How To Become A Scanner: What It Is and Career Path

What is a scanner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

As a scanner, you will use a handheld scanner to track items as they enter or leave the warehouse. This ensures that inventory databases are sorted out and are as accurate and up-to-date as possible. You will also be responsible for sorting inventory after it is scanned and assisting with other data entry and administrative tasks as needed. You will most often work for companies that accept paper records from customers, like government offices, car dealerships, and staffing companies. You will also work in traditional office settings and follow a standard day shift schedule. You are usually expected to report directly to an office manager.

Successful scanners hold at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. Basic computer skills are required, attention to detail, and you must be physically fit as you would have to stand for long hours while organizing documents and scanning them. You will earn an average salary of $27,202 per year.

ScoreScannerUS Average

Salary

2.3

Avg. Salary $29,178

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.69%

Asian 7.75%

Black or African American 10.00%

Hispanic or Latino 21.15%

Unknown 3.27%

White 57.13%

Gender

female 64.78%

male 35.22%

Age - 49.5

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 - 49.5

Stress level

5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a scanner

Explore scanner education requirements

Most common scanner degrees

High School Diploma

42.6 %

Associate

18.3 %

Bachelor's

17.8 %

Start to develop specific scanner skills

Skills	Percentages
RF	27.64%
Computer System	12.00%
Input Data	9.00%
Pallet Jack	6.82%
Scan Product	5.67%

Complete relevant scanner training and internships

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

Research scanner duties and responsibilities

Maintain and manage database with clinical details and digital radiology imaging.
Scan all documents receive from prepping department according to client specifications using IBML and/ Kodak i600 series scanner.
Scan EHR and paper offices.
Maintain (HIPPA) privacy and security rules.

Prepare your scanner resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your scanner 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 a scanner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable scanner resume templates

Build a professional scanner 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 scanner resume.