Highest-Paying Data Entry Clerk Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of data entry clerks that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of data entry clerks:

• Data Entry Associate is the highest-paid type of data entry clerk with an average salary of $36,084 and an average hourly rate of $17.35.

• The second highest-paying type of data entry clerk is transit department clerk, with an average salary of $35,375.

• The average data entry clerk salary is $31,582 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.18.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a data entry clerk, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of data entry clerks are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of data entry clerks:

1. Data Entry Associate

   Average Salary: $36,084

   Data entry associates are a group of professionals using computers and data processing programs to supply information into a database or documentation platform or to transcribe data via phone conversations or recordings. They can multitask effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and perform repetitive tasks accurately with excellent attention to detail. Part of their task is to maintain the database by encoding new and updated customer account information by preparing source data for computer entry, compiling, and sorting information. To be effective, typing speed and accuracy must be considered.

2. Transit Department Clerk

   Average Salary: $35,375

   It’s the job of a transit department clerk to process all shipment documents, both inbound and outbound. They perform clerical duties in a transportation environment/organization. They also ensure that all goods are safely processed and well secured for shipment. Furthermore, they identify and tag goods with the help of the shipment documents and supervise the delivery of goods to customers.

3. Support Clerk

   Average Salary: $35,159

   A support clerk is primarily in charge of performing administrative support tasks in an office, making the daily workflow easier. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and processing documentation, answering and forwarding calls, handling correspondence, disseminating and organizing files, and running errands as needed. They may also update databases, maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a support clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating to ensure efficient and smooth workplace operations.

4. Customs Entry Clerk

   Average Salary: $34,629

5. Order Entry Specialist

   Average Salary: $34,625

   An order entry specialist is a professional who performs high-volume data entry to deliver precise and timely work orders to the production staff. Order entry specialists must provide customers with worldwide logistics services through the domestic and international movement of their goods. They provide outstanding customer service by maintaining pricing, stock transfer, and backorder reports from manufacturers to dealers. Order entry specialists must also resolve complaints and handle troubleshooting issues more accurately and professionally while handling multiple tasks effectively.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various data entry clerk that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Data Entry Clerks

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for data entry clerks.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Data Entry Clerk Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid data entry clerk job?

   The highest-paid data entry clerk job is a data entry associate. Data Entry Associates earn an average salary of $36,084, which is $ 17.35 hourly.

   Data entry associates are a group of professionals using computers and data processing programs to supply information into a database or documentation platform or to transcribe data via phone conversations or recordings. They can multitask effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and perform repetitive tasks accurately with excellent attention to detail. Part of their task is to maintain the database by encoding new and updated customer account information by preparing source data for computer entry, compiling, and sorting information. To be effective, typing speed and accuracy must be considered.

2. What is a good salary for a data entry clerk?

   A good salary for a data entry clerk is $31,582 or more. The average data entry clerk salary is $31,582, so those making at least $31,582 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average data entry clerk salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a data entry clerk, the average entry level salary is $27,632, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $31,582 average, as this includes all data entry clerks of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Data Entry Clerk jobs pay well?

   No, data entry clerk jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some data entry clerk jobs pay better than others, but the average data entry clerk salary of $31,582 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many data entry clerk jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of data entry clerks earning $32,911 a year on average.

   Data Entry Clerks’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a data entry clerk. Do your research on the going rate for a data entry clerk in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do data entry clerks get paid the most?

   Data Entry Clerks get paid the most in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, data entry clerks earn an average annual salary of $34,671 and an average hourly wage of $16.67.

   Following MA, the states with the highest-paid data entry clerks are Utah, Connecticut, and Illinois, with average annual salaries of $31,891, $33,000, and $33,156 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid data entry clerk salaries are:

   1. Washington, DC – $38,375

   2. Des Moines, WA – $37,683

   3. Boston, MA – $34,718

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.