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Entry Computer Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Computer Operator make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Computer Operator in the United States is $48,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, an Entry Computer Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,924
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,190 to $54,190
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,820
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Computer Operator Salaries

An Entry Computer Operator'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Computer Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Computer Operator'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:

  • Entry Computer Operator (0-1 years): $48,941
  • Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist II (1-3 years): $61,378
  • Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist III (3-5 years): $68,086
  • Computer Support Operations Shift Supervisor (5+ years): $91,691
  • Computer Support Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $109,459
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Computer Operator0-1 years$48,941
Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist II1-3 years$61,378
Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist III3-5 years$68,086
Computer Support Operations Shift Supervisor5+ years$91,691
Computer Support Operations Supervisor5+ years$109,459
View as Graph

How Do Entry Computer Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Entry Computer Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,190.
  • California: $53,990.
  • Massachusetts: $53,290.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Computer Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $61,790
  • San Francisco: $61,090
  • Oakland: $59,790

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Computer Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 6.21% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Technical Support (Mentioned in 3.66% Job Postings): Offering hands-on assistance and solutions to end-users in addressing and troubleshooting technical issues.
  • IT Support (Mentioned in 2.6% Job Postings): Assisting with managing, maintaining, and repairing business technology to ensure all IT functions work seamlessly.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 6.21%
Technical Support 3.66%
IT Support 2.6%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Computer Operator's salary.

  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination $62,707
28%
Artificial Intelligence $60,748
24%
Presentation $57,318
17%
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Entry Computer Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Computer Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,692. While startup companies pay approximate $46,310.

Entry Computer Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,310
Growth Stage 51~500 $48,967
Established 501~5000 $52,810
Enterprise 5000+ $54,692

Entry Computer Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Computer Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Entry Computer Operator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Computer Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Computer Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$53,889$26.010%
Biotechnology$53,889$26.010%
Business Services$53,889$26.010%
Chemicals$53,889$26.010%
Construction$53,889$26.010%

How Education impacts an Entry Computer Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Computer Operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Computer Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $44,348 and $47,724).

Entry Computer Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Computer Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.5%
High School 33.0%
Associates 32.2%
Bachelors 30.0%
Masters 3.0%
Doctorate 0.4%
View as Graph

Entry Computer Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Computer Operator'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$44,190
Average $48,990/year
$54,190
$3,683
Average $4,083/month
$4,516
$850
Average $942/week
$1,042
$21
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,190 $4,516 $1,042 $26
Average $48,990 $4,083 $942 $24
25th Percentile $44,190 $3,683 $850 $21

Entry Computer Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Entry Computer Operator

Next Role

Advancement

For an Entry Computer Operator, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $61,400 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Entry Computer Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Computer Operator

Here are companies hiring for Entry Computer Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Computer Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Computer Operator?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Computer Operator roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much do Entry Level jobs pay in us?

As of now, the salary for an Entry Computer Operator in the United States ranges from a minimum of $43,390 to a maximum of $55,990, with a mid-salary of $49,090. This indicates a competitive pay scale for entry-level positions in this field, reflecting the demand for skilled operators.

3. What training is needed for data entry?

Most employers require data entry clerks to have a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Taking courses in computer science or typing during high school can enhance your data entry skills. Entry-level computer operators can expect salaries ranging from $43,390 to $55,990, with a median salary of $49,090, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.

4. How many hours do data entry work?

Most data entry clerks work 37–40 hours per week, with part-time positions becoming increasingly popular. The salary for an entry-level computer operator typically ranges from $43,390 to $55,990 annually, with a median salary of around $49,090.

5. What speed do you need for data entry jobs?

While there are no strict words-per-minute requirements, a candidate should aim for a minimum typing speed of 40 WPM to meet standard efficiency as a data entry operator. For higher-paying positions, speeds of 70 to 90 WPM may be expected. Entry-level computer operators can expect salaries ranging from $43,390 to $55,990, with a mid-salary of $49,090.

6. Do I need a degree for data entry?

A college degree is not typically required for data entry positions, but it may be preferred in fields like computer sciences and software development. Entry-level computer operators can expect salaries ranging from $43,390 to $55,990, with a median salary of $49,090. Skills and experience can significantly influence earning potential in this role.

7. What is the highest salary for a data entry operator?

The highest salary for an Entry Computer Operator is ₹55,990 annually. This figure represents the upper range of salaries in this role, with a minimum salary of ₹43,390 and a mid-range salary of ₹49,090. Salaries can vary based on location and experience, but this provides a general overview of the earning potential in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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