require speeds in the 70 to 100 WPM range to maintain efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
The most demanding requirement is found in court reporting, where professionals must capture spoken word verbatim. Court reporters, who often use a specialized stenotype machine, are commonly required to achieve speeds of 200 to 225 WPM to successfully transcribe legal proceedings in real-time. This extreme speed, coupled with a high accuracy rate, is a fundamental requirement for the profession. For any of these text-intensive jobs, the typing speed metric is a direct qualification and must be featured prominently.
How to Quantify Typing Skills Effectively
When a role requires exceptional speed, the typing skill must be quantified using two metrics: Words Per Minute (WPM) and Accuracy Percentage. Stating only a WPM figure is insufficient because high speed with low accuracy is counterproductive and requires extensive correction time. A competitive submission should aim for an accuracy rate of 98% or higher to demonstrate proficiency and reliability.
The preferred placement for this information is within a dedicated “Skills” or “Technical Skills” section. The formatting should be concise, such as “Typing Speed: 85 WPM with 99% Accuracy.” For roles involving specialized software, the speed can be contextualized, for instance, “Proficient in ExpressScribe (90 WPM, 98% Acc.).” Providing both the speed and the error rate offers a complete picture of the applicant’s efficiency.
Integrating Typing Speed into Broader Administrative Efficiency
For administrative or support roles where speed is beneficial but not a licensing requirement, the focus should shift from the raw metric to the professional impact of that speed. Instead of listing a number, the resume should translate high WPM into tangible results and contributions. This reframing elevates the skill from a clerical function to a productivity advantage.
Applicants should use action-oriented language in their experience bullet points to connect typing proficiency with positive outcomes. For example, instead of listing “75 WPM,” an applicant might state, “Streamlined document processing for executive team, reducing report production time by 25% through advanced word processing and rapid input skills.” This approach demonstrates that the speed is not an isolated skill but a tool that drives efficiency, improves turnaround times, and directly supports organizational goals. Framing the skill in terms of managing high-volume data input shows how the speed translates into superior workplace performance.
Alternative Skills to Prioritize Over Typing Speed
For the vast majority of non-administrative roles, the space on the resume is better utilized by prioritizing modern, high-value skills that are difficult to automate and demonstrate complex problem-solving abilities. Technical aptitude, specifically in specialized software, is far more compelling than general keyboard proficiency.
These high-value skills include:
- Expertise in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms like Salesforce.
- Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Tableau.
- Knowledge of programming languages like Python for data analysis.
- Advanced communication skills, focusing on the ability to articulate complex ideas or manage stakeholder expectations.
- Project Management methodologies, such as proficiency in Agile or Scrum frameworks.
These skills—which involve strategic planning, process optimization, and complex software operation—are the true currency of the contemporary job market. They offer a more persuasive case for a candidate’s overall value than a basic speed metric.