Data Entry Clerk Salary in the United States of America
What is the Average Data Entry Clerk Salary in the United States of America in 2026?
How much does a Data Entry Clerk make in the United States of America? As we move through the decade, the role of a Data Entry Clerk continues to be foundational to administrative and operational workflows across all industries. According to comprehensive 2026 salary data, the average Data Entry Clerk salary in the USA is $58,744 per year. This median annual figure breaks down to an hourly wage of approximately $29.73. However, this average tells only part of the story, as the salary range for this position is exceptionally broad. What explains such a vast disparity in earnings for what seems like a standardized job title? Entry-level positions, often requiring only a high school diploma and basic computer literacy, can start as low as $35,606 per year. Conversely, highly experienced clerks in specialized sectors, those with supervisory duties, or individuals working in high-cost, high-demand regions can see salaries soaring to $135,250 annually. This wide gap highlights that a Data Entry Clerk’s compensation is not uniform but is heavily influenced by factors like industry, technical skill set, tenure, and geographic location. Is data entry still a viable career path with the rise of automation? While basic automation tools handle repetitive tasks, the need for human oversight, complex data verification, and specialized data management in fields like healthcare, finance, and logistics ensures continued demand, with pay scales reflecting increased responsibility and required expertise.
How Much Does a Data Entry Clerk Make in Different U.S. States? A 2026 Geographic Breakdown
The average Data Entry Clerk salary in the United States of America exhibits dramatic variation from state to state, more so than many other professions. Geographic location is arguably the single most decisive factor for this role’s pay. Why is the spread so significant? Salaries are closely tied to state-specific cost-of-living adjustments, the concentration of federal government contractors, and the presence of major corporate headquarters requiring extensive administrative support. For instance, Virginia and Maryland top the list with average salaries of $72,270 and $69,601 respectively, largely due to the high concentration of government and defense contracting agencies in the Washington D.C. metro area that offer higher wages and require security clearances. Meanwhile, states with lower overall costs of living, such as Mississippi ($33,150) and West Virginia ($31,200), report averages far below the national median. This disparity presents a clear career consideration: can relocation for a higher nominal salary improve your overall financial health after accounting for housing, transportation, and taxes? A clerk earning $72,000 in Northern Virginia may have less disposable income than one earning $40,000 in Texas, making a localized cost-of-living analysis an essential step before any move.
| State | 2026 Average Data Entry Clerk Salary | Primary Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $72,270 | Proximity to Washington D.C., high density of government & defense contractors. |
| Maryland | $69,601 | Federal agencies, bio-health corridor (NIH), high cost of living in metro areas. |
| New York | $61,668 | Financial sector support roles, corporate HQs, very high cost of living (NYC). |
| California | $48,192 | Tech industry support, entertainment sector, extremely high cost of living. |
| Texas | $40,302 | Lower state taxes, growing corporate hubs (Houston, Dallas), moderate cost of living. |
| Florida | $36,868 | Tourism & retail backend operations, no state income tax, varying cost of living. |
What Factors Most Significantly Influence a Data Entry Clerk’s Pay in 2026?
Beyond geographic location, a clerk’s earnings are shaped by a combination of industry, specialization, and technical proficiency. The sector of employment creates a major pay divide. Data Entry Clerks working in legal services, scientific research and development, or the federal executive branch typically earn wages at the higher end of the scale due to the sensitive, complex, or regulated nature of the data. What specific technical skills command higher pay? Proficiency in database software beyond basic spreadsheets (e.g., SQL, Salesforce, proprietary CRM/ERP systems), medical coding (CPT/HCPCS), or transcription in technical fields can significantly boost salary prospects. Furthermore, roles that evolve into data integrity coordination, compliance auditing, or light data analysis transition from simple clerical work to more valuable technical support, with commensurate pay increases. Does the work environment matter? Yes, remote data entry positions may offer location flexibility but can sometimes have different pay scales based on the company’s location versus the employee’s. Experience naturally leads to higher pay, but in this field, demonstrated accuracy, speed (keystrokes per hour), and a track record of handling confidential information are the currencies that most directly translate to raises and promotions.
Is a Data Entry Clerk a High-Paying Job in the United States Compared to Other Administrative Roles?
To understand the average Data Entry Clerk salary of $58,744, it’s helpful to compare it within the ecosystem of administrative and clerical support roles. While a general Data Entry Clerk earns this median, related positions show how specialization affects pay. An Accounting Clerk averages $37,435, a Bookkeeper commands about $54,540, and an Executive Assistant can earn $58,240. This shows that standard data entry roles are competitively positioned against other support functions, especially when they involve specialized data. However, roles that blend data entry with customer interaction or advanced technical skills, like an Account Manager ($94,534) or Office Manager ($100,000), have a much higher ceiling. The career trajectory for a Data Entry Clerk often involves moving laterally or upward into these more complex roles. How does the future look for this career path? The role is evolving from mere data input to data management and quality assurance, creating pathways to positions like Data Analyst or Records Manager, which offer substantially higher salaries and require a foundation built in an entry-level clerk position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Data Entry Clerk Salaries
Q: How much would I earn after taxes on a $58,744 salary?
A: Your net income, or take-home pay, depends on your filing status (single, married), state of residence, and pre-tax deductions (like retirement contributions). A rough estimate for a single filer in a state with average taxes might see an annual net pay of approximately $42,000 to $47,000. Using an online paycheck calculator with your specific details is crucial for accuracy.
Q: Is $58,744 a good salary for a Data Entry Clerk in the USA?
A: The national median salary is a solid benchmark. In many areas with a moderate cost of living, this salary can provide a comfortable living. However, in high-cost cities like San Francisco, New York, or Washington D.C., this salary may require careful budgeting, even at the higher end of the experience range.
Q: What is the highest-paying industry for Data Entry Clerks?
A: The Federal Government, Legal Services, and Scientific Research and Development Services consistently rank as the highest-paying industries for this role due to the complexity, sensitivity, and regulatory requirements associated with the data handled.
Q: How can I increase my salary as a Data Entry Clerk?
A: Key strategies include: 1) Specialize: Gain skills in medical coding, legal transcription, or specific ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle). 2) Certify: Pursue certifications in data management or specific software platforms. 3) Industrize: Seek employment in higher-paying sectors like government, tech, or finance. 4) Advance: Aim for senior or lead clerk positions that include quality control or training responsibilities.
Q: Do Data Entry Clerks typically receive benefits?
A: Most full-time positions offer standard benefits packages, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan options. The quality and extent of benefits can vary greatly between large corporations, small businesses, and government agencies.
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Disclaimer: The salary figures, averages, and ranges presented in this article are for informational and illustrative purposes only. They are synthesized from aggregated market data, job posting analyses, and salary surveys for the 2026 period. Actual compensation can vary significantly based on individual skill sets, specific employer, exact job responsibilities (e.g., specialized vs. general data entry), company size, local economic conditions, and negotiation. This information is not guaranteed compensation nor formal career advice. For the most accurate and personalized salary information, individuals should consult dedicated salary tools, current job postings in their target location and industry, and professional recruitment agencies.
