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Data entry clerk

Alternative titles for this job include Audio typist, copy typist

Data entry clerks type information into databases and systems and create letters, reports and other documents.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Data entry clerk

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course to develop your computer skills while looking for work. Courses include:

  • Level 1 Certificate for IT Users
  • Level 2 International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Certificate in IT User Skills, previously called European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
  • Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a business administrator advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could move into data entry work if you've got office experience, for example, as an administrative assistant.

Employers will give you training on the job, covering their data entry systems.

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got experience of word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Employers may also ask for GCSEs in English and maths.

More Information

Career tips

You would normally be tested for keyboard skills and accuracy in entering data when you go for an interview.

You can develop your IT skills by doing a free online course through The Skills Toolkit.

Further information

You can get more details about careers in IT from The Chartered Institute for IT.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • customer service skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work on your own
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day to day tasks will depend on the type of organisation you work for.

You may:

  • transfer information on paper on to the computer
  • update existing databases with new information
  • take customer, client or patient details to add to a database
  • create spreadsheets and run reports on data
  • regularly back up data to make sure nothing is lost
  • process invoices
  • organise paperwork and follow data confidentiality processes

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or team leader. You could also train and mentor new employees.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Business Administration Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: HA8 6LE

APPRENTICE ADMINISTRATOR

  • Wage: £13,000 a year Annually
  • Location: NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD, LONDON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

L4 Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: WEST THAMES COLLEGE
  • Start date: 22 September 2025
  • Location: Isleworth

Business Administration BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Solihull
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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