How To Become A Data Process Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a data process specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Shaon Ghosh

A data process specialist handles data transition from paper to electronic data systems. These professionals flourish in the IT and technical departments of consulting firms, large corporations, and government agencies.

Their responsibilities include consolidating client information, organizing data in clear and coherent formats and spreadsheets, and create dependable and precise databases that the organization may use for business purposes. They guide clients in using computer systems and address software and hardware issues. In the emergence of new software, they may assume training duties and mentor other employees on its proper use.

An aspiring data process analyst needs a bachelor's or an associate's degree in computer science or any computer-related field to qualify for the position. Certifications and prior work experience are essential credentials for this career, and most employers prefer candidates with excellent data entry and customer service skills. On average, a data process analyst earns $23.86 an hour, which amounts to an annual income of $49,623.

What general advice would you give to a data process 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 Process SpecialistUS Average

Salary

3.8

Avg. Salary $48,604

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 10.58%

Black or African American 12.13%

Hispanic or Latino 15.21%

Unknown 5.31%

White 56.36%

Gender

female 63.35%

male 36.65%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Stress level

6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a data process specialist

Explore data process specialist education requirements

Most common data process specialist degrees

Bachelor's

47.9 %

Associate

27.3 %

High School Diploma

11.1 %

Start to develop specific data process specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Entry	40.85%
Data Management	8.23%
Data Accuracy	5.33%
SQL	3.90%
Assistance Program	3.22%

Complete relevant data process specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data process 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 process specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data process specialist resumes.

Research data process specialist duties and responsibilities

Collaborate with leads to ensure information they request publish on SharePoint is pertinent, up-to-date, and value.
Process raw subscription and customer data using SQL on a strict schedule.
Test new access create on Unix and mainframe.
Research and perform QC on citation for outside departments.

Prepare your data process specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your data process specialist resume.

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