APR 16 · 2026TAKEOVER METER
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Role File · Critical Risk

Typist.

Transcribes documents by typing or dictation. Easily replaced by speech recognition and OCR.

US workers

95K

Avg. salary

$33K

AI risk

94%

Horizon

2-3 years

Assessment

Where this role sits on the index.

Automation risk94%

This role sits on the front line of displacement — meaningful automation within 2–3 years.

The Brief

What's at stake.

Typists convert information from various sources into written documents. Modern speech recognition (Otter.ai, Dragon) and OCR technology can transcribe dictation and convert images to text with 95%+ accuracy, eliminating the need for typists.

Task Analysis

Where the work goes.

AI will handle

  • 01Type documents
  • 02Transcribe audio
  • 03Format documents
  • 04Edit transcripts

You stay relevant

  • 01Verify spelling
  • 02Maintain accuracy
  • 03Organize files

Toolkit

The AI tools pressing on this role.

audio

Otter.ai

AI transcription and meeting notes

Visit →

Stay ahead

The playbook.

Required

Core skills

  • Typing speed 70+ WPM
  • Attention to detail
  • Spelling knowledge
  • Computer skills
  • Accuracy

Emerging

Future skills

  • Content creation
  • Document strategy
  • Information architecture

Leverage

Learn AI as a multiplier

Mastering the tools that automate parts of this role is the most reliable way to stay in demand.

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Sources

How we built this file.

01Bureau of Labor Statistics
02Speech Technology Magazine

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