Hire the best Typists

A typist specializes in typing company documents, such as reports, meeting agendas, and transcripts. Whether your business is looking to produce letters, presentations, books, or other written documents from audio, handwritten or other visual sources, a qualified typist can help. 

Before you start your search for a typist, understanding what the role entails, what to include in a successful typist job post, and average hiring costs can help you find and hire the right professional. 

As you weigh your different options for hiring a typist, you may want to consider engaging an independent professional who aligns with your needs. Skilled independent typists are available on Upwork to handle a range of projects, such as transcription, data entry, and proofreading. 

Developing an effective typist job post 

Writing a concise, engaging job post can help you reach skilled typists who are qualified to support your business needs. Learn important details to include in a compelling typist job post.

Job post title

Identify a clear, succinct title that highlights what you’re looking for in a typist. Examples of typist job post titles include:

• Administrative typist. Looking for a fast and accurate typist to handle various administrative tasks across departments at a non-profit organization. 
• Legal typist. Seeking a precise and trustworthy professional to type confidential legal and other sensitive documents. 
• Medical record typist. In need of a skilled typist with knowledge of the medical field to help maintain patient records. 

Project description 

Include critical information about the typist job or project in your post to engage the right candidates. Consider the following details:

• Scope of work. From letters to reports to legal documents, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
• Project length. Clearly indicate whether you’re looking for a typist to support a short- or long-term project.
• Background. If you prefer experience with certain industries, writing styles, or shorthand systems, mention this here.
• Budget. Determine a budget and include whether you’re offering an hourly or fixed-price contract.

Overview of typist responsibilities

While specific typist responsibilities will depend on how the role or project is structured and what your business needs are, here’s a list of common high-level typist responsibilities for inspiration as you write your job post:

• Data entry, such as updating and maintaining records
• Document creation, including preparing reports, letters, presentations, and other documents 
• Transcribing meetings, interviews, and dictated notes
• Converting audio recordings into written, digital documents 
• Organizing and managing digital and physical files
• Proofreading and ensuring documents align with business requirements and guidelines
• Completing industry-specific typing tasks, such as legal briefs or medical reports 
• Maintaining consistency, accuracy, and confidentiality in all work 

Typist requirements and qualifications

Highlight specific requirements and qualifications your team is seeking in potential typist candidates. Pointing out preferences or must-haves in your job post can help you attract candidates with the right skills while weeding out others who may not be the right fit for your business needs. 

Here’s a list of typical typist requirements and qualifications: 

• Efficient and accurate typing—typically 60 to 80 words per minute (WPM) or higher
• Impeccable grammar, spelling, punctuation, and attention to detail
• Proficiency in word processing software such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, as well as other computer software and programs
• Knowledge of transcription equipment, shorthand, and speedwriting (if applicable)
• Industry-specific software and terminology expertise, such as medical or legal 
• A commitment to discretion and confidentiality
• Strong listening skills (for transcription work) 
• Soft skills including organization, communication, prioritization, and time management

Helpful information to know before you hire a typist

After you write an effective job post, understanding other essential information about the typist role can help you hire the most qualified candidates based on your specific business needs. Below, we’ve highlighted important details, including an overview of the role, expected market demand for typists in the coming years, and average hiring costs.

The role of a typist

Companies hire typists to accurately and efficiently convert written or spoken information into typed documents. The role requires exemplary typing skills, attention to detail, and expertise with different document formats and word processing applications. 

Typist responsibilities may include:

• Data entry. Inputting important information into databases, spreadsheets, forms, or software systems, while ensuring accuracy. 
• Transcription. Converting audio recordings or spoken word into written text, often in a digital format, while maintaining the meaning and accuracy of the original content. 
• Creating documents. Producing different types of documents, such as reports, newsletters, and memos, while following specified formatting guidelines. 
• Proofreading. Reviewing typed documents for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors and editing as necessary.
• Formatting. Applying approved formatting to documents and other resources, including layout, font styles, and spacing, to align with a company’s style guides and standards. 
• Maintaining confidentiality. Handling sensitive and confidential information discreetly, while following company privacy policies and confidentiality agreements. 

Typist hiring demand in 2024

Typist roles are declining somewhat in the U.S. While data from Zippia shows that the projected job growth rate for typists between 2018 and 2028 is actually a reduction of 5%, there are still about 34,000 active typist job openings as of 2024. Some of the decline can be attributed to artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology being used to transcribe documents and complete additional tasks that typically fall under the responsibilities of a typist. 

The good news is, your business can engage a freelance professional if you need a typist for only a short period of time or a limited number of pages so typist work doesn’t require a full-time workload on your team.

Common typist projects

Typists can work on a variety of administrative tasks, projects, and jobs across departments at different organizations. Examples of typist projects include:  

• Legal brief transcription. Efficiently transcribing and formatting in-depth court proceedings and legal arguments into structured briefs while ensuring confidentiality.
• Medical record conversion. Digitizing handwritten doctor and caregiver notes, as well as patient records, while maintaining Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance.
• Academic research transcription. Transcribing recorded interviews and discussions from focus group sessions for academic research projects.
• Podcast transcript development. Converting podcast episodes and other media recordings into accurate written transcripts for search engine optimization (SEO) and accessibility purposes. 
• Administrative support. Preparing documents for business meetings and typing the meeting agenda, minutes, action items, and next steps. 

Industries hiring typists 

Typists can be beneficial in an administrative capacity to many businesses across industries. 

Top industries hiring typists include:

• Government. Local, state, and federal agencies often engage typists to prepare official documents, transcribe public meetings, and ensure public records are transparent and accurate, among other duties. 
• Financial services. Banks, investment firms, and other financial services businesses hire typists to prepare financial reports, organize notes on client interactions, and maintain records for compliance and auditing purposes. 
• Publishing. Book publishers and other media companies seek the services of typists to convert handwritten manuscripts and other documents into digital formats, prepare documents for editors, and help produce written content. 
• Media. Television networks, movie production companies, and streaming services may hire typists to write subsites, closed captions, and transcripts, ensuring video content is accessible and complies with regulatory requirements. 
• Corporate and business services. Corporate businesses enlist the skills of typists to type reports, create presentations, and support correspondence and internal communications. 

Average cost of hiring a typist in 2024

Salaries and pay rates for typists can vary based on multiple factors, such as industry, expertise, years of experience, location, and market conditions.

• An experienced typist or professional may charge higher rates but also likely works more efficiently, has more specialized or industry expertise, and delivers higher-quality typed documents.
• An early career professional in the process of developing their expertise and gaining experience may charge more competitive fees for their typing services. 

While the demand for typists is decreasing, the average salary and hourly wages for the role are increasing over time. Data from Zippia shows that the average salary for typists in 2024 is $32,143, while the average hourly rate is $15.45, an increase of 1.8% over 2023.  

Hire a skilled typist for your business needs

Hiring a skilled typist can help your organization increase efficiency with administrative tasks and ensure all typed documents are accurate, while ensuring confidentiality and compliance. 

Once you have an understanding of your business needs, start your search for a qualified typist on Upwork. Experienced typists with diverse backgrounds and expertise are available on the Upwork Talent marketplace, offering you the opportunity to access talent with the skills you need for a short- or long-term project. Search for a typist on Upwork and begin working with the right professional within a few days.