In a world driven by information, data is the new currency. Behind every major business decision, medical breakthrough, and seamless customer experience lies a foundation of accurate, well-organized data. The professionals who build this foundation are data entry clerks, and their role, while foundational, is a critical gateway to a career in the data industry.
If you have a keen eye for detail and a knack for speed and accuracy, a career in data entry can be a rewarding starting point. But what can you expect to earn? While salaries can vary, the typical range for a data entry professional in the United States falls between $35,000 and $50,000 per year, with significant potential for growth based on key factors we'll explore below.
What Does a Data Entry Clerk Do?
At its core, the role of a data entry clerk is to accurately and efficiently transfer information from various sources into a computer system or database. This is not just about typing; it’s about being a guardian of information.
Key responsibilities include:
- Inputting, updating, and verifying data in spreadsheets (like Excel or Google Sheets) and specialized databases.
- Reviewing documents for errors and ensuring data integrity.
- Preparing and sorting source documents for computer entry.
- Maintaining logs of activities and completed work.
- Handling confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Success in this role hinges on a high words-per-minute (WPM) or keystrokes-per-hour (KPH) rate, combined with near-perfect accuracy.
Average Data Entry Salary
When analyzing compensation for data entry professionals, it's helpful to look at multiple authoritative sources to get a complete picture.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for "Data Entry Keyers" was $38,700, or $18.61 per hour, as of May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint—half of all data entry clerks earned more than this, and half earned less.
Reputable salary aggregators, which compile real-time, user-reported data, often show a slightly wider and higher range. For instance:
- Salary.com reports that the median salary for a Data Entry Clerk in the U.S. is around $41,201 as of early 2024. Their data shows a typical range falling between $36,825 (25th percentile) and $46,515 (75th percentile).
- Payscale notes an average hourly wage of approximately $17.80, with experienced professionals earning closer to $22 per hour.
- Glassdoor places the average total pay at around $42,000 per year, combining base salary and any additional compensation.
This data illustrates a clear path: while entry-level positions may start in the mid-$30,000s, there is tangible room for growth into the high $40,000s and beyond as you gain experience and specialized skills.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as a data entry professional isn't set in stone. It’s influenced by a combination of your qualifications, where you work, and what you know. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement for most data entry positions. However, pursuing further education can open doors to higher-paying and more complex roles. An associate's or bachelor's degree in business, information technology, or a related field can make you a more attractive candidate for positions that blend data entry with administrative, analytical, or database management responsibilities.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in this field. As you build a track record of speed, accuracy, and reliability, your value to an employer increases.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Professionals at this stage are typically learning the ropes and can expect a salary at the lower end of the spectrum, generally between $35,000 and $39,000.
- Mid-Career (2-5 years): With proven skills and efficiency, mid-career clerks often earn near the national median, in the $40,000 to $44,000 range. They may also take on light supervisory or training tasks.
- Experienced/Senior (5+ years): Senior data entry professionals with extensive experience and a reputation for excellence can command salaries in the $45,000 to $50,000+ range. They often transition into roles like Senior Data Entry Specialist, Data Quality Analyst, or Team Lead.
### Geographic Location
Where you live and work plays a major role in your salary due to variations in cost of living and local market demand. Metropolitan areas and states with a higher cost of living typically offer higher wages.
For example, data entry positions in cities like San Francisco, CA, New York, NY, and Washington, D.C., will generally pay significantly more than similar roles in smaller towns or states with a lower cost of living. The rise of remote work has slightly moderated this, but many companies still adjust pay based on the employee's location.
### Company Type
The industry you work in can have a profound impact on your pay. Companies that handle highly sensitive, complex, or valuable data are willing to pay more for skilled professionals who can ensure its integrity.
- Healthcare and Medical: These roles often require knowledge of medical terminology and HIPAA regulations, commanding higher pay.
- Finance and Insurance: Accuracy is paramount when dealing with financial records, leading to competitive salaries.
- Legal: Data entry in law firms requires extreme confidentiality and precision.
- Tech Companies: Large tech firms often have complex internal systems and offer higher compensation packages overall.
### Area of Specialization
The most effective way to increase your salary is to move beyond general data entry and develop specialized skills. The more specialized your knowledge, the more indispensable you become.
Consider specializing in:
- Medical Coding: Becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can lead to a significant salary increase.
- Accounting/Bookkeeping: Skills in software like QuickBooks or SAP can transition you into higher-paying financial roles.
- Database Software: Gaining proficiency in platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Access, or SQL can pave the way for a career as a database administrator.
- Data Verification/Quality Assurance: Specialize in reviewing and cleaning datasets, a crucial step in the data analysis pipeline.
Job Outlook
It's important to look at the career trajectory with a clear perspective. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a decline in the overall number of "Information Clerk" positions (which includes data entry keyers) by 21% between 2022 and 2032. This decline is largely attributed to advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and optical character recognition (OCR) technology that can perform basic data input tasks.
However, this does not mean the career is disappearing. Instead, it is evolving. The demand is shifting from manual, repetitive typing to a more skilled role focused on:
- Verifying automated data entries.
- Managing complex data systems.
- Ensuring data quality and integrity.
- Handling exceptions that automated systems cannot.
This makes data entry an excellent springboard into more resilient, data-focused careers like Data Analyst, Database Manager, or Business Intelligence Analyst.
Conclusion
A career in data entry offers a stable and accessible entry point into the professional world, with a national median salary hovering around $40,000 per year. While entry-level pay starts in the mid-$30,000s, your earning potential is directly in your control.
To build a lucrative and long-lasting career, focus on the key growth factors: gain experience to improve your speed and accuracy, seek out positions in high-paying industries like healthcare and finance, and most importantly, commit to continuous learning. By developing specialized skills in areas like medical coding, accounting software, or database management, you can not only secure a higher salary but also position yourself for the data-centric jobs of the future.