Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

The Work

Responsible for reading the source or input document and entering the relevant data via the keyboard. Normally, the information entered appears on a screen to facilitate checking and error correction.  

Data Entry Staff usually operate a broad job description within a company. The data input aspect of their job is closely linked to their overall task. Examples include the banking and insurance industries.  

Information may be entered directly into a computer system, stored on disc or other intermediate storage device external to the computer, or remotely.

A data input operator uses a database to store information, and other applications such as spreadsheets.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
• Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
• Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
• Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
• Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
• Read source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enter data in specific data fields or onto tapes or disks for subsequent entry, using keyboards or scanners.
• Maintain logs of activities and completed work.
• Load machines with required input or output media, such as paper, cards, disks, tape, or Braille media.
• Resolve garbled or indecipherable messages, using cryptographic procedures and equipment.

Further Information

• Data Entry Operator - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Data Entry Operators are employed by all firms using computers to run their business. Applicants are typically required to undergo an aptitude test and an interview. Keyboard and administrative skills will be an asset.  

A wide range of courses are available countrywide in areas such as Information Technology and Office Skills, Computing Skills, and Computer Applications: 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business & Office Admin, ICT skills courses NFQ level 5 Search FET Traineeship 

FET Centre PLC Courses: Data management, Data science, Data Analytics NFQ Level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprentice Software developer: NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Data Science & Analytics NFQ level 6-8 Search our CAO Coursefinder 

Springboardcourses Level 6-9 ICT Data skills conversion programmes full, part time, and online Search springboard courses  

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €35k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

This is the largest of the administrative occupations, with employment spread across all sectors of the economy. Employment grew strongly between 2019 and 2020 but has only seen marginal growth in employment levels since then. Despite this, there was a high level of recent job hires indicating that job churn is a significant feature of this occupation.

Skills for Growth data points to some difficulties in filling a small number of administrator roles where skills such as digital, numerical, MS Office, and communications were in particular demand. Job opportunities are likely to continue for this role given its large size and the demand across sectors, even if employment rs as demand for skills outstrips supply across occupations.

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