How To Become A Data Collector: What It Is and Career Path

What is a data collector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A data collector enters information into a data collection database and ensures the information being entered is correct. They provide required information to businesses and help analysts obtain business intelligence.

Activities that a data collector performs include observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources, processing information, compiling and coding, establishing and maintaining interpersonal relations, and communicating with people inside and outside the workplace. In addition, knowledge of relevant software for data entry is also essential.

To become a data collector, a high school diploma or a G.E.D may suffice, along with relevant and proven work experience. However, a bachelor's degree may prove more beneficial. The average data collector salary within the United States is estimated to be $36,151. Data collectors make an average of $15 an hour. The profession is projected to grow in the coming years.

ScoreData CollectorUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,626

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.9

Growth Rate -8%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.49%

Asian 3.74%

Black or African American 13.84%

Hispanic or Latino 20.50%

Unknown 4.11%

White 57.32%

Gender

female 59.44%

male 40.56%

Age - 46

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 - 46

Stress Level

7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.9

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a data collector

Explore data collector education requirements

Most common data collector degrees

Bachelor's

51.1 %

Associate

18.8 %

High School Diploma

13.2 %

Start to develop specific data collector skills

Skills	Percentages
Audit Type	30.65%
Grocery Store	17.00%
Retail Store	16.34%
UPC	10.11%
PET	7.55%

Complete relevant data collector training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data collectors 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 collector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data collector resumes.

Research data collector duties and responsibilities

Prevent impeding loss and increasing profitability through negotiation and enforcement of schedule collection campaigns, consistently achieving high success standards.
Collect from all insurances (HMO, PPO, and MEDICARE).
Attend trainings and abide by HIPAA regulations.
Collect from insurance companies (PPO and Medicare).

Prepare your data collector resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your data collector 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 collector 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 Collector Resume templates

Build a professional Data Collector 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 Collector resume.

Apply for data collector jobs

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

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