Office & Administrative Support
Data Entry Keyers
Also called: Data Capture Specialist, Data Entry Clerk, Data Entry Machine Operator, Data Entry Operator
US median pay
$41,340
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-25.5%
declining
Openings a year (US)
7,700
131,800 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
What they do day to day
- Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
- Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
- Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
- Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
- Read source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enter data in specific data fields or onto tapes or disks for subsequent entry, using keyboards or scanners.
- Maintain logs of activities and completed work.
- Load machines with required input or output media, such as paper, cards, disks, tape, or Braille media.
- Resolve garbled or indecipherable messages, using cryptographic procedures and equipment.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Service Orientation2.8/5
- Coordination2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.6/5
- Management of Personnel Resources2.6/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.6/5
- Instructing2.6/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.8/5
- Administrative4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Law and Government3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma59%
- Some college30%
- Associate's degree11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.