Typing Speed Requirements for Jobs: WPM by Career
Typing Speed Requirements by Job
Different careers have different typing speed needs. Here's what employers typically look for.
Data Entry Clerk
Required: 45-75 WPM Preferred: 60-80 WPM Accuracy: 95%+
Data entry is all about speed and accuracy. Faster typing = more entries per hour = better productivity.
Transcriptionist
Medical transcription: 65-80 WPM Legal transcription: 70-90 WPM General transcription: 60-75 WPM Accuracy: 98%+
Transcriptionists often need specialized vocabulary knowledge plus fast, accurate typing.
Administrative Assistant / Secretary
Required: 40-60 WPM Preferred: 55-70 WPM Accuracy: 95%+
Admin roles involve diverse tasks, but typing is core. Faster typing means faster document creation.
Customer Service Representative
Required: 30-45 WPM Preferred: 45-60 WPM Accuracy: 90%+
Chat-based support especially requires quick typing to handle multiple conversations.
Programmer / Developer
Typical: 40-70 WPM Accuracy: 95%+ (syntax matters!)
Speed matters less than accuracy for programmers. A single typo can break code. However, faster typing does help productivity.
Try our typing test for programmers with code-specific practice.
Writer / Journalist
Required: 50-70 WPM Preferred: 70-90 WPM Accuracy: 95%+
Writers need to keep up with their thoughts. Faster typing means less friction between ideas and words.
Court Reporter
Required: 200+ WPM (stenography) Certification required: RPR, RMR, or RDR
Court reporters use specialized stenography machines, not traditional keyboards.
Dispatcher (911, etc.)
Required: 35-45 WPM Accuracy: 98%+ (lives depend on accuracy)
Speed matters, but accuracy in high-stress situations is critical.
Receptionist
Required: 35-50 WPM Preferred: 45-60 WPM
Receptionists juggle many tasks; typing is just one of them.
How to Meet Requirements
If you need to increase your speed for a job:
- Assess your current speed: Take our typing test
- Set a goal: What WPM do you need?
- Practice daily: 20-30 minutes
- Focus on accuracy first: Speed follows
- Take timed tests regularly: Track progress
WPM Test Tips for Job Interviews
Many jobs require a typing test during hiring:
- Practice beforehand with similar tests
- Get plenty of sleep the night before
- Warm up your fingers
- Focus on accuracy — corrections slow you down
- Stay calm — nervousness hurts performance
Practice for Your Career
Start with our 5-minute typing test — it's similar to what many employers use.