The clerk typist position is a foundational administrative support role combining general office duties with specialized document production skills. Although technology has changed the office environment, the need for accurate and efficient information processing remains steady. This role ensures the smooth flow of communication and data management within an organization, supporting various departments. Understanding the specific duties, required technical and soft skills, and the modern context of this occupation is helpful for those considering this career path.
Defining the Clerk Typist Role
The core function of a clerk typist is to provide comprehensive clerical support centered around document creation and data input. Historically, this role was defined by using typewriters to generate and finalize correspondence, reports, and forms. The clerk typist served as the primary processor for all written communication flowing through an office or department.
The title combines general clerical responsibilities, such as filing and communication, with the technical skill of fast and accurate typing. Before the widespread use of personal computers, the ability to rapidly transcribe handwritten drafts or dictated notes was a specialized function. These professionals ensured standardized formatting and error-free documents.
Primary Responsibilities and Daily Tasks
Document Preparation and Correspondence
A large portion of the daily workload involves generating and formatting written materials. This includes typing documents from rough drafts, voice recordings, or digital files into a final, professional format. The clerk typist creates and edits internal memos, formal letters, reports, and other official documents, ensuring adherence to organizational standards. Proofreading is an integrated task, requiring careful review for accuracy, correct grammar, and proper punctuation before distribution.
Record Keeping and Filing
Maintaining the integrity and accessibility of an organization’s records is a major responsibility. This includes high-volume data entry, where information is input into spreadsheets, databases, or specialized systems with speed and precision. The clerk typist manages both physical and digital filing systems, categorizing and labeling documents for easy retrieval. They are responsible for updating files, processing forms, and ensuring that all records are systematically stored, often using alphabetical, numerical, or chronological methods.
Communication and Reception
Clerical duties extend to managing basic office communications and front-facing interactions. This often involves performing receptionist duties, such as greeting visitors and directing them to the appropriate personnel. A clerk typist handles incoming and outgoing correspondence, including answering and screening telephone calls, sorting and distributing mail, and redirecting inquiries. They may also operate and maintain standard office equipment like copiers, scanners, and fax machines.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
A foundational requirement for this position is a demonstrable level of typing proficiency, measured in words per minute (WPM) with high accuracy. While the average typing speed for an adult is around 55 WPM, many employers seek candidates who can type between 45 and 60 WPM, or higher for heavy data entry roles. This speed ensures efficient transcription and data input, directly impacting productivity.
Technical competence includes proficiency in common office software applications. Mastery of word processing programs like Microsoft Word is necessary for formatting and editing documents. Familiarity with spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, is valuable for handling data, creating basic reports, and performing calculations. Soft skills like attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective time management are necessary for juggling multiple administrative tasks and maintaining accurate records.
Modern Relevance and Career Outlook
The specific job title of “clerk typist” has evolved substantially because technological advancements have integrated typing into nearly all administrative roles. Word processing and data entry are now baseline expectations for most office workers, leading to a decline in demand for the stand-alone title. Many organizations have merged these duties into broader roles such as Administrative Assistant, Office Clerk, or Secretary.
Despite the declining use of the traditional title, the combination of specialized skills remains highly valued. These merged roles still require the core competencies of rapid data processing, strong organizational skills, and document management. The projected job growth rate for this occupation shows a decline of approximately -5% over a decade, reflecting the consolidation of duties. The skills are most applicable where high-volume, accurate data transcription is necessary, such as in government agencies or large corporate departments.
Typical Work Environments and Compensation
Individuals with clerk typist skills are employed across a wide range of organizations requiring dedicated administrative support. Common work settings include government agencies, public school districts, hospitals and medical facilities, and legal offices. These sectors often have high volumes of standardized documents and complex record-keeping requirements.
Compensation for this level of administrative support varies based on geographic location, sector of employment, and years of experience. The average annual salary for a clerk typist in the United States falls between $36,000 and $38,000. The majority of annual salaries range from approximately $31,000 at the 25th percentile to around $40,000 at the 75th percentile. Specialized or high-cost-of-living areas may see salaries reaching up to $50,000.