Data Entry Worker Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
Community colleges and business schools provide the skills necessary to use data entry equipment.
Training and Education
Obtaining moderate-term on-the-job training will help job seekers. Data entry workers with four or more years of college are 18% of the total. An estimated 47% of workers attended college at some level but did not pursue a 4-year degree. High school was enough education for 35% of employees.
Job Overview
Data entry workers, also known as data entry keyers and data entry operators, enter lists of numbers and items and a variety of data into computers for storage and research purposes. They also verify data and complete forms situated on a computer screen. Data entry workers reformat existing data, edit current information and proofread new entries for accuracy. Some data entry keyers use character recognition systems including scanners and electronically transmitted files.
Job Requirements
Most employers require data entry workers to have a high school diploma and the ability to enter data accurately at a given speed. Many companies provide on-the-job training. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are important elements of the occupation.
Nature of Work
- Compile, sort and verify the accuracy of data before entering it into a computer
- Resolve garbled or indecipherable information by using cryptographic procedures and equipment
- Maintain logs of completed work and activities
- Enter data that computer software is unable to recognize
Area Job Conditions
Where are jobs most numerous? Springfield (Illinois), Dubuque (Iowa), and Cumberland (Maryland). Least common? Anderson (South Carolina), Prescott (Arizona), and Barnstable (Massachusetts).
Salaries vary across the country, from highest in Barnstable (Massachusetts), Fairbanks (Alaska), and Santa Rosa (California) to lowest in Waterloo (Iowa), San Angelo (Texas), and Midland (Texas).
Part-Time and Self Employment
Whether by choice or necessity, 19% of data entry workers work part-time. About 2% of workers do not work for a company or organization.
Career Videos
Data Entry Workers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Alabama
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston | $27,000 | 60 | -13% |
| Birmingham | $28,000 | 930 | +9% |
| Decatur | $25,000 | 50 | -39% |
| Dothan | $23,000 | 50 | -45% |
| Florence | $27,000 | 50 | -37% |
| Gadsden | $22,000 | 50 | -2% |
| Huntsville | $26,000 | 340 | -3% |
| Mobile | $26,000 | 160 | -46% |
| Montgomery | $25,000 | 230 | -16% |
| Tuscaloosa | $24,000 | 60 | -59% |
Alaska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $33,000 | 200 | -29% |
| Fairbanks | $36,000 | 70 | +49% |
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | $25,000 | 60 | -31% |
| Kingman | $23,000 | 50 | -30% |
| Phoenix | $29,000 | 3,950 | +28% |
| Prescott | $30,000 | 40 | -52% |
| Tucson | $26,000 | 620 | +5% |
| Yuma | $26,000 | 80 | -6% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $27,000 | 330 | -4% |
| Fort Smith | $24,000 | 130 | -36% |
| Hot Springs | $24,000 | 40 | -25% |
| Jonesboro | $23,000 | 90 | +27% |
| Little Rock | $29,000 | 810 | +36% |
| Pine Bluff | $27,000 | 60 | +37% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $30,000 | 390 | -12% |
