Data Entry Clerks

(NOC 1422)

in All Business, Finance, and Administration

Data entry clerks input coded, statistical, financial and other information into computerized databases, spreadsheets or other templates using a keyboard, mouse, or optical scanner, speech recognition software or other data entry tools. They work throughout the private and public sectors.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Decline employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 85 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

  • Estimate 3555 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 9370 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$14.50

Minimum

$19.00

Median

$27.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$5,190

Minimum

$24,247

Median

$47,716

Maximum

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$23.00

Median

$38.50

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,754

Minimum

$36,515

Median

$70,271

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Data entry clerks input coded, statistical, financial and other information into computerized databases, spreadsheets or other templates using a keyboard, mouse, or optical scanner, speech recognition software or other data entry tools. They work throughout the private and public sectors.

Job duties

Data entry clerks:

  • Receive and register invoices, forms, records and other documents for data capture.
  • Input data into computer databases, spreadsheets or other templates using a keyboard, mouse, or optical scanner, speech recognition software or other data entry tools.
  • Import and/or export data between different kinds of software.
  • Verify accuracy and completeness of data.
  • Identify, label and organize electronic storage media.
  • Maintain libraries of electronic storage media.

Sample job titles

  • computer equipment operator
  • data control clerk
  • data entry clerk
  • data processing verifier
  • data processor
  • EDP (electronic data-processing) equipment operator
  • electronic data-processing (EDP) equipment operator
  • payment input clerk

Skills

  • You require finger dexterity and the ability to sit still for long periods of time, and should not mind repetitive tasks. A solid foundation in computer skills is often necessary for entry into these jobs. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing equipment and software.

Job requirements

  • High school may be required.
  • College or other courses in data entry may be required.

Other considerations

  • Movement to senior positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

1,245

employed in 2016

74.3%

employed full-time

0.8%

self employed

75.1%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
24.9%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.1

median age

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

63,775

employed in 2016

78.4%

employed full-time

6.6%

self employed

73.4%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
26.6%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
47.9

median age

Where will I likely work?

56.4%

Halifax

$28,199 median annual income
14.4%

Cape Breton

$16,581 median annual income
13.2%

North Shore

$28,190 median annual income
10.4%

Annapolis Valley

$11,317 median annual income
5.6%

Southern

$17,290 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

17.8%

Public administration

15.2%

Retail trade

14.7%

Health care and social assistance

12.6%

Finance and insurance

7.3%

Information and cultural industries

What is the age of Employment?

23.0%

25-34

20.0%

45-54

19.0%

35-44

16.0%

15-24

15.0%

55-64

8.0%

65+

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

26.3%

45-54

22.6%

55-64

19.4%

35-44

16.7%

25-34

7.5%

65+

Top levels of education

34.8%

High school

$20,554 median annual income
33.6%

College Diploma

$28,933 median annual income
17.2%

Bachelor

$16,975 median annual income
5.2%

Less than high school

$31,638 median annual income
4.4%

Trade Certification

$32,770 median annual income

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

33.8%

College Diploma

$36,304 median annual income
23.8%

High school

$32,903 median annual income
22.8%

Bachelor

$41,755 median annual income
5.8%

Trade Certification

$34,807 median annual income
4.9%

Less than high school

$23,174 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Association of Administrative Professionals
Halifax, NS

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.