Features

• Computer input specialists use keyboards to enter information from paper records into computer systems called databases. Specialists may work for one particular company, inputting its information, such as inventory listings or customer contact information. Others work for services that perform data entry for numerous companies. Specialists usually work in office environments and sit for long periods of time in front of computer screens. Most specialists work during regular, daylight hours, though some some employers may require evening or weekend shifts.
  
  

Education

• Educational requirements for computer input specialists differ among employers. Approximately 77 percent of specialists have only a high school diploma or GED, according to the Occupational Information Network. Around 19 percent had some college training but no degree, and an additional 3 percent had a two-year associate degree. Possible college majors for computer input professionals include office administration, computer science and database administration. Employers typically provide on-the-job training for new data entry hires.
  
  

Other Requirements

• The ability to type quickly and accurately is necessary to the work of computer input specialists; some employers have established goals or quotas that specialists must meet, such as completing a certain number of entries per hour. Reading comprehension and attentiveness to detail to recognize and correct mistakes are additional skills important for data entry professionals. Some employers may prefer to hire applicants who have received certification in software programs commonly used for data entry. An example is the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification for Microsoft brand products, including the common database program Microsoft Access. Certifications typically require the completion of a written exam.
  
  

Compensation

• Computer input specialists earned an average of $13.46 per hour and $28,000 per year as of May 2009, according to BLS. The lowest-paid 10th percentile of data entry keyers earned $8.99 hourly and $18,690 annually or less; the highest-paid 10 percent of computer input specialist made $18.89 hourly and $39,290 annually or more. The largest employers of specialists, employment services and temporary agencies paid an average of $12.75 per hour and $26,540 per year. Specialists who worked for data entry services averaged $12.49 hourly and $25,980 annually.