Data Processing Technician Job Description, Career as a Data Processing Technician, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: Associates Degree

Average Salary: $26,000 Annually

Job Outlook: Good

Job Description

A data processing technician often works in a combination of an administrative and managerial position. Though there are many different types of data entry jobs that focus on that as their main responsibility, this job takes it much further. They are often responsible for the planning of the data that is to be pulled and entered. They are often responsible for the “why” and “how” of the data entry projects that they are a part of.
Though they may be involved in the data entry responsibilities as part of their job, they are often more involved in determining the nature of how the project will be conducted. They may often serve as a main point of contact for a team and work to collect the data entry as it is compiled. Though they may work with the data entry professionals directly, they may also serve in more of a managerial role as well.
A data processing technician may be involved in pulling together all of the data that was entered into reports or findings. They may work to dissect the information a bit so that those above them can understand what it all means. They play a crucial role in a data entry project, and are often the one that people go to in order to have questions answered. They may act as a liaison between their group and other departments or outside vendors.
Though the scope of the role may change up depending on the environment, they often handle other administrative and managerial responsibilities tied to the job. They may be involved in creating a budget or ensuring that the project stays within that budget. They may be responsible for managing deadlines and ensuring that all data entry responsibilities are handled appropriately. They may also be involved in more technical responsibilities as well.

Education and Training Requirements

Depending on the nature of the specific job, there may be additional educational requirements associated with the job. Generally though it is expected that a data processing technician has a minimum of an associate’s degree. Though actual work experience may often substitute for education, the associate’s degree is often the minimal requirement for the position. A bachelor’s degree is usually looked upon even more favorably.
It is often expected that a data processing technician will attend training throughout the course of their job. They will often be asked to attend training on the jobs that they support directly, or even the systems that they work within. If they hope to move up to a higher position, then training on the next level or on management specifically may be required.

Getting the Job

As this is often an entry level position in nature, there isn’t always a specific requirement to get the job. It helps to have some sort of basic college education as a starting point. Any work experience, specifically within data entry, can be of great help in getting the job as well. Showing any sort of aptitude for managerial and/or administrative responsibilities can be of great help in getting the job.
As a data processing technician moves on to other jobs or within the field it helps to have proven experience in the role. Showing a thorough understanding of data entry projects or the ability to lead a team may be of great help in getting a job or moving up within their career. To get the job at any point, personality and experience play a rather important role in getting the job.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Since this is a more entry level type of position, the outlook for this job is good. There are expected to be openings for data entry technicians, and there appears to be growth related to it. Though there may be high turnover as people move onto other roles, it is expected that there will always be a need for new positions to be filled within this field as well.
Those that work hard in this role can expect to enjoy great career growth. They may expect to move up within their career if they can show an aptitude for the job and an ability to manage projects and people in an effective manner.

Working Conditions and Environment

This is a typical office work environment as one might expect. Typically a data processing technician may very well work within a row of cubicles as you would expect to find within an office environment. If they take on additional managerial responsibilities within a company, they may expect to have an office of their own. Though the day to day operations aren’t typically that stressful, that may change if a deadline comes up. Dealing with difficult employees or working hard to meet deadlines may be the biggest challenges in this job. Though it may not be a stressful job on a daily basis, it may change up as a deadline approaches. It’s important for this individual to have a strong attention to detail so that they can manage all of the data entry and other responsibilities without fail.

Salary and Benefits

Though the average salary range for a data processing technician is generally around $26,000, this can vary widely. The salary is dependent upon the type of employer and environment that this position works for. It also depends on the level of experience that they bring to the position, as well as the level of responsibilities that they will hold. Though the position may be paid on an hourly basis without any benefits, it is typically found as a salary position. The standard benefits are usually offered as part of this position including paid vacation and sick time, health benefits, and often times tuition reimbursement.

Where to Go for More Information

Association of Information Technology Professionals
401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60611-4267
Fax: 312.673.6659