Highest-Paying Data Entry Clerk Jobs [2026]
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has analyzed a combination of public government data, company reports, and thousands of job postings to create updated average salary estimates for data entry clerk positions across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paying types of data entry clerk jobs based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of data entry clerks:
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Data Entry Associate ranks as the highest-paid type of data entry clerk, with an average salary of $39,000 and an average hourly rate of $18.75.
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The second highest-paying type of data entry clerk is transit department clerk, earning an average salary of $37,000.
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The average salary for data entry clerks is now $34,000 per year, with an average hourly wage of $16.35.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be a significant decision, and while compensation shouldn’t be the sole factor, it is an important consideration. Understanding the highest-paid data entry clerk roles can help you plan your career trajectory effectively.
Here are the top salaries for various types of data entry clerks:
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Data Entry Associate
Average Salary: $39,000
Data entry associates leverage computer systems and data processing software to input information into databases or documentation platforms. They must excel in multitasking with strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate exceptional attention to detail. Their responsibilities include maintaining databases by encoding new and updated customer information and preparing source data for computer entry.
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Transit Department Clerk
Average Salary: $37,000
A transit department clerk processes all shipment documents, both inbound and outbound, and performs clerical duties within a transportation organization. They ensure that goods are safely processed and secured for shipment and supervise the delivery of goods to customers.
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Support Clerk
Average Salary: $36,000
Support clerks perform essential administrative tasks to facilitate daily operations, including processing documentation, managing correspondence, and maintaining records. Effective communication and organizational skills are crucial for ensuring smooth workplace operations.
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Customs Entry Clerk
Average Salary: $35,000
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Order Entry Specialist
Average Salary: $34,000
Order entry specialists perform high-volume data entry to ensure timely and accurate work orders for production. They provide customer service by managing logistics and resolving issues related to order processing.
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the average salaries for various data entry clerk positions, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Data Entry Clerks
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Data Entry Associate | |
| 2 | Transit Department Clerk | |
| 3 | Support Clerk | |
| 4 | Customs Entry Clerk | |
| 5 | Order Entry Specialist | |
| 6 | Order Entry Clerk | |
| 7 | Operations Clerk | |
| 8 | Control Clerk | |
| 9 | General Clerk | |
| 10 | Data Entry Representative | |
| 11 | Data Entry Processor | |
| 12 | Data Entry Specialist | |
| 13 | Clerk Typist | |
| 14 | File Clerk | |
| 15 | Data Clerk | |
| 16 | Data Entry Operator | |
| 17 | Clerk | |
| 18 | Data Entry Technician | |
| 19 | Document Clerk | |
| 20 | General Office Clerk |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available data from government sources, including 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 reviews job postings and company resources for real-time salary information for data entry clerks.
After collecting the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Data Entry Clerk Jobs FAQs
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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 $39,000, which translates to $18.75 hourly.
Data entry associates are professionals who use computers and data processing software to input information into a database or document platforms. They excel in multitasking and possess strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate a high attention to detail. Their role involves maintaining databases by encoding new and updated customer account information and preparing source data for computer entry.
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What is a good salary for a data entry clerk?
A good salary for a data entry clerk is $34,000 or more. The average data entry clerk salary is $34,000, so individuals earning at least this amount are above average.
It’s essential to note that the average salary can vary significantly based on location, as companies adjust their pay scales according to the cost of living in different areas. Research the average salary in your locale for your expertise and experience level for a more accurate perspective on your compensation.
For entry-level positions, the average starting salary is approximately $29,000, so don’t base your salary expectations solely on the overall average.
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Do Data Entry Clerk jobs pay well?
Data entry clerk jobs typically do not offer high salaries. While some positions within the industry may pay more than others, the average salary of $34,000 is significantly lower than the national average salary, which hovers around $52,000 per year.
However, there is potential for higher earnings, with the top 10% of data entry clerks earning around $37,000 annually.
Data entry clerks’ salaries can vary based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s a good idea to research current rates in your area and negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do data entry clerks earn the most?
Data Entry Clerks are paid the most in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, data entry clerks earn an average annual salary of $37,500 and an average hourly wage of $18.00.
Following Massachusetts, the states with the highest-paid data entry clerks include Utah, Connecticut, and Illinois, with average annual salaries of $33,500, $34,000, and $33,500 respectively.
The cities with the highest salaries for data entry clerks are:
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Washington, DC – $41,000
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Des Moines, WA – $39,500
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Boston, MA – $37,000
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Author
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.
