Word Processing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to equip students with essential digital documentation skills, this program focuses on mastering the efficient creation, editing, and formatting of professional-quality written content using modern word processing tools. It emphasizes precision, speed, and adaptability in real-world administrative and office environments.
- Keyboarding Proficiency: Develops fast, accurate typing techniques using proper hand positioning and touch-typing methods to enhance productivity and reduce errors.
- Word Processor Operation: Covers core functionalities of industry-standard software, including file management, document layout control, and navigation between complex text structures.
- Document Formatting and Design: Teaches advanced formatting strategies such as style application, headers and footers, section breaks, and consistent visual presentation for reports, letters, and publications.
- Textual Draft Interpretation: Builds the ability to analyze and accurately transcribe written or spoken drafts, ensuring fidelity to original intent and structure.
- Audio and Tape Dictation Processing: Provides hands-on experience in receiving, transcribing, and editing spoken content from recorded sources using transcription software and listening techniques.
- Software-Specific Training: Offers in-depth instruction on leading word processing platforms, including feature utilization, template customization, and integration with other digital tools.
Word Processing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Word Processing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Word Processing degrees, including Word Processors and Typists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 36,030 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word Processors and Typists 43-9022 | $47,850 | $35,300 - $64,370 | 36,030 | $23.01 |
Word Processing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $32,870 in West Virginia to $56,700 in Colorado—a 72% difference. The highest-paying states include Colorado, Alaska, and Oregon. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 36,030 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Word Processing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Word Processing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Word Processing is found at American Public University System (APUS) (19 graduates), and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 20 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Other Award
|
19 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | kvcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Word Processing programs
How much can I earn with a Word Processing degree?
Salaries for Word Processing graduates vary by role and location. Word Processors and Typists earn a median of $47,850 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Colorado average $56,700 compared to $32,870 in West Virginia. Approximately 36,030 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Word Processing programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Word Processing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include American Public University System (APUS) (19 graduates), Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Word Processing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 162 in 2010 to a peak of 42 in 2020, before declining slightly to 20 in 2023-24. This represents a 88% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Word Processing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Word Processors and Typists. Related occupations employ approximately 36,030 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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