Data Entry Clerk

Career Guide

A Data Entry Clerk inputs, updates, and verifies information in digital systems. The role focuses on accuracy, speed, confidentiality, and consistent follow-through to keep records reliable for day-to-day business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Enter data into spreadsheets and business systems
Update existing records with new information
Verify data accuracy and correct errors
Organize digital and paper files for easy retrieval
Follow data privacy and security rules
Create basic reports using existing templates
Coordinate with team members to resolve missing information
Track work volume and completion status

Top Skills for Success

Typing Speed

Attention to Detail

Data Accuracy

Spreadsheet Skills

File Organization

Time Management

Data Privacy

Quality Checking

Written Communication

Task Prioritization

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Administrative Assistant

Office Coordinator

Data Quality Specialist

Operations Assistant

Customer Support Representative

Transition Opportunities

Executive Assistant

Operations Coordinator

Billing Specialist

Records Specialist

Junior Business Analyst

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Advanced Spreadsheet SkillsData ValidationDatabase BasicsReporting SkillsProcess DocumentationData Cleanup

Development SuggestionsBuild stronger spreadsheet skills, learn basic data validation methods, and practice creating simple reports. Document your steps clearly and track error rates to show measurable improvement over time.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUS$28,000 to US$38,000

Mid LevelUS$35,000 to US$48,000

Senior LevelUS$45,000 to US$60,000

Growth Trend

Stable overall demand, with routine entry work gradually reduced by automation. Hiring remains steady in healthcare, logistics, finance operations, and government where accuracy, compliance, and document processing are ongoing needs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

UnitedHealth GroupKaiser PermanenteCVS HealthAmazonFedExUPSWalmartJPMorgan ChaseBank of AmericaADP

Industry Sectors

HealthcareInsuranceRetailLogisticsBankingPayroll ServicesGovernmentEducationManufacturingBusiness Services

Recommended Next Steps

Improve typing speed while maintaining accuracy

Practice spreadsheet formatting and sorting

Learn basic spreadsheet formulas

Use data validation rules to reduce errors

Create a simple portfolio with sample spreadsheets and cleaned datasets

Ask for ownership of a recurring report or data cleanup task

Add a results line to your resume such as records processed per day and error rate

Explore related roles in operations, records management, or billing