Data Entry Clerks (NOC 1422)

What They Do Data entry clerks perform some or all of the following duties: Receive and register invoices, forms, records and other documents for data capture Input data into computerized 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

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Public administration 17% Finance and insurance 14% Information and cultural industries 9% Wholesale trade 7% Transportation and warehousing 7% Administrative and support waste management and remediation services 7% Retail trade 6% The unionization rate (30%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Data Entry Clerks are found in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Related Occupation(s) Library, Correspondence and Related Information Clerks (NOC 145) Clerical Occupations, General Office Skills (NOC 141)

Something to Think About

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need Completion of secondary school may be required. College or other courses in data entry may be required. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma, and almost 2 in 5 have an undergraduate unversity degree.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Accounting (C110) Institutional Management (C131) Computer Science (C720) Commerce - Business Administration (U120) Economics (U820) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Computer literacy Team work Keyboarding		Useful High School Subjects Computer Basics Keyboarding English
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated LIMITED because: Employement grew at a below-average rate. Hourly wages ($14.41) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (8%) is above the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Limited   2009   Limited

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be LIMITED because: The employment growth rate will likely be below average because technological advances in data capturing technologies that allows employers to do more with fewer people. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition You'll increase your employment prospects by being skilled in the use of office technology.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $11.65 $11.74 25-54 $15.37 $19.76 55+ $15.71 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $14.41 $18.07		Hourly wages ($14.41) are below the national average ($18.07). These earnings are below average for occupations in the business, finance and administration sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Above average
The unemployment rate (8%) is above the 2004 average (7%). This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 8% 10% 1992 7% 11% 1993 10% 11% 1994 7% 10% 1995 8% 10% 1996 8% 10% 1997 9% 9% 1998 7% 8% 1999 8% 8% 2000 7% 7% 2001 8% 7% 2002 8% 8% 2003 10% 8% 2004 8% 7%

% of part-time work is about the same as average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 82% 81% Part-time 18% 19%		There were 57,300 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 22% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers is 18% compared to the 2004 average (19%) and has stayed about the same since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Average
The percentage of self-employed workers is 3% compared to the 2004 average of 15% and has risen since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 3% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 18% 10% 25-54 70% 72% 55+ 8% 12%		The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. Despite an expected older-than-average worker (37), the retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average because they also tend to retire at a later age (60).
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Above average
The percentage of women (72%) is above the 2004 average of 48% and has risen since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 72% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31