What's a Good Typing Speed? WPM Benchmarks by Profession
Most people who sit behind a keyboard eventually ask themselves: Am I a fast typist, or slow? With so much work and communication happening through a screen, typing feels like a core skill — yet we rarely measure it. The average typing speed sits around 40 words per minute (WPM), but expectations vary by age, skill level, and job role. Below, you’ll find clear benchmarks to help you understand where you stand and what counts as a good typing speed today.
General Typing Speed Benchmarks
Typing skill has a wide range, and every level is completely normal depending on your experience and usage. Here’s a helpful breakdown:
- Beginner: 20–30 WPM
- Average adult: 40–50 WPM
- Above average: 50–60 WPM
- Professional level: 60–80 WPM
- Expert/speed typist: 80–100+ WPM
Most people sit somewhere around 40–50 WPM simply from daily computer use. However, a good typing speed for everyday work is generally considered 60 WPM or higher. That pace lets you type fast enough to keep up with your thoughts while writing emails, notes, or reports without feeling slowed down.
Of course, what’s considered a good typing speed depends on your goals — a high school student writing essays has different needs than a court transcriptionist.
Typing Speed by Profession
Certain careers benefit greatly from strong typing skills. While not every job requires lightning-fast typing, hitting professional benchmarks can improve efficiency and reduce fatigue.
Data Entry: 60–80 WPM
Speed and accuracy are crucial, as the role involves continuous text and numbers.
Transcriptionist: 70–90 WPM
Professionals in this field listen and type simultaneously, so high speed paired with strong accuracy and listening skills is essential.
Executive Assistant: 60–80 WPM
These roles handle constant communication, scheduling, and documentation — quick and clean typing keeps daily tasks flowing.
Developer / Programmer: 50–70 WPM
Developers don’t necessarily need extreme typing speed. They spend more time thinking, debugging, and planning. Accuracy and precision matter more than raw speed — a single typo can break code.
Writer / Journalist: 60–80 WPM
Writers benefit from typing fast enough to keep up with creative flow, reduce interruptions, and complete assignments efficiently.
Average Office Worker: 40–50 WPM
For general business communication and administrative tasks, average typing speed is often enough — though faster can still mean smoother workflow.
Overall, a good typing speed for professionals is typically 60+ WPM. That said, the right goal depends on your industry and daily tasks.
Does Typing Speed Really Matter?
Typing speed absolutely helps — but only when paired with accuracy. Typing at 80 WPM with 85% accuracy means constant corrections and lost time. Compare that to 60 WPM at 98% accuracy — fewer errors, less frustration, and smoother workflow.
A developer typing thoughtful, typo-free code at 50 WPM is more productive than someone blasting out error-filled code at 70 WPM. Real productivity is a balance:
Productivity = Speed × Accuracy
Curious where you stand? Test your speed and accuracy with our typing test.
How to Reach Professional Typing Speed
If your current speed isn’t where you want it to be, the good news is that improvement is easy with consistent practice. Try these steps:
- Practice 10–15 minutes daily
- Prioritize accuracy first
- Use proper technique and learn touch typing
- Increase goals slowly (+5 WPM per month)
- Take regular accuracy-focused breaks to avoid bad habits
Want specific exercises and tips? Learn how to improve your typing speed with proven techniques.
Ready to Test Yourself?
Now that you know what counts as a good typing speed, it’s time to see where you rank. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or seasoned professional, developing strong typing skills pays off across your entire career.
Ready to see your WPM? Test your typing speed now