Can I work in data entry with no experience?

Yes, you can work in data entry with no experience or special educational qualifications. Although many employers prefer hiring candidates with prior data entry experience, those individuals will also earn more due to their past work experiences.

How long does it take to become a data entry specialist?

It takes three to six months to become a data entry specialist. There are several job requirements that a candidate must be proficient at before entering a data entry position. While there are no formal educational requirements for working in data entry, several specific skills will either need to be learned prior to working in the field or become training after being hired into a data entry position. Skilled typing and knowledge of software relating to spreadsheets and filing systems are necessary.

What does it take to be a data entry specialist?

Being a data entry specialist takes specific skills of typing efficiency and speed, computer knowledge, and organizational skills. Typing speed is an essential skill of a data entry specialist. Candidates should be able to type a minimum of 60 words per minute. Many employers are looking for individuals who can type 80 to 90 words per minute accurately.

What qualifications are needed for data entry?

The qualifications need for data entry are typing efficiency and speed, computer knowledge, and organizational skills. Typing speed is an essential skill of a data entry specialist. Candidates should be able to type a minimum of 60 words per minute. Many employers are looking for individuals who can type 80 to 90 words per minute accurately.

What is a data entry specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Shaon Ghosh

A data entry specialist inputs and updates data into computer systems and databases. This includes verifying the accuracy of data and making corrections. They may work with customer orders, inventory lists, financial records, and medical information. Data entry specialists must possess typing skills and attention to detail. They also communicate with other team members to ensure accurate and updated information. Overall, a data entry specialist ensures that businesses can efficiently manage and use their data.

What general advice would you give to a data entry specialist?

Dr. Shaon Ghosh

Assistant Professor of Physics, Montclair State University

The advantage of working in a new, and potentially revolutionary, field is that there will be ample opportunities, but that also brings in a lot of competition. To remain relevant and to thrive in such fields we need to continuously update ourselves to the changing landscape of the field. Updating and adapting to changes in the field one is working in is a no-brainer, but it is especially relevant here because the field is going to rapidly change over the next decade; keeping ourself updated takes a bit of effort. So, the best advice to graduating students starting their career in data science or similar fields is not to stop being a "student".

Another important thing to remember is that most technical fields are highly collaborative, more so in the post-COVID-19 world where people have understood the value and concept of working remotely. Remote participation takes collaboration to a much higher level. We in the scientific research community have gotten used to it long ago, but it is a relatively new concept in many other areas. So, there are a few adjustments that one should be mindful of, especially if you are a recent graduate.

We often tend to operate as individuals at school where we are more concerned about our own grades and our own performances, but the value of you as a professional is very much dependent on how your team members perceive you. Are you the person who folks in your team are going to reach out to when they need some help? If you are, then you are more likely to rise to prominence and to the ranks of leadership.

ScoreData Entry SpecialistUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,392

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

9.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 7.95%

Black or African American 10.36%

Hispanic or Latino 20.60%

Unknown 4.20%

White 56.31%

Gender

female 75.21%

male 24.79%

Age - 44

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 - 44

Stress level

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a data entry specialist?

Pros

Good entry-level job with minimal requirements
Opportunities for advancement within the company
Provides steady income and job security
May offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans
Can be a low-stress job with predictable workload

Cons

Requires long hours of sitting and staring at a computer screen
Can cause eye strain, back pain, and other health issues
Can be affected by slow work periods or lack of projects
Can be replaced by automation or outsourcing
May not offer competitive pay or career growth opportunities in some companies

Key steps to become a data entry specialist

Explore data entry specialist education requirements

Most common data entry specialist degrees

Bachelor's

37.8 %

Associate

25.3 %

High School Diploma

20.7 %

Start to develop specific data entry specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Entry	25.00%
Customer Service	16.46%
Computer Database	11.61%
Computer System	4.18%
WPM	3.78%

Complete relevant data entry specialist training and internships

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

Research data entry specialist duties and responsibilities

Manage FedEx account; send and receive large volume of tax and accounting paperwork.
Enter ten-key data; fastest keystrokes reach 104 wpm.
Land Venezuela 1- 2D and 3D designer perform processing and QC for land acquisition seismic.
Used SQL scripts to process automate crack and lane detection on files that require it.

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