A data entry worker is employed at any place where data entry is involved – in most cases this involves typing on a keyboard, though that’s not always the case. Some different examples of data entry involve feeding photographs to a scanner, or checks to a processing machine. The data entry worker is directly responsible for the data’s input, and they’re usually hired in teams of several workers, each tasked with a different part of a larger job. Data entry workers may sometimes be employed to perform more than one type of data entry.
Becoming a data entry worker only holds some basic educational requirements, such as a high school diploma. Good knowledge of computers is almost always a must, as even in the cases where typing isn’t involved, computers are still often used in some way. Data entry workers must have a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to perform mundane tasks for prolonged periods of time without risking any errors. In some cases, knowledge about the particular type of media involved in the data entry process may be required, or at least beneficial to the candidate.
The median salary for data entry workers for 2009 was just $29,000, and the job isn’t seen as a very highly-paying one. The salary can go up to $40,000 in some cases, mostly when the process of input is more complicated and requires more attention and/or concentration. Generally, data entry workers don’t have many good outlooks for further career development, and the job’s turnover rate has been very high in recent years.