Data Entry Operator/Transcriptionist Kaiwhakauru Raraunga/Kaipatopato Kōrero

Data entry operators/transcriptionists copy or transcribe information that is spoken or written.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may do some or all of the following:

  • copy information from one form to another – for example, from handwritten forms to computerised forms
  • type verbatim (word for word) from recorded conversations or dictation
  • check, edit, print and email documents
  • proofread written work.

Court Reporter

To become a court reporter with the Ministry of Justice, you need to have an accurate typing speed of at least 70 words a minute and excellent understanding of English.

Medical transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists need experience or interest in medical work, or a specific qualification in medical transcription.

Physical Requirements

Data entry operators/transcriptionists need to have excellent hearing if they are typing from sound recordings.

Useful Experience

Experience in computer work or word processing is useful for data entry operators/transcriptionists.

Court reporters need to know relevant technical and legal words and phrases. Previous work in a legal office is useful.

Personal Qualities

Data entry operators/transcriptionists need to be:

  • accurate and good at listening
  • reliable, efficient and focused
  • able to keep information confidential
  • able to work well under pressure.

Court reporters also need to be able to cope with information from trials that may be unpleasant to hear.

Skills

Data entry operators/transcriptionists need to have:

  • a typing speed of at least 60 words per minute
  • excellent computer and word processing skills
  • a good vocabulary and excellent spelling and grammar
  • good communication skills.

Conditions

Data entry operators/transcriptionists:

  • usually work regular business hours, but sometimes do shift work
  • usually work in offices, but may work from home.

Subject Recommendations

No specific secondary education is required for this job, but business studies, digital technologies, English and languages to at least NCEA Level 2 are useful.

Data Entry Operator/Transcriptionists can earn around $47K-$50K per year.

Pay for data entry operators/transcriptionists depends on speed, accuracy, experience and the type of work they do.

  • Data entry operators/transcriptionists usually earn minimum wage or above.
  • Specialist medical typists may earn minimum wage or above.
  • Senior data entry operators/transcriptionists can earn from $47,000 to $50,000.
  • Court reporters usually earn between $47,000 and $59,000.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists who work part time can earn between minimum wage and $25 an hour.

Sources: Hays, '2018 Salary Guide', 2018; Hudson, 'Business and Support Salary Survey 2018', 2018; New Zealand Medical Association, 'Primary Health Care (MECA) 2016-2018', 2018; Ministry of Justice, 2018.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may progress to become personal or executive assistants.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may specialise as a:

Court Reporter
Court reporters take down verbatim (word for word) all the evidence, comments and decisions made in court hearings, during the court proceedings.
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical information, or type from dictations by health professionals, and edit and check the content to make sure it is accurate.

Years Of Training

There are no specific requirements to become a data entry operator/transcriptionist. However, good accuracy and speed when typing is essential.

Data Entry Operator/Transcriptionist