Data Entry Operator Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a data entry operator. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a data entry operator.
Who is a Data Entry Operator?
A Data Entry Operator gathers, arranges, and records data from many businesses and industries into computerized databases. They compile and set papers in preparation for processing, check the information included in the documents for accuracy and consistency, and update digital databases and archives.
A data entry operator is expected to carry out clerical duties as needed and must know how to use standard office supplies. This duty could require entering information from paper documents that an employer needs to be converted to digital format, or it might comprise gathering digital information for organizational needs. Data examples include customer information, sales figures, and payroll records; having all of this data in one location and with easy sorting can make the difference between organization and chaos.
Data entry operators may work in an office setting, as the position is desk-based. The role of a data entry operator requires proficiency in MS Word and other databases. A data input operator can work remotely as well. The number of hours a data entry operator works varies based on the employer and the job.
Their work expects them to digitalize the vast amounts of data that almost every business produces regularly. Every office and company aspires to be a paperless workplace, hence the need for data entry operators is growing more vital. Computers are becoming a necessity compared to back in the days when people saw them as luxury items. Computerization is being implemented in every office, whether it is in the public, private, or corporate sectors. As a result, people store every archived document of the company in a system, and only these operators may be qualified to enter old and new data into a computer.
Data entry operators are in-demand as a lot of data need to into digital form for usage following the demands of the modern world. In addition, every new computer application has given these specialists a lot of room for growth.
Every organization, from a renowned software development firm to a supermarket requires data entry operators. These experts are what the entire organization depends on for efficiency, accuracy, and speed. Only when apps that use this data can produce accurate results can we say that the data entered by these experts is accurate. These facts suggest that there will be a sizable market for experts both now and in the future.
Data entry operators work in places, such as offices, warehouses, and laboratories. They often do their work in tidy, well-lit spaces free of interruptions. To communicate with clients or coworkers, Data entry operators may be obliged to wear headphones while working at computer terminals or workstations. Operators who perform data entry work full time, with the possibility of working extra to fulfill deadlines. Operators who enter data are usually under pressure to complete their tasks quickly and precisely.
Data Entry Operator Job Description
Below are the data entry operator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a data entry operator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Combine the data from both systems when there is insufficient account information.
- Contribute to the team’s work by completing pertinent tasks as necessary.
- Gather and sort data to get source data ready for computer entry.
- Establish the order of entries.
- Ensure data entry requirements are maintained by adhering to data program methodologies and procedures.
- Perform database backups to protect data.
- Maintain operations by adhering to policies and procedures and reporting necessary modifications.
- Keep information private, preserve consumer trust and defend operations.
- Process customer and account source documents by checking the data for errors.
- Use conventional procedures to fix errors or send the team leader to finish the incomplete documents.
- Update the database by adding new and accurate customer and account data.
Qualifications
- High school certificate or GED
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree. (May be optional)
- Ability to type fast in a computer system
Essential Skills
Data entry operators need to possess skills to excel in their careers, they are:
- Computer software
Since not every company organization needs to utilize the same computer software programs, it varies from organization to organization depending on their work appropriateness. You will use computer software programs while working as a data entry operator. However, you need to be proficient in computer software applications, e.g MS Word and MS Excel.
Apart from knowing basic software programs, you will need to use database software, which demands solid knowledge and experience as a data entry operator. Where you work will determine which type of software you will use. It can be to your advantage that you should constantly be prepared to improve your abilities by eagerly learning new computer software packages as and when opportunities arise. This will enable you to maintain an advantage over others. Consider a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system or DBMS (Database Management System), as they are now components of commercial operations. Keep in mind that your basic computer software knowledge and capacity to pick up new software quickly both enhance your performance and are very important in determining the extent of your career.
- Detail-Oriented
It is great for a data entry operator to have excellent accuracy and attention to detail skills. Possessing these demonstrates the ability to concentrate on any task or activity. Additionally, this allows you to focus more intently on your work to improve your typing and editing precision. As a result, you complete your task quickly. It is crucial because there is no room for time wastage in the repetitive rectification of errors and re-editing in today’s cutthroat business environment. Companies from all industries, but especially those in the data industry, need bright employees in their workforce who are competent in precision and attention to detail.
- High Level of Focus
The longer you can concentrate, the lesser you tend to make mistakes. Most data entry operator jobs offer hourly breaks. You will be a great data entry operator if you can focus for 60 minutes.
- Data gathering and research
Data entry operators are more productive when they can conduct some preliminary investigation and data collection.
The type of research differs depending on the field. It might be anything, including information from interviews, results from library studies, information about online markets found on websites, etc.
