How much does a data entry clerk make?
a year · about $20 an hour
A typical data entry clerk in the United States makes $41,340 a year, about $20 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read forms such as bills or checks, then type or scan the details into the right computer fields. They sort and check the information, fix mistakes, and save finished records.
Did you know? Some data entry keyers enter information again in a special checking format to catch mistakes—so the job can involve more than typing it once.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $31,200 and $58,790How do you become one?
In the United States, you usually need a high school diploma or GED, and some jobs ask for little or no experience. Employers often train new workers on the job, from a few days up to a year.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and useful skills, the employer or industry, and where the job is. Hours worked and harder or more responsible tasks can also matter; some employers may value extra credentials.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($47,560), lowest in Arkansas ($33,860).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $31,200 | $41,340 | $58,790 | about 127,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $47,560 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $47,480 | about 1,000 |
| Utah | $47,180 | about 2,000 |
| California | $47,010 | about 15,000 |
| New York | $44,860 | about 9,000 |
Official definition: Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing. Excludes “Word Processors and Typists” (43-9022).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-9021.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/43-9021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY