Career Overview
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Also Known As
- Data Capture Specialist
- Data Entry Clerk
- Data Entry Operator
- Data Transcriber
Alternate Job Titles
- Adjusto-Writer Operator
- Automatic Operator
- Braille Operator
- Braille Transcriber
- Braille Typist
- Card Puncher
- Card Punching Machine Operator
- Check Processor
- Claims Support Specialist
- Cold Type Composing Machine Operator
- Compugraph Operator
- Computer Aide
- Computer Clerk
- Computer Typesetter
- Cryptographic Clerk
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
- Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
- Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
- Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Finger Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
- Perceptual Speed
- Selective Attention
- Speech Clarity
- Wrist-Finger Speed
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer inkjet printers
- Computer keyboards
- Laser facsimile machines
- Multiline telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Photo composing perforators
Work Environment
- Spend Time Sitting
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $30,100 |
| Median | $39,850 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $56,930 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 135,280
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
File Clerks
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $41,270
Word Processors and Typists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,850
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,020
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $38,150
Office Clerks, General
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $43,630
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.