How To Become An Encoder: What It Is and Career Path

What is an encoder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

The average encoder salary is $35,038. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an business major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become an encoder. Encoders with a International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -77,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreEncoderUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $35,038

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.57%

Asian 8.93%

Black or African American 9.41%

Hispanic or Latino 22.98%

Unknown 4.17%

White 53.94%

Gender

female 67.47%

male 32.53%

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

Key steps to become an encoder

Explore encoder education requirements

Most common encoder degrees

Bachelor's

48.6 %

High School Diploma

21.5 %

Associate

16.6 %

Start to develop specific encoder skills

Skills	Percentages
Process Checks	22.28%
Data Entry System	19.13%
Computer System	9.85%
Encoders	8.08%
ZIP Codes	5.73%

Complete relevant encoder training and internships

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

Research encoder duties and responsibilities

Stitch in next coil to be run.
Encode deposits slips and checks (NCR).
Correct errors for clients of DHL.
Operate the continuous check MICR encoding machine.

Prepare your encoder resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your encoder resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an encoder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable encoder resume templates

Build a professional encoder resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your encoder resume.