What is a data clerk and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Getting data into the most useful format will be your main task if you take a job as a data clerk. Data clerks are computer savvy individuals who are fast typists and can quickly enter large amounts of information into databases and other computer repositories.

Data clerks frequently prepare, compile, and sort information for computer entry. Most often, they type in data from paper formats. They also maintain and create spreadsheets with large numbers and figures.

To get a job as a data clerk, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. Typically, you'll receive much of the training you need while on the job. To excel in this position, you must have fast typing skills and excellent attention to detail. You'll also need a good command of both oral and written English, as well as a basic understanding of databases. Excellent knowledge of word processing tools and spreadsheets is also a must.

ScoreData ClerkUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,550

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.6

Growth Rate -5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.04%

Asian 7.64%

Black or African American 11.41%

Hispanic or Latino 22.95%

Unknown 4.61%

White 52.35%

Gender

female 75.30%

male 24.70%

Age - 50
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50
Stress Level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.3

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Data Clerk career paths

Key steps to become a data clerk

  1. Explore data clerk education requirements

    Most common data clerk degrees

    Bachelor's

    39.1 %

    Associate

    23.3 %

    High School Diploma

    22.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific data clerk skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Database Systems13.07%
    Computer Entry11.56%
    Office Equipment9.87%
    HR7.90%
    Computer System5.53%
  3. Complete relevant data clerk training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data clerks learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a data clerk based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data clerk resumes.
  4. Research data clerk duties and responsibilities

    • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
    • Examine doors, windows, and gates to ensure security.Prepare routine and incident reports.
    • Excel as entry level data clerk, inputting sensitive patient records while withholding HIPPA regulations.
    • Load groceries quickly and carefully to make sure to pack bags to maximize space without overloading.
  5. Prepare your data clerk resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your data clerk resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a data clerk resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Data Clerk Resume templates

    Build a professional Data Clerk resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Data Clerk resume.
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    Data Clerk Resume
  6. Apply for data clerk jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a data clerk job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Data Clerk Job

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Average data clerk salary

The average Data Clerk salary in the United States is $31,550 per year or $15 per hour. Data clerk salaries range between $25,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average Data Clerk Salary
$31,550 Yearly
$15.17 hourly

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How do data clerks rate their job?

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Data Clerk reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

everything except phones : Meeting,greeting, customer service, interviewing, on boarding, recruiting, presenting, etc.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Cons

There is not much I do not enjoy.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

Interaction with clients and or customers is what I mainly liked, especially when confidentiality was needed! I also liked multitasking for different. departments.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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