How to hire a data operator

How to hire a data operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step data operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a data operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new data operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The data operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect data operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of data operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Data Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Data Operator		$12-22
   Data Entry Technician	The duties of a data entry technician depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around entering information into databases, reviewing inputs to ensure accuracy and quality, devising strategies to identify any inconsistencies, and conducting corrective measures as needed... Show more	$11-18
   Data Entry Internship	In a data entry internship, an intern gains industry insights and practical experience while participating in the daily office operations. Although their responsibilities may vary upon the directives given by the supervisor or manager, it usually includes performing tasks such as entering data into spreadsheets and other documents, maintaining and updating databases, reviewing data to correct errors or inconsistencies, preparing and organizing documents, handling calls and correspondence, and running errands as necessary... Show more	$11-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Data Entry
   • SQL
   • Java
   • HIPAA
   • Clinical Data
   • Computer Database
   • Quality Standards
   • Computer Entry
   • Unix
   • Computer System
   • QC
   • Data Processing
   • Tax Returns
   • Data Entry Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage daily operations of ACH payments and research errors in different internal and external databases that prevent payments from transferring.
   • Input all payments coming into the company via ACH, wires, checks and cash on a daily basis.
   • Manage daily operations of ACH payments and research errors in different internal and external databases that prevent payments from transferring.
   • Influence and motivate health care providers and managers to document quality and reliable information on the PCC forms.
   • Perform various activities associate with the bank's ATM program.
   • Prepare and ship all packages using FedEx software.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your data operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A data operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, data operators' average salary in new mexico is 46% less than in illinois.
   • Seniority. Entry-level data operators earn 47% less than senior-level data operators.
   • Certifications. A data operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a data operator's salary.

   Average data operator salary

   $16.63hourly

   $34,582 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level data operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

4. Writing a data operator job description

   A data operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a data operator job description:

   Data operator job description example

   WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX) is a global leader in financial technology solutions. We simplify the complexities of payment systems across continents and industries - including Fleet, Corporate Payments, and Benefits. We've grown from a startup into a financial technology solutions provider that now serves millions of companies worldwide. Fueled by our passion for people and technology, we simplify complex payment systems and deliver insights that help our customers make smart, data-driven business decisions.
   Our Program
   Our Co Op program is designed to provide Roux/Northeastern students hands-on, practical experiences while working alongside some of our industry's smartest teams; as well as providing immediate value to their teams and our leaders. As a co-op, you will be challenged and offered the opportunity to make an impact across the business and be involved in the company's most critical business decisions.
   
   We are looking for ambitious and curious students, who are interested in growing professionally and developing their skills to become the next generation of leaders in technology with the potential of job placement post graduation.
   
   What you will be doing in this Analytics role:
   The Data Analytics Team is looking for co-op students to work on projects delivering foundational enterprise data assets that are critical for transformation to being a data-driven organization. This highly visible program will develop a consistent, governed set of core facts about our customers that drive decision -making across all aspects of the business.
   
   You will need:
   Basic knowledge of PythonBasic understanding of source code repositories and how they are used.Basic database design principles: tables, views, partitioning, Explore existing data sources using Snowflate, SQL and Tableau to insert, update, or retrieve data Basic understanding of cloud technologies, such as AWS.Determine how existing data could be transformed and/or combined with additional data sources in order to solve an analytical problem Experiment with various big data technologies, statistical methodologies, and machine learning methodologies to prototype a solution to an analytical problem Create visuals and presentations to report progress and results Participate in the end-to-end data delivery lifecycle
   
   What should you expect:
   You will be working alongside a large, interdisciplinary group of WEXers:
   A collaborative and challenging working environment The opportunity to engage with various stakeholders across the business & senior leadership teams To develop your skills in your area of work with some of the best experts in the payment industry Experienced mentors
   
   Who we are looking for:
   At a minimum, you must be a student currently enrolled at Northeastern University or the Roux Institute, be a rising junior or senior, masters-level student, in a degree/certificate-seeking accredited program.Must have a GPA of at least 3.0Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills Experience with SQL and data visualization, primarily TableauStrong project management skills, including planning and execution Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting information Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills Ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative and virtual environment

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find data operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any data operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level data operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your data operator job on Zippia to find and recruit data operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit data operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new data operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the data operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new data operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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