| Fresno | $32,000 | 530 | -3% |
| Los Angeles | $30,000 | 7,040 | -1% |
| Merced | $32,000 | 40 | -54% |
| Modesto | $30,000 | 90 | -65% |
| Oakland | $34,000 | 1,410 | -19% |
| Oxnard | $28,000 | 420 | -17% |
| Redding | 90 | -3% | |
| Riverside | $29,000 | 1,550 | -26% |
| Sacramento | $35,000 | 2,210 | +46% |
| Salinas | $33,000 | 240 | -10% |
| San Diego | $30,000 | 1,970 | -14% |
| San Francisco | $34,000 | 1,260 | -27% |
| San Jose | $34,000 | 1,040 | -34% |
| San Luis Obispo | $28,000 | 120 | -20% |
| Santa Ana | $31,000 | 2,610 | +3% |
| Santa Barbara | $29,000 | 290 | +3% |
| Santa Cruz | $30,000 | 50 | -64% |
| Santa Rosa | $35,000 | 180 | -38% |
| Stockton | $30,000 | 190 | -46% |
| Vallejo | $32,000 | 150 | -24% |
| Visalia | $29,000 | 180 | -19% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $29,000 | 190 | -26% |
| Colorado Springs | $27,000 | 370 | -14% |
| Denver | $31,000 | 1,640 | -25% |
| Fort Collins | $29,000 | 180 | -13% |
| Grand Junction | $26,000 | 50 | -43% |
| Greeley | $30,000 | 60 | -48% |
| Pueblo | $23,000 | 70 | -20% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $35,000 | 660 | -10% |
| Hartford | $33,000 | 1,040 | +4% |
| New Haven | $32,000 | 420 | -10% |
| Waterbury | $33,000 | 50 | -53% |
Delaware
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $26,000 | 160 | +103% |
| Wilmington | $27,000 | 780 | +39% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $32,000 | 3,280 | -23% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $26,000 | 330 | +1% |
| Deltona | $26,000 | 460 | +80% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $27,000 | 2,270 | +87% |
| Gainesville | $27,000 | 260 | +30% |
| Jacksonville | $28,000 | 1,680 | +61% |
| Lakeland | $26,000 | 210 | -34% |
| Miami | $27,000 | 3,090 | +80% |
| Naples | $32,000 | 120 | -34% |
| Ocala | $26,000 | 190 | +35% |
| Orlando | $27,000 | 2,500 | +41% |
| Palm Bay | $26,000 | 250 | -25% |
| Palm Coast | $18,000 | 230 | +957% |
| Panama City | $26,000 | 70 | -35% |
| Pensacola | $26,000 | 290 | +17% |
| Port St Lucie | $25,000 | 310 | +59% |
| Punta Gorda | $25,000 | 80 | +38% |
| Sarasota | $28,000 | 280 | -33% |
| Sebastian | $27,000 | 60 | -16% |
| Tallahassee | $25,000 | 500 | +86% |
| Tampa | $27,000 | 3,160 | +58% |
| West Palm Beach | $28,000 | 1,130 | +26% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $23,000 | 30 | -69% |
| Athens | $24,000 | 80 | -28% |
| Atlanta | $29,000 | 3,890 | -4% |
| Augusta | $30,000 | 240 | -31% |
| Columbus | $26,000 | 110 | -39% |
| Dalton | $28,000 | 100 | -6% |
| Savannah | $27,000 | 160 | -36% |
| Valdosta | $24,000 | 60 | -21% |
| Warner Robins | $31,000 | 150 | +82% |
Hawaii
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $27,000 | 560 | -26% |
Idaho
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $29,000 | 250 | -44% |
| Idaho Falls | $26,000 | 30 | -58% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign | $25,000 | 40 | -76% |
| Chicago | $30,000 | 6,490 | -2% |
| Kankakee | $31,000 | 30 | -51% |
| Peoria | $26,000 | 240 | -16% |
| Rockford | $26,000 | 150 | -36% |
| Springfield | $34,000 | 450 | +157% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $25,000 | 30 | -47% |
| Bloomington | $27,000 | 110 | +0% |
| Columbus | $27,000 | 30 | -47% |
