Data Entry Keyers
SOC code 43-9021 · O*NET-SOC 43-9021.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration
Data Entry Keyers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$41,340
a year
Hourly
$19.88
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$43,310
$20.82 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,760 – $48,410
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$31,200 – $58,790
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
127,080
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $31,200
- $15.00/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,760
- $17.19/hr
- Median percentile
- $41,340
- $19.88/hr
- 75th percentile
- $48,410
- $23.27/hr
- 90th percentile
- $58,790
- $28.26/hr
What does a data entry keyer do?
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
The tasks that matter most 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.
- 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.
- Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
- Maintain logs of activities and completed work.
- Load machines with required input or output media, such as paper, cards, disks, tape, or Braille media.
How to become a data entry keyer
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 59% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)59%
- Some College Courses30%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Common questions
How much does a data entry keyer earn?
The national median is $41,340 a year. The full range runs from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $58,790 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a data entry keyer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Speaking2.9/5
- Critical Thinking2.9/5
- Active Learning2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- 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
- Computers and Electronics2.8/5
- Administration and Management2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Time Management, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination.