data entry clerk
Snapshot
Are you detail-oriented and enjoy working with data? As a data entry clerk, you'll be a vital part of ensuring information is accurate and accessible, supporting smooth operations across various industries.
Data entry clerks are responsible for maintaining and updating information within computer systems. This role requires a keen eye for detail and accuracy, as you'll be handling sensitive data and ensuring its integrity. You’ll be preparing data for input, verifying information, and retrieving data as needed, contributing to efficient data management practices.
- • Inputting and updating data into computer systems and databases.
- • Reviewing source documents for accuracy and completeness, identifying and correcting errors.
- • Verifying data entered against source documents to ensure accuracy.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover General and keyboard clerks — 5 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Greece, Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could data entry clerk fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for data entry clerk
data entry clerk is entering a period of transformation. With a 42% exposure to AI tools, this role is not being replaced, it is evolving. Mastery of new digital tools will be the key to staying ahead.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could data entry clerk change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could data entry clerk change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply information security policies
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- use word processing software
Tasks most exposed to automation
- maintain data entry requirements
- process data
- perform data cleansing
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a data entry clerk
09 09:00 · Morning apply information security policies
10 10:30 · Mid-morning maintain data entry requirements
12 12:00 · Midday apply statistical analysis techniques
14 14:00 · Afternoon perform data cleansing
15 15:30 · Late afternoon process data
17 17:00 · Wrap-up use word processing software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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documentation types
The characteristics of internal and external documentation types aligned with the product life cycle and their specific content types.
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query languages
The field of standardised computer languages for retrieval of information from a database and of documents containing the needed information.
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resource description framework query language
The query languages such as SPARQL which are used to retrieve and manipulate data stored in Resource Description Framework format (RDF).
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ABBYY FineReader
The computer program ABBYY FineReader is software that electronically converts printed and typed images into machine-encoded text so that documents can be electronically stored, edited and digitally displayed.
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data models
The techniques and existing systems used for structuring data elements and showing relationships between them, as well as methods for interpreting the data structures and relationships.
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data storage
The physical and technical concepts of how digital data storage is organised in specific schemes both locally, such as hard-drives and random-access memories (RAM) and remotely, via network, internet or cloud.
- database
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maintain data entry requirements
Uphold conditions for data entry. Follow procedures and apply data program techniques.
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process data
Enter information into a data storage and data retrieval system via processes such as scanning, manual keying or electronic data transfer in order to process large amounts of data.
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apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
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perform data cleansing
Detect and correct corrupt records from data sets, ensure that the data become and remain structured according to guidelines.
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use word processing software
Use computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.
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apply information security policies
Implement policies, methods and regulations for data and information security in order to respect confidentiality, integrity and availability principles.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does data entry clerk fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What skills are most important for a data entry clerk?
- Accuracy, attention to detail, typing proficiency, and familiarity with computer systems are crucial. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently are also highly valued.
- Is this a good career choice for someone looking to change careers?
- Yes! Data entry clerk positions are often accessible and require on-the-job training. It's a great entry point into office administration or data management roles, and the skills you gain are transferable.
- What kind of work environment can I expect as a data entry clerk?
- Most data entry clerk positions are employment-based, meaning you’ll typically work as an employee within an organization. The work environment is generally an office setting, often requiring prolonged periods of sitting and using a computer.
- Data Entry Clerk — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 12 of the 15 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany and 8 more. 3 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Data Entry Clerk — what does it pay in the United States?
- $39,850 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $23,940 to $55,170. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.