What does a Word Processor do?
A word processor is responsible for setting up and preparing mailing labels, letters, reports, and other materials using word processing software and a keyboard. They use word processing commands to create documents needed for company operations. They are also expected to perform some clerical duties in and around the office, like answering telephone calls and copying documents.
Word processor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real word processor resumes:
- Create and update Microsoft VISIO graphs.
- Complete document in SPD drive the same day as payroll.
- Train all desktop publishers on new style sheets for various college examinations.
- Prepare pleadings, briefs, opinions for filing and trial via transcription.
- Edit and proofread authors and desktop publisher's manuscripts ahead of the editing department.
- Process work orders utilizing WordPerfect software, transcribe from Dictaphone system, answer phones and sort mail.
- Provide typing, proofreading, filing, purchasing supplies, payroll, word processing and telephone coverage.
- Work hand in hand with claim representatives transcribing their dictations for various letters involve in the claims process.
- Type letters, memorandums, legal documents, monthly reports and appraisals from both handwritten and transcribing machine.
- Proofread and edit required documents for basic grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, usage applying specify guidelines.
- Create and edit mark-up documents with track changes, legal briefs, pleadings, and forms for assign attorneys.
- Transcribe documents from Dictaphone; also responsible for the word processing system's backups and restoring procedures on IBM AS400.
- Create PowerPoint presentations and organizational charts for various company departments.
- Direct and coordinate diverse administrative projects including document preparation and duplication, editing, and the development of PowerPoint presentations.
- Proofread and edit employee benefits communications materials.
Word processor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Word Processors are proficient in PowerPoint, Data Entry, and Proofreading. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Organizational skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Word Processors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- PowerPoint, 15%
Directed and coordinated diverse administrative projects including document preparation and duplication, editing, and the development of PowerPoint presentations.
- Data Entry, 14%
Provided preparation of insurance proposals, correspondence, data entry and miscellaneous office support for this family-owned business.
- Proofreading, 10%
Assisted Managing Editor with all duties including word processing, proofreading and verifying information
- Law Firm, 5%
Prepared legal correspondence and documents for busy personal injury/litigation law firm.
- Financial Statements, 5%
Audited post-closing documents and prepared of financial statements, management letters, proposals and exhibitions.
- Word Processing Equipment, 4%
Set priorities and with independent judgment produced various reports, correspondence, and specifications using different types of word processing equipment.
Common skills that a word processor uses to do their job include "powerpoint," "data entry," and "proofreading." You can find details on the most important word processor responsibilities below.
Interpersonal skills. One of the key soft skills for a word processor to have is interpersonal skills. You can see how this relates to what word processors do because "secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff." Additionally, a word processor resume shows how word processors use interpersonal skills: "developed excellent communication/interpersonal skills while interacting with over 250 people in the real estate investment department. "
Organizational skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling word processor duties is organizational skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in order so that an office runs efficiently." According to a word processor resume, here's how word processors can utilize organizational skills in their job responsibilities: "created mail merges for mass mailings, tables and organizational charts. "
Writing skills. word processors are also known for writing skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to word processor responsibilities, because "secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers." A word processor resume example shows how writing skills is used in the workplace: "maintained formatting consistency and writing standards for processing financial statements. "
The three companies that hire the most word processors are:
- PPKF O'Connor Davies6 word processors jobs
- NNANA5 word processors jobs
- RRobert Half3 word processors jobs
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Compare different word processors
Word processor vs. Typist
A typist is responsible for typing all of a company's documents and materials, including reports, policies, and correspondence. A typist may also be known as a word processor or copy clerk. They are a professional who may work for companies or individuals. Their job responsibilities may include typing up letters, filling out forms, creating transcriptions of audio recordings, or organizing documents. They may also have to answer phones.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a word processor are more likely to require skills like "proofreading," "law firm," "word processing equipment," and "adobe acrobat." On the other hand, a job as a typist requires skills like "wpm," "computer database," "escrow," and "word processing." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Typists tend to make the most money working in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,510. In contrast, word processors make the biggest average salary, $61,450, in the professional industry.typists tend to reach similar levels of education than word processors. In fact, typists are 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Word processor vs. Statistical typist
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, word processor responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "powerpoint," "proofreading," "law firm," and "word processing equipment." Meanwhile, a statistical typist has duties that require skills in areas such as "income tax returns," "word processing," "scheduling appointments," and "audit reports." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Statistical typists earn similar levels of education than word processors in general. They're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Word processor vs. Medical typist
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from word processor resumes include skills like "powerpoint," "data entry," "proofreading," and "law firm," whereas a medical typist is more likely to list skills in "dictation," "medical reports," "transcription," and "data collection. "
When it comes to education, medical typists tend to earn lower degree levels compared to word processors. In fact, they're 5.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Word processor vs. Word processing specialist
Types of word processor
Updated January 8, 2025
