Word Processors and Typists Salary in California
In California, word processors and typists earn $51,100 at the median — $24.57 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $58K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $51K get you in California?
About word processors and typists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level word processors and typists (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $51K.Top earners bring in $58K or more - a $19K spread from bottom to top.
Word Processors and Typists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $54K | +12% | 40 |
| Oregon | $53K | +11% | 40 |
| Kansas | $52K | +9% | 50 |
| Rhode Island | $51K | +7% | 160 |
| California | $51K | +7% | 9,780 |
| Massachusetts | $51K | +7% | 330 |
| Illinois | $50K | +5% | 460 |
| New Jersey | $50K | +5% | 3,370 |
| Minnesota | $50K | +4% | 210 |
| Delaware | $49K | +2% | 40 |
| Michigan | $49K | +1% | 510 |
| Arizona | $48K | +1% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $48K | +0% | 130 |
| Alabama | $48K | -0% | 80 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | -1% | 120 |
Track word processors and typists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do word processors and typists make in California?
The median is $51,100 a year - that works out to about $24.57 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,580, and experienced word processors and typists can clear $58,170. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $51K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,478/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 63.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a word processors and typists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median word processors and typists salary is worth about $51,100 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do word processors and typists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.