Data Entry Jobs: Your Guide to Salary, Skills and Job Hunting

If you're a fast typist with great attention to detail and a passion for accuracy, a career in data entry might be right for you. Data entry jobs are available in a variety of industries, as many employers need professionals to enter and update data in databases and computer systems.

Wondering how to get started in data entry? Here's a guide to salary, skills, job requirements, and job hunting tips.

What is Data Entry?

Data entry involves entering or updating information in a database or computer system. Data entry clerks use computers and data processing programs to input information from paper or electronic documents. They may also transcribe data from recordings or phone conversations. While most data entry tasks are handled electronically, some employers may require working with paper documentation as well.

Skills, Job Requirements, and Experience

Employers usually require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level data entry jobs, although some industries may require a bachelor's degree. Employers may also require a data entry test to measure the accuracy of the data input. Proficiency in data processing software is often a prerequisite, and many employers look for candidates who are proficient in Microsoft Office or Microsoft Excel.

In addition to technical skills, candidates should possess:

• Organization
• Self-motivation
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Politeness and courtesy
• Deadline-oriented

These skills should be highlighted in your cover letter to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Data Entry Salary

According to PayScale, data entry clerks earn an average of $14.41 per hour. Hourly wages range from $11 to $17, with higher pay rates going to candidates with more skills and experience. The pay for a data entry clerk may also be determined by whether the job requires other tasks, such as customer service or administrative office duties.

Types of Data Entry Jobs

Data entry jobs can vary from industry to industry and employer to employer. Some of the most common data entry job titles include:

Data Entry Clerk: Basic inputting of information, either numeric or alphabetic, from one format to another.

Data Entry Keyer: Enters or scans figures or data into computer software systems, often from hard copies or paper documents.

Transcriptionist: Listens to recordings and transcribes the information into reports or other word documents.

Word Processor/Typist: Enters information for text documents, correspondence, and reports.

Job Hunting

Data entry jobs are commonly available as full-time, part-time, or freelance positions, and in many cases, offer work-from-home flexibility. Some of the companies that hire for data entry jobs include Ajilon, Adecco, Conduent, Kelly, Kforce, Mintel, RetailData, Rose International, and Symbria.

When job hunting, be wary of scams that require an administrative fee, payment for training, or the purchase of business kits. To ensure legitimacy, look for job postings on reputable sites like FlexJobs.

In conclusion, data entry jobs can provide a flexible and rewarding career path for those with the necessary skills and attention to detail. With the right skills and job hunting strategies, you can find a data entry job that meets your needs and interests.