Electronic Data Interchanger Career Overview
Electronic data interchange (EDI) is the structured transfer of data between computer systems. Electronic data interchangers facilitate the data transfer process. Learn about the job duties, education and experience necessary to work in this field.
What You Need to Know
Electronic data interchanger positions can refer to jobs such as EDI coordinator, EDI specialist and EDI analyst. Interchangers must be proficient in software and hardware computer systems and may work in a variety of industries such as transportation, healthcare and government.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td> Computer information systems, software programming, and/or business technology is helpful</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> EDI jobs can be found in many industries, including retail, grocery, transportation, shipping, healthcare, warehousing, real estate, education and government.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary</b></td><td> $57,988 per year*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: PayScale (June 2018)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationAndExperienceRequirements">What Are the Education and Experience Requirements?</h3><p>To work in the EDI field, you must have a strong computer technology background. Most positions require a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of experience in the specific industry. Degrees that apply to this career include business technology, software programming or computer information systems. As a business technology student, you would study subjects such as:
</p><ul><li>Technology entrepreneurship
</li><li>Digital illustation
</li><li>Enterprise planning and implementation
</li><li>Global supply operations
</li><li>Digital publishing
</li><li>Web authoring
</li></ul><p>Government jobs as electronic data interchangers typically require a Department of Defense security clearance.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobDuties">What Are the Job Duties?</h3><p>EDI job duties can depend on the nature of the business and the type of information exchange required. In general, EDI analysts ensure that invoice and inventory data is exchanged accurately and efficiently through the EDI system. They may test the EDI system and troubleshoot problems. They may also act as a liaison between their employer and companies that send and receive electronic data.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCareerAndSalaryOutlook">What Is the Career and Salary Outlook?</h3><p>As new trading partnerships are established and the demand for accurate communications increases, employment opportunities for electronic data interchangers will likely grow. According to PayScale, median salary for electronic data interchangers as of June 2018 is $57,988.</p>