Data Entry and Information Processing Workers earn $43,090 median salary in 2025
The median annual salary for Data Entry and Information Processing Workers is $43,090, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest survey. That works out to about $21 an hour. The middle 80% of workers earn between $31,750 and $60,670.
How much Data Entry and Information Processing Workers earn
The typical pay range runs from $31,750 at the 10th percentile to $60,670 at the 90th. The mean wage — which averages all workers — is $44,990, again near $21 an hour. Many positions offer overtime or incentive pay, which can push earnings higher.
Pay by state
Geography matters a lot for pay. The BLS doesn't release specific highest and lowest paying states for this occupation in its main tables, but workers in states with a high cost of living or a dense concentration of office jobs tend to earn more. For example, data entry roles in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington often pay above the national median. On the flip side, states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia typically fall below the $43,090 median.
How to become Data Entry and Information Processing Worker
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is standard, lasting a few weeks to a month. Typing speed and accuracy matter — many companies test for at least 40 words per minute. Some community colleges offer certificates in data entry or office technology, but it's not mandatory.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Gain basic computer skills — Microsoft Office, data entry software
- Practice typing to reach 40+ wpm with high accuracy
- Apply for entry-level clerical or data entry positions
- Consider a short certificate program for an edge
Job outlook
The BLS projects no specific growth rate for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, as automation and AI continue to replace manual data entry tasks. Employment currently stands at 162,090 workers. Jobs will still exist, but the number of new openings is expected to be limited. Focus on industries like healthcare and government, where sensitive data requires human handling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average hourly wage for Data Entry and Information Processing Workers?
The mean hourly wage is about $21 an hour, based on the $44,990 mean annual salary.
Do Data Entry and Information Processing Workers need a degree?
No, most jobs require only a high school diploma. On-the-job training is provided.
What is the employment level for this occupation?
There are 162,090 Data Entry and Information Processing Workers employed in the U.S., per the BLS.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Data Entry and Information Processing Workers data.