Data Entry Keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Also called: Data Capture Specialist · Data Entry Clerk · Data Entry Machine Operator · Data Entry Operator · Data Entry Specialist · Data Transcriber
Median pay (national)
$39,850
$30,100–$56,930 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
135,280
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-25.9%
~9,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for data entry keyers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $56,930 versus $30,100 at the bottom 10% — 1.9x. The median of $39,850 leaves roughly 43% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -25.9% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 9,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $51,860, +30% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $23,270 — a 123% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
- Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
- Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
- Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
- Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- Maintain logs of activities and completed work.
- 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.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Intuit QuickBooks
- SAP software
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Data entry software
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- FaceTime
- FileMaker Pro
- Google Drive
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- IBM Informix
- Jenzabar ERP
Knowledge areas
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management