Data Entry Keyers

43-9021.00 Zone 2 — Some Preparation Needed

Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.

Also known as: Adjusto-Writer Operator, Automatic Operator, Braille Operator, Braille Transcriber, Braille Typist, Card Puncher, Card Punching Machine Operator, Check Processor, ...

Annual Salary

$39,850

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$34,900 25th – 75th percentile $47,260
10th percentile $30,100
90th percentile $56,