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: Adjusto-Writer Operator, Automatic Operator, Braille Operator, Braille Transcriber, Braille Typist, Card Puncher
Median pay
$41,340
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$31,200 – $58,790
People employed
127,080
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 8.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Data Entry Keyers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (48 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What data entry keyers do
- 01Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
- 02Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
- 03Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
- 04Read 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.
- 05Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- 06Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from data entry keyers
- File Clerks93% · +5%
- Billing and Posting Clerks87% · +17%
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers85% · +42%
- Correspondence Clerks85% · +13%
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks81% · +41%
Change into data entry keyers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- File Clerks93% · $43,600
- Correspondence Clerks80% · $46,800
- Billing and Posting Clerks77% · $48,500
- Library Assistants, Clerical77% · $36,910
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive77% · $47,540
Majors that lead here
- Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production
- Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General
- Business/Office Automation/Technology/Data Entry
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.