| Elkhart | $29,000 | 90 | -49% |
| Fort Wayne | $29,000 | 240 | -30% |
| Gary | $30,000 | 270 | -41% |
| Indianapolis | $26,000 | 1,880 | +20% |
| Lafayette | $26,000 | 50 | -58% |
| Michigan City | $24,000 | 70 | +14% |
| Muncie | $22,000 | 70 | +2% |
| South Bend | $27,000 | 210 | -1% |
| Terre Haute | $21,000 | 80 | -25% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $28,000 | 180 | -22% |
| Davenport | $27,000 | 210 | -33% |
| Des Moines | $29,000 | 430 | -24% |
| Dubuque | $25,000 | 100 | +22% |
| Iowa City | $27,000 | 70 | -37% |
| Sioux City | $24,000 | 80 | -30% |
| Waterloo | $28,000 | 80 | -42% |
Kansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | $26,000 | 70 | +8% |
| Manhattan | $28,000 | 100 | +25% |
| Topeka | $24,000 | 170 | -6% |
| Wichita | $30,000 | 1,940 | +293% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown | $24,000 | 80 | +20% |
| Lexington | $23,000 | 350 | -14% |
| Louisville | $27,000 | 930 | -12% |
| Owensboro | $23,000 | 40 | -44% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $28,000 | 60 | -40% |
| Baton Rouge | $26,000 | 740 | +15% |
| Houma | $23,000 | 100 | -35% |
| Lafayette | $24,000 | 320 | +35% |
| Lake Charles | $25,000 | 110 | -22% |
| Monroe | $29,000 | 80 | -34% |
| New Orleans | $28,000 | 890 | -3% |
| Shreveport | $27,000 | 120 | -60% |
Maine
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor | $27,000 | 60 | -37% |
| Lewiston | $26,000 | 80 | +4% |
| Portland | $30,000 | 260 | -23% |
Maryland
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $30,000 | 2,000 | -13% |
| Bethesda | $31,000 | 840 | -16% |
| Cumberland | $19,000 | 230 | +323% |
| Hagerstown | $26,000 | 170 | +8% |
| Salisbury | $27,000 | 80 | -3% |
Massachusetts
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $34,000 | 2,320 | -24% |
| Brockton | $34,000 | 100 | -31% |
| Framingham | $32,000 | 190 | -30% |
| Haverhill | $27,000 | 60 | -54% |
| Lowell | $31,000 | 120 | -39% |
| New Bedford | $32,000 | 60 | -41% |
| Peabody | $31,000 | 110 | -33% |
| Pittsfield | 40 | -15% | |
| Springfield | $29,000 | 350 | -31% |
| Worcester | $31,000 | 280 | -35% |
Michigan
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $29,000 | 270 | -4% |
| Battle Creek | $31,000 | 50 | -37% |
| Detroit | $29,000 | 780 | -33% |
| Flint | $28,000 | 120 | -44% |
| Grand Rapids | $29,000 | 460 | -29% |
| Holland | $30,000 | 140 | -10% |
| Jackson | $27,000 | 60 | -19% |
| Kalamazoo | $30,000 | 190 | -15% |
| Lansing | $31,000 | 380 | +13% |
| Muskegon | $25,000 | 30 | -65% |
| Saginaw | $23,000 | 110 | -16% |
| Warren | $30,000 | 1,820 | -4% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $26,000 | 90 | -58% |
| Mankato | $27,000 | 90 | +4% |
| Minneapolis | $30,000 | 3,120 | 0% |
| Rochester | $34,000 | 270 | +62% |
Mississippi
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | $27,000 | 130 | -26% |
| Hattiesburg | $25,000 | 80 | -10% |
| Jackson | $24,000 | 480 | +11% |
| Pascagoula | $25,000 | 40 | -43% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau | $31,000 | 150 | +123% |
| Columbia | $24,000 | 150 | +18% |
| Jefferson City | $25,000 | 160 | +36% |
| Joplin | $24,000 | 80 | -36% |
| Kansas City | $28,000 | 2,590 | +46% |
| Springfield | $22,000 | 350 | +9% |
| St Joseph | $24,000 | 50 | -36% |
| St Louis | $28,000 | 2,220 | -5% |
