Is a 120 WPM typing speed good?

Typing is an essential skill in the digital age, and many people wonder what makes a good typing speed. If you can type 120 words per minute (WPM), you are well above average. But is 120 WPM good? And how does it compare to what employers or specific jobs require? Let’s dive deep into this topic and explore everything you need to know about a 120 WPM typing speed.

What Jobs Require 120 WPM?

Typing at 120 WPM is incredibly fast. While most jobs do not explicitly require such high speeds, there are certain professions where having a fast typing speed is a great advantage. Here are some jobs where 120 WPM could be useful:

1. Court Reporters & Stenographers – These professionals need to transcribe spoken words in real-time, requiring speeds of at least 200 WPM with stenotype machines. However, for general transcription, 120 WPM is impressive.
   
   

2. Data Entry Specialists – Some high-level data entry jobs may require speeds of 100+ WPM, especially when dealing with large volumes of text.
   
   

3. Transcriptionists – Medical and legal transcriptionists benefit from fast typing speeds to keep up with recorded speech.
   
   

4. Coders & Programmers – While coding isn’t about speed, being able to type quickly can improve efficiency and workflow.
   
   

5. Customer Support & Live Chat Agents – Many companies look for agents who can type quickly and accurately in customer interactions to provide seamless support.
   
   

6. Journalists & Writers – Writing articles, reports, and books require both speed and accuracy, making high WPM beneficial for meeting deadlines.
   
   

7. Administrative Assistants – High-speed typing helps in handling emails, scheduling, and documentation efficiently, saving time and increasing productivity.
   
   

While a job may not specifically require 120 WPM, being able to type this fast can be a valuable asset in many professions, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

How Fast Should a 15-Year-Old Type?

Typing speeds vary by age and experience. A 15-year-old is still developing their skills, but here’s what is considered a good typing speed:

• Beginner: 20-30 WPM

• Average: 40-50 WPM

• Good: 60-80 WPM

• Excellent: 90-100+ WPM
  
  

If you are 15 and typing at 120 WPM, you are far ahead of the average! This speed is rare for someone of your age and could put you in the top tier of typists. This skill can be very useful for academic work, online jobs, and even future career opportunities.

What Is the Top 1% Typing Speed?

The top 1% of typists typically type at speeds above 120 WPM. Most professional typists average around 100-130 WPM, while the fastest typists in the world can reach 160-200+ WPM.

To put it in perspective:

• Average typists: 40-50 WPM

• Fast typists: 80-100 WPM

• Top 10%: 100-120 WPM

• Top 1%: 120+ WPM

• Record holders: 160+ WPM
  
  

Being in the top 1% means you have excellent muscle memory and finger coordination. If you are already at 120 WPM, you can still improve with consistent practice and structured training.

How Good Is 120 WPM? Is It Desired by Employers?

Yes, 120 WPM is extremely good and well above the average required for most jobs. While many jobs do not require such high speeds, having a fast typing speed is a competitive advantage.

• Office Jobs – Employers prefer employees who can type quickly and accurately, increasing work efficiency.

• Data Entry – Speed and accuracy are crucial in high-volume typing jobs, making 120 WPM highly desirable.

• Programming – Fast typists can write code more efficiently, leading to increased productivity.

• Journalism & Writing – Writing articles faster means improved productivity and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
  
  

Employers might not specifically ask for 120 WPM, but having a high speed makes you more efficient and productive, which is always a plus in any workplace.

Is It Good That I Get 100-120 WPM as a 14-Year-Old?

Absolutely! If you are a 14-year-old who can type 100-120 WPM, you are far ahead of most people. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

1. Better Job Prospects – When you enter the job market, you will have a valuable skill that many employers seek.

2. More Productivity – You can complete school assignments, essays, and projects much faster than your peers.

3. Competitive Advantage – You may qualify for high-paying online typing jobs, giving you early financial independence.

4. Easy Certification – You can earn a free typing certificate from Ratatype, which proves your skills and can be added to your resume.
   
   

Keep practicing to maintain your speed and accuracy, and you will be an expert typist by adulthood. Improving further could make you one of the best typists in your field!

What Is a Good Typing Speed for Jobs?

Different jobs require different typing speeds. Here’s a quick guide:

• Data Entry – 50-80 WPM

• Customer Support – 50-70 WPM

• Transcriptionist – 70-100 WPM

• Court Reporter – 180+ WPM (with stenography)

• Programmer – 60-80 WPM (but accuracy matters more than speed)

• Journalist/Writer – 80+ WPM for fast content creation
  
  

If you type at 120 WPM, you exceed the requirement for almost any job except specialized stenography roles, making you a highly efficient worker.