How to become a Word Processing Operator
Also called: Typist
Operates a computer to type, edit and generate a variety of documents and reports.
Main tasks
- Prepares documents and reports using word processing software
- Transcribes information recorded in shorthand or on audio equipment
- Ensures accuracy in typing, spelling, grammar and formatting
- Proofreads and edits documents for accuracy and clarity
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies (ICT20120); Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30322)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $71,292 a year
- About 46,300 people work in this job group now, and about 44,700 are projected by 2035. (-3.5%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Word Processing Operator?
Ways in include: Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies; Certificate III in Accounts Administration.
How much does a Word Processing Operator earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $71,292 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Word Processing Operator a growing career in Australia?
Employment is projected to fall 3% by 2035, from about 46,300 to about 44,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Word Processing Operator?
Usually not. Only 15% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies; Certificate III in Accounts Administration.
Will AI change the work of a Word Processing Operator?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04