Montana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $27,000 | 60 | -55% |
| Great Falls | $22,000 | 80 | +48% |
| Missoula | $26,000 | 210 | +162% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $25,000 | 330 | +23% |
| Omaha | $28,000 | 920 | +13% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $27,000 | 720 | -51% |
| Reno | $26,000 | 330 | +2% |
New Hampshire
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $27,000 | 220 | +31% |
| Nashua | $27,000 | 200 | -12% |
| Portsmouth | $30,000 | 130 | +46% |
| Rochester | $29,000 | 50 | -39% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $34,000 | 90 | -63% |
| Camden | $29,000 | 760 | -17% |
| Edison | $32,000 | 2,080 | +16% |
| Newark | $33,000 | 1,370 | -22% |
| Trenton | $34,000 | 570 | +48% |
| Vineland | $35,000 | 60 | -36% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $24,000 | 460 | -31% |
| Farmington | $26,000 | 70 | -7% |
| Las Cruces | $22,000 | 130 | +30% |
| Santa Fe | $29,000 | 30 | -69% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $30,000 | 1,050 | +34% |
| Binghamton | $29,000 | 210 | +14% |
| Buffalo | $30,000 | 1,220 | +27% |
| Glens Falls | $26,000 | 40 | -50% |
| Ithaca | $29,000 | 100 | +63% |
| Nassau | $31,000 | 2,660 | +20% |
| New York | $30,000 | 9,170 | +0% |
| Poughkeepsie | $29,000 | 290 | -31% |
| Rochester | $28,000 | 590 | -33% |
| Syracuse | $28,000 | 600 | +12% |
| Utica | $27,000 | 230 | +12% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $26,000 | 210 | -29% |
| Burlington | $26,000 | 100 | +14% |
| Charlotte | $29,000 | 1,830 | +22% |
| Durham | $30,000 | 450 | -5% |
| Fayetteville | $26,000 | 130 | -38% |
| Goldsboro | $28,000 | 40 | -34% |
| Greensboro | $28,000 | 660 | +8% |
| Greenville | $27,000 | 110 | +4% |
| Hickory | $27,000 | 160 | -35% |
| Jacksonville | $28,000 | 50 | -22% |
| Raleigh | $31,000 | 1,050 | +17% |
| Rocky Mount | $30,000 | 100 | +12% |
| Wilmington | $31,000 | 130 | -43% |
| Winston Salem | $28,000 | 520 | +46% |
North Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $24,000 | 510 | +399% |
| Fargo | $26,000 | 210 | +5% |
| Grand Forks | $28,000 | 40 | -45% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | $24,000 | 690 | +25% |
| Canton | $25,000 | 170 | -39% |
| Cincinnati | $31,000 | 3,070 | +73% |
| Cleveland | $28,000 | 2,260 | +26% |
| Columbus | $27,000 | 2,030 | +26% |
| Dayton | $24,000 | 500 | -24% |
| Sandusky | $26,000 | 50 | -2% |
| Steubenville | $23,000 | 40 | -36% |
| Toledo | $26,000 | 490 | -3% |
| Youngstown | $23,000 | 270 | -30% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $27,000 | 1,090 | +8% |
| Tulsa | $26,000 | 810 | +9% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bend | $31,000 | 100 | +1% |
| Eugene | $29,000 | 140 | -40% |
| Medford | $28,000 | 100 | -19% |
| Portland | $27,000 | 1,280 | -28% |
| Salem | $26,000 | 330 | +33% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $26,000 | 550 | -8% |
| Altoona | $25,000 | 50 | -47% |
| Erie | $26,000 | 160 | -25% |
| Harrisburg | $28,000 | 640 | +16% |
| Johnstown | $23,000 | 80 | -8% |
| Lancaster | $28,000 | 360 | -10% |
| Philadelphia | $31,000 | 3,760 | +12% |
| Pittsburgh | $27,000 | 2,880 | +44% |
| Reading | $24,000 | 310 | +11% |
| Scranton | $26,000 | 410 | -8% |
