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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Processing Specialist I in Tennessee is $41,380 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Data Processing Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Data Processing Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,960 | $3,913 | $903 | $23 |
| Average | $41,380 | $3,448 | $796 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,270 | $3,189 | $736 | $18 |
PYA P C - Knoxville, TN
Old National Bancorp - Nashville, TN
Tennessee Board of Regents - Chattanooga, TN
VRC Companies Careers - Memphis, TN
A Data Processing Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Data Processing Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Data Processing Specialist I | 0-1 years | $41,378 |
| Back-End Data Processing Specialist II | 1-3 years | $44,890 |
| Back-End Data Processing Specialist III | 3-5 years | $50,275 |
| Back-End Data Processing Specialist IV | 5-7 years | $57,960 |
| Back-End Data Processing Supervisor | 7+ years | $78,386 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Processing Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Data Processing Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $46,323. While startup companies pay approximate $39,188.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $39,188 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $41,446 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $44,733 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $46,323 |
For Data Processing Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Data Processing Specialist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Processing Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $49,656 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $49,656 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $49,656 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $49,656 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $49,656 | $24.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Data Processing Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,960 | $3,913 | $903 | $23 |
| Average | $41,380 | $3,448 | $796 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,270 | $3,189 | $736 | $18 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Data Processing Specialist I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Support II | $46,900 | 13% |
| Data Entry and Processing Clerk II | $40,800 | -1% |
| Back-End Data Processing Specialist II | $44,900 | 9% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Data Processing Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN
We have an opening for a Records Processing Specialist at our Chattanooga State campus. Please Note:This position is primarily remote.Occasional travel to ... more
8 Days Ago
LP Finance
Johnson City, TN
LP Finance | Johnson City, TN
Job Description. Job Description. LP Finance Group, LLC. is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Loan Processing Specialist position. This position... more
8 Days Ago
Healthmark Group
Lawrenceburg, TN
Healthmark Group | Lawrenceburg, TN
Job Description. Job Description. COMPANY. HealthMark Group is a leading provider of health IT solutions for healthcare providers across the country. By le... more
5 Days Ago
Healthmark Group
Athens, TN
Healthmark Group | Athens, TN
Job Description. Job Description. COMPANY. HealthMark Group is a leading provider of health IT solutions for healthcare providers across the country. By le... more
5 Days Ago
Healthmark Group
Winchester, TN
Healthmark Group | Winchester, TN
Job Description. Job Description. COMPANY. HealthMark Group is a leading provider of health IT solutions for healthcare providers across the country. By le... more
5 Days Ago
OMNIA Partners
Franklin, TN
OMNIA Partners | Franklin, TN
Membership Specialist (Data Entry Specialist)Reporting To: Sr. Director, Membership OperationsLocation: Franklin, TN (Fully in office)Candidates must be le... more
7 Days Ago
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