data entry professional.

Data entry professionals work in a wide range of fields. This in-demand job comes with plenty of growth opportunities. Keep reading to see how to find a data entry job.

find data entry roles
1

what is a data entry professional?

Data entry is a field that focuses on inputting information into various files, records, and software. When you work a data entry job, you will collect data from records and enter it into a database or documentation software. Data entry jobs involve a lot of computer work, but some professionals will also transcribe data into paper records or audio recordings.

Data entry professionals often do things like input new customers into a company's record-keeping system, transcribe meeting notes into an official record, or input bills into accounting software. Just about anything that involves writing, typing, or otherwise entering information counts as data entry. There is a lot of variation in the amount of responsibility data entry professionals have.

While some have a boss who gives them a huge stack of data to enter into basic software, others will sort information and decide what to do with various pieces of data.

where do data entry professionals work?

The field of data entry is very broad. Most people picture data entry as a job done by administrative workers in an office. It is true that quite a few offices hire people to work in data entry. However, just about every other industry also needs data entry workers. There are jobs in data entry in industrial, hospitality, manufacturing, creative environments, and more.

Just about any field that involves any sort of information storage will need data entry.

2

data entry professional jobs

the average salary of a data entry professional

There is quite a bit of variation in what data entry professionals make. Most make an hourly rate, but some get their paycheck as a yearly salary or get money based on the amount of work they complete. Ultimately, data entry professionals make somewhere between $25 to $32 per hour. 

3

types of data entry professional

The most traditional type of data entry job is an in-house position. This is a job where you get a permanent position with a specific company, go into the office each day, and input data as needed. Such positions are common in organisations that have a large office staff and need more support workers.

Close up - Smiling male looking away.
Close up - Smiling male looking away.
4

working as a data entry professional

Data entry sounds relatively straightforward, but there are actually a lot of different tasks involved in the job. Here is what you should expect if you decide to work as a data entry worker.

duties & responsibilities

Your primary duty as a data entry professional is to input data correctly. You will need to take various forms of data and input them into the appropriate type of document. The majority of your tasks can be done on a computer. Most data entry professionals turn paper documents into electronic data.

You will shift data between various types of programs as well. Many data entry professionals will also need to verify data, which involves going over previously entered data to double-check that it is correct. There is a possibility that you will have some other duties alongside data entry.

work environment

Your work environment will depend on the type of job you take. For many workers, data entry happens in a typical office environment. You sit at a desk or work in a cubicle where you will interact with fellow coworkers. If you are working with archival documents, you will also spend a lot of time in file rooms by yourself. Remote data entry jobs take place wherever you can find an internet connection.

In addition to working remotely at home, you could enter data at a coffee shop, internet cafe, or other similar spots.

work schedule

Data entry professionals often work in an office, where they follow a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Many remote workers also follow a typical office schedule because their company wants them to be accessible at certain times. However, if you do freelance and contract work, you will get to pick your own schedule.

Some places even encourage data entry work on nights and weekends. The type of job also affects how many hours you work. Data entry involves both full-time and part-time work. Some office workers will have a usual 40-hour workweek.

Meanwhile, contractors sometimes work a few hours per week. Other times, they will work overtime to complete a big project.

job outlook

Working as a data entry professional is generally a very stable job. There is a chance that some simpler forms of data entry will gradually decline as automation makes it easier to transfer data between basic files. However, more complex data entry remains a reliable career.

As a data entry professional, your best opportunities will involve using your skills and experience to transition to more complex jobs. Often, working in data entry helps you network in an office and take on more administrative tasks. Some data entry workers will choose to get additional education and become analysts or do more specialised jobs.

 

5

education & qualifications

One of the great things about data entry is that it typically does not require a lot of formal education. Some employers hire people without high school degrees. However, the preferred minimum educational level for data entry is usually having completed NCEA Level 2. If you desire more complex jobs that require specialised tasks, you may need a  certificate in that area however, it is rare for a data entry job to require a university degree.

6

FAQs about working as a data entry professional

Discover the most frequently asked questions about building a career as a data entry professional.

7

working with randstad as a data entry professional

The data entry field is a very accessible profession. A wide range of businesses requires data entry professionals, which gives you the option of working in all sorts of industries. Often, showing that you are reliable and intelligent will lead to further career opportunities.

Furthermore, the job is appealing because it requires little higher education or experience. You do not need experience in an office setting either; although, a background in on-site data entry will make it easier to get more desirable jobs.

In addition to all these perks, data entry is a decently paying and comfortable job.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.