NJ Civil Service Navigator

DATA ENTRY OPERATOR 2

Code: 53293 Common Competitive Range: A10 (FY 2027) Work week 35: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Career Family: DATA ENTRY OPERATOR

Salary: $41,070.21 - $59,026.81/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

New Jersey treats Data Entry Operator 2 as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.

It sits mid-series for Data Entry Operator, one step up from Data Entry Operator 1 and one below Data Entry Operator 3. Eligibility comes down to 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $41,070 and $59,027, and state payroll currently lists about 60 people in the title, most of them at Labor.

How to apply

This title is filled by competitive examination.

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Who employs this title

Data Entry Operator 2 appears on the State payroll at 5 departments, most of them at Department of Labor.

State departments

Employer Employees
Department of Labor 42
Department of Treasury 14
Department of Health 2
Election Law Enforcement 1
Department of Law & Public Safety 1

All agencies.

Where this title is used

Data Entry Operator 2 is a common title, so it is used in both State and local service. The local side is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, which set their own pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule.

Check whether an employer is a civil service jurisdiction · How local civil service works

State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.

Pay ladder: Data Entry Operator series

  1. Data Entry Operator 1 — $39,358 – $56,481
  2. Data Entry Operator 2 — $41,070 – $59,027 (this title)
  3. Data Entry Operator 3 — $48,807 – $70,641
  4. Data Entry Operator 4 — $58,222 – $84,763

Promoting to Data Entry Operator 3 raises the top of the band by about $11,614. Its top salary lands around the 6th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.

Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 60 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $50,958. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Labor (42)
  • Treasury (14)
  • Health and Senior Services (2)
  • Election Law Enforcement (1)

Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the limited supervision of Data Entry Operator 4 or other supervisory official, in a state department, institution, or agency or local government agency, performing data entry; uses an alphanumeric keyboard, image scanner, or other data entry input device to enter, edit, and/or update data from varied source documents into a prescribed computer system for storage, processing, or data management purposes; compares entered data to source document to ensure accuracy of input and reenters or edits inaccurate data where necessary; may provide guidance and direction to entry level operators; does other related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CLASSIFICATION FACTORS The primary function of this title is data entry, and tasks directly related to data entry. Incumbents spend a majority of time entering, editing, updating and verifying data utilizing prescribed data entry equipment and software. Incumbents perform moderately complex data entry and verification tasks. They typically spend a greater percentage of time verifying data than those positions at the entry level and more frequently make decisions involving the correction of errors, questioning discrepancies, and releasing batches. Positions at this level may work with non-standard source documents or with one or more documents per program. Work is conducted with some independence and is reviewed upon completion. Incumbents at this level may guide entry level operators in performing work of the unit by answering questions and providing instruction or direction.

Examples of work

Compiles, sorts, and verifies completeness and accuracy of data prior to key entry or scanning. Operates keyboard, scanning, or other input devices or equipment to transcribe data from standard source documents onto data storage or data processing equipment and/or through direct online hookup to a computer. May provide guidance to entry level operators on proper care and use of data storage and processing equipment. Performs data entry work of a difficult and responsible nature involving use and operation of data entry/verification equipment. Verifies accuracy and completeness of data input by visually checking the screen and correcting noticeable errors, rekeying data and correcting unmatched entries, or utilizing data verification software. Follows screen commands or instructions when entering, updating, or retrieving specific data. Enters information into specific files or forms from recorded material, handwritten pages, or figures contained in printed files. Reviews and preps hard copy documents for digital image scanner processing. May operate digital scanning equipment and key data not recognized by scanner. Utilizes document and image controls and key verifications to capture data or correct scanned images. May use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to convert scanned images of handwritten, typewritten, or printed text into machine-encoded text. Verifies accuracy of image scans and documents. Logs and maintains operating production and error rates for each task and type of document imaged. Responds to error messages and uses appropriate recovery procedures for document or processing failures. Detects hardware malfunctions and notifies supervisor. Loads office equipment with required input or output media. May search and extract data from computerized records. May prepare production reports containing type and quantity of identified and corrected errors. Exercises judgment in completing evaluative tasks and maintains a high degree of accuracy. Performs a variety of data entry-related clerical duties such as record searching, coding, verification, filing, and logging received and completed assignments for work flow documentation purposes. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the operation of an electronic data entry input device and/or alphanumeric keyboard to transcribe data into data processing equipment or computer. SPECIAL NOTE: For positions where speed and volume are a factor, appointees will be required to demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding, typing, and/or document scanning.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of techniques used to operate standard data entry input equipment, such as an alphanumeric keyboard. Knowledge of scanning methods used to operate digital imaging equipment. Knowledge of a variety of command codes. Ability to transcribe data into an electronic data processing medium. Ability to detect and report hardware and source input problems. Ability to utilize keyboard-controlled image scanning equipment to transcribe, monitor, and verify data for conversion of hard copy documents to optical disk records. Ability to apply various data entry formats and routines. Ability to prepare documents for scanning into computer. Ability to index documents by entering data into specified fields. Ability to scan and reconcile data output to control totals. Ability to maintain expected workflow while sustaining a high level of accuracy. Ability to maintain records for control of time expended and tasks completed. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to perform clerical work such as filing and tallying counts. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.