Therefore, it makes little difference what kind of research you conduct, as what matters is your capacity for compiling and comprehending facts.
The best research and data collection techniques will enable you to identify trustworthy sources of information and specify the research’s central thesis. The analysis will always pay close attention to pertinent data and information, which will be of a high caliber.
- Basic Database Structure skill
We know that data entry is the process of entering information into a database used by a business.
A data entry operator should have a foundational understanding of database software to be productive at work, such as how it functions, is organized, created, and how you will contribute to the database’s evolution as a whole.
The rows, columns, and tables that make up the database structure are designed so that information or data can be obtained and fed as needed. They make it in a way that makes it possible to retrieve the data in useful ways.
New data is always uploaded since updating, deleting, and changing existing data are ongoing processes. You should understand some fundamental database terminologies and concepts as a data entry operator.
- Fast typing
The first requirement for working as a data entry operator is the ability to type an enormous number of data within a short time. The data should have a few typos.
Most businesses consider great typing speed between 40 and 50 words per minute. It would be beneficial if you were more at ease using various data input devices, including keyboards, etc., to accomplish this typing speed.
- Office Equipment
Nowadays, everyone is aware that a wide variety of cutting-edge and expensive equipment is accessible on the market due to the advancement in digital technology. Printers, scanners, projectors, fax machines, etc., are crucial to the day-to-day operations of the workplace and make them simple and efficient while also boosting productivity. You need to thoroughly understand how to operate this machinery to do your work more quickly.
- Time-management and organization skills
You would be able to do your work much faster in a shorter amount of time with the aid of organizational and time management skills such as work planning, scheduling of tasks, completion of work before the deadline, and many more.
These skills help you organize, prioritize, and accomplish daily job goals more quickly and effectively. They are so relevant to data entry operators.
How much focus you have and how much you can get done depends on your organizational skills, such as quick typing, data sorting, batching, and file archiving.
- Teamwork
You might need to work remotely as a team member, whether at an office or at home. Your work will always be more productive and effective if you work as a team. Any organization values teamwork skills. With this ability, you will also learn to communicate assertively, respect others’ opinions, and more.
- Physically Fit
If you frequently experience joint pain, this role might not be for you. Being physically fit entails following a strict diet and exercise routine. Consume meals to support a healthy immune system. Adhere to a workout regimen that will raise your fitness level. This will help reduce the chances of being physically ill.
- Verbal And Written Communication
A high level of writing skills, including grammar and spelling, is required for a data entry operator job.
As a data entry operator, you strive to ensure that all written material is error-free, including spelling and grammar.
Additionally, it is clear from your job description that you will frequently need to communicate with people at all levels, including members, supervisors, and customers. Therefore, maintain a high degree of interaction and communication skills.
Since a data entry operator frequently interacts with several clients and provides them with information, effective communication is essential.
How to Become a Data Entry Operator
Most data entry operators’ employment is entry-level. Below will guide you on how to become one:
Acquire the proper education
You need a high school diploma or GED for a data entry operator’s role. Consider earning a certificate in data entry as well. The job of a data entry operator involves more than just entering data. You may need technical elements like annotation, indexing, and dealing with databases. In reality, a career in data entry can open doors to employment in analytics and research. Most businesses take this seriously and prefer to employ people with training and educational requirements. For instance, certain companies may require an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree to operate as a data entry operator in a financial institution.
Learn how to use necessary software for the role
Custom software is used in business operations. While your employers may eventually train you on complex applications, it’s crucial to grasp fundamental computer skills like MS Word, Excel, and Access. Computer applications make your work simpler and faster, especially if you learn shortcuts like keyboard commands.
Obtain relevant experience
With little experience, you might get to work as a data entry operator in small businesses. Employers may prefer someone with prior expertise in a related field because they need little or no training. If you have exceptional skills, You can still land a job in a large company.
Where to Work as a Data Entry Operator
Organizations need data entry operators at different levels since they deal with data.
A data entry operator can work in small to large businesses, the health sector, schools, government organizations, the legal sector, etc.
Data Entry Operator Salary Scale
The average pay for a data entry operator in the United States is $42,050 with salaries ranging from $35,115 to $65,500.
The average pay for a data entry operator in the United Kingdom is £22,500 yearly. Starting salaries for entry-level jobs are £21,200, but those with more experience can reach £30,500.
Salaries may differ based on location, years of experience, industry, etc. Salary increases with your amount of experience. You may anticipate making more money as a data entry operator the longer you work at it.
As for location, how much money you can make as a data entry operator depends on where you live. Working in a major city is associated with a bigger salary and a higher cost of living.