The modern world is filled with data, and technology able to store and organize all of it. This has allowed for advancements across many industries, and it is only possible because of dedicated workers putting that information into systems. Data entry keyers are at the heart of that progress. They are the people taking information and carefully entering it into data entry systems. If you love information, are great with computers, and have a great eye for detail, then this career path is worth looking into.

Data entry clerks enter letters and numbers using different devices and programs such as Microsoft Word. They have to review data to make sure it is accurate, keep logs of the work they have completed, and prepare materials to be printed. Workers typically get to enjoy a comfortable working environment, such as a clean and well-lit office. Although not physically demanding, the repetitive nature of the job can cause eye strain and injuries to hands and wrists. The long hours of sitting at a computer screen can be difficult to handle. To succeed, it is important that you are patient, precise, and able to sit for many hours focusing on a single task.

In Canada, data entry clerks can expect to start out earning minimum wage. The median hourly wage is $17.50, and that can increase to over $26 per hour. There were 46,000 people working in the profession in 2014, with their median age being 40. From 2015 to 2024, it is expected that there may be a challenge in finding work due to there being more people than positions. There will be around 12,100 job seekers, but only about 9,900 positions to be filled. Having a strong education is not a major factor when it comes to increasing changes of getting a job. The basic requirement is graduation of high school, while some employers may expect completion of college or other courses.

Once you secure a position, you can expect your pay to increase during the first five to ten years of employment. Many people have no more than 20 years of experience as data entry clerks. However, the job allows you to move onto many different career paths. It is very common for data entry keyers to become Administrative Assistants, Customer Service Representatives, Office Administrators, Office Clerks, and Accounting Clerks. From there, additional experience can lead to higher-paying positions such as Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Accountant, and Bookkeeper. Depending on the company you work for and the type of data you are handling, there are many opportunities to advance in your career and pursue other jobs.

Data is crucial in the modern world. However, it can only be used if it is stored and organized effectively. Data entry keyers have that very important role. Work in data entry is very ideal for recent graduates seeking experience. There is not a great amount of education required, the job takes place in a comfortable office environment, and it is the perfect way to get used to the data in the field you are interested in. From there, you can gain further experience and education to advance to other office positions. If you love information, are a fast typist, and can handle repetitive work, this career path might be the one for you.

Sources:

Job Bank. “Data Entry Clerks.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report-eng.do?area=9193&lang=eng&noc=1422

PayScale. “Data Entry Clerk Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Data_Entry_Clerk/Hourly_Rate