| State College | $23,000 | 80 | -18% |
| York | $27,000 | 300 | +1% |
Rhode Island
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $31,000 | 850 | -12% |
South Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $28,000 | 80 | -8% |
| Charleston | $30,000 | 610 | +24% |
| Columbia | $28,000 | 830 | +37% |
| Florence | $26,000 | 70 | -45% |
| Greenville | $27,000 | 420 | -18% |
| Myrtle Beach | $27,000 | 60 | -66% |
| Spartanburg | $26,000 | 80 | -58% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $27,000 | 410 | +6% |
| Clarksville | $24,000 | 110 | -12% |
| Jackson | $25,000 | 60 | -34% |
| Johnson City | $23,000 | 110 | -3% |
| Kingsport | $21,000 | 130 | -35% |
| Knoxville | $25,000 | 470 | -18% |
| Memphis | $26,000 | 940 | -12% |
| Morristown | $33,000 | 40 | -42% |
| Nashville | $26,000 | 1,290 | 0% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $25,000 | 180 | +82% |
| Amarillo | $27,000 | 230 | +32% |
| Austin | $27,000 | 1,690 | +23% |
| Beaumont | $26,000 | 120 | -55% |
| Brownsville | $22,000 | 280 | +30% |
| College Station | $24,000 | 100 | -33% |
| Corpus Christi | $24,000 | 250 | -17% |
| Dallas | $28,000 | 3,960 | +8% |
| El Paso | $22,000 | 430 | -8% |
| Fort Worth | $29,000 | 1,550 | +3% |
| Houston | $28,000 | 4,710 | +2% |
| Killeen | $23,000 | 110 | -48% |
| Laredo | $22,000 | 200 | +60% |
| Longview | $27,000 | 60 | -61% |
| Lubbock | $23,000 | 220 | +6% |
| Mcallen | $23,000 | 640 | +64% |
| Midland | $23,000 | 140 | +42% |
| Odessa | $25,000 | 40 | -54% |
| San Angelo | $24,000 | 60 | -3% |
| San Antonio | $26,000 | 1,500 | -2% |
| Sherman | $26,000 | 60 | -3% |
| Texarkana | $23,000 | 50 | -40% |
| Tyler | $25,000 | 170 | +17% |
| Victoria | $24,000 | 40 | -45% |
| Waco | $25,000 | 130 | -20% |
| Wichita Falls | $25,000 | 70 | -18% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan | $25,000 | 170 | +137% |
| Ogden | $28,000 | 730 | +117% |
| Provo | $23,000 | 470 | +65% |
| Salt Lake City | $29,000 | 3,210 | +203% |
| St George | $25,000 | 40 | -42% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | $30,000 | 60 | -57% |
| Harrisonburg | $24,000 | 50 | -42% |
| Lynchburg | $22,000 | 160 | 0% |
| Richmond | $29,000 | 1,400 | +31% |
| Roanoke | $27,000 | 520 | +100% |
| Virginia Beach | $27,000 | 1,350 | +2% |
| Winchester | $26,000 | 50 | -34% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $31,000 | 90 | -23% |
| Bremerton | $30,000 | 40 | -70% |
| Olympia | $27,000 | 60 | -63% |
| Seattle | $31,000 | 1,980 | -19% |
| Spokane | $26,000 | 210 | -39% |
| Tacoma | $29,000 | 220 | -51% |
| Yakima | $27,000 | 50 | -63% |
West Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $28,000 | 300 | +24% |
| Huntington | $24,000 | 110 | -41% |
| Morgantown | $26,000 | 70 | -14% |
| Parkersburg | $25,000 | 40 | -63% |
| Wheeling | $22,000 | 290 | +185% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $24,000 | 170 | -10% |
| Eau Claire | $24,000 | 140 | +19% |
| Fond | $31,000 | 100 | +56% |
| Green Bay | $26,000 | 160 | -43% |
| Janesville | $24,000 | 90 | -9% |
| La Crosse | $24,000 | 60 | -47% |
| Madison | $28,000 | 650 | +12% |
| Milwaukee | $27,000 | 1,310 | -10% |
| Oshkosh | $25,000 | 200 | +42% |
| Sheboygan | $29,000 | 40 | -54% |
Wyoming
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $20,000 | 60 | -6% |
