How To Become A Word Processor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a word processor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Word processors are responsible for creating business documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for a wide range of organizations. They use word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat, to create, edit, and format a range of business documents, including letters, reports, and memos. They also use spreadsheets to store customer data and other important information. Word processors earn an average salary of $39,000 annually or $18 per hour.

Word processors set up and prepare reports, letters, mailing labels, and other materials on a computer using a keyboard and word processing software. They use word processing commands to format the material and instruct the machine to correct spelling or grammar errors, number pages automatically, adjust the margins or line length, or perform a host of other functions. They also print out and arrange copies of the document for presentation or filing.

In terms of academic qualifications, word processors typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. They are expected to have some years of experience in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates with sound clerical skills, including a good command of the English language.

ScoreWord ProcessorUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,454

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.1

Growth Rate -8%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.09%

Asian 4.71%

Black or African American 6.70%

Hispanic or Latino 10.69%

Unknown 4.53%

White 72.28%

Gender

female 86.41%

male 13.59%

Age - 53

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 - 53

Stress Level

4.1

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

3.9

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a word processor

Explore word processor education requirements

Most common word processor degrees

Bachelor's

38.2 %

Associate

26.8 %

High School Diploma

17.3 %

Start to develop specific word processor skills

Skills	Percentages
PowerPoint	14.66%
Data Entry	14.18%
Proofreading	10.02%
Law Firm	5.08%
Financial Statements	4.95%

Complete relevant word processor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New word processors 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 word processor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real word processor resumes.

Research word processor duties and responsibilities

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.

Prepare your word processor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your word processor 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 word processor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Word Processor Resume templates

Build a professional Word Processor 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 Word Processor resume.

Apply for word processor jobs

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

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