What is a clerk typist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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If you have quick and accurate typing skills, you may want to look into becoming a clerk typist. Clerk typists spend their days typing all sorts of materials, to include letters, forms, and reports. They may also be expected to transcribe documents from audiotapes or take meeting notes. These typists are also often asked to perform many related clerical duties, including filing, proofreading, sorting mail, scanning and printing files, and creating spreadsheets.

The most important skill you'll need to be successful as a clerk typist is the ability to type fast and accurately. You should also be able to check documents for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors under tight deadlines. Knowledge of word processing tools, strong English skills, and attention to detail are also essential. Clerk typists usually have a high school diploma or equivalent along with typing and computer experience. Postsecondary education in business or office practices, data entry and word processing through a vocational school, college or other educational institution may be preferred by some employers.

ScoreClerk TypistUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,746

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.6

Growth Rate -5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 8.31%

Black or African American 10.42%

Hispanic or Latino 19.74%

Unknown 4.69%

White 55.76%

Gender

female 91.17%

male 8.83%

Age - 50
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50
Stress Level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.3

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Clerk Typist career paths

Key steps to become a clerk typist

  1. Explore clerk typist education requirements

    Most common clerk typist degrees

    Associate

    29.3 %

    Bachelor's

    27.4 %

    High School Diploma

    26.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific clerk typist skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Data Entry13.58%
    Customer Service11.93%
    Telephone Calls10.22%
    Payroll8.34%
    Office Equipment5.48%
  3. Complete relevant clerk typist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New clerks typist learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a clerk typist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real clerk typist resumes.
  4. Gain additional clerk typist certifications

    Clerk typist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific clerk typist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for clerks typist include Word 2010 Certification and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research clerk typist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage orthopedic accounts regarding payment posting through IDX medical systems.
    • Have knowledge and access to NCIC.
    • Gain proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) software.
    • Job duties also include chart creation and maintenance, and EMR systems.
  6. Prepare your clerk typist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your clerk typist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a clerk typist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Clerk Typist Resume templates

    Build a professional Clerk Typist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Clerk Typist resume.
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  7. Apply for clerk typist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a clerk typist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Clerk Typist Job

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Average clerk typist salary

The average Clerk Typist salary in the United States is $31,746 per year or $15 per hour. Clerk typist salaries range between $25,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average Clerk Typist Salary
$31,746 Yearly
$15.26 hourly

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How do clerks typist rate their job?

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Clerk Typist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Cons

phones - because of my accent


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Interacting with the public very friendly helpful in problem solving also I have patience with others

Cons

Rude customers who use profanity


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

I like this job because of which man's mind gets widespread. And through this he meet high qualified person.

Cons

Because in this job total work in computer so that's way computer damage our eye site. Except this every thing is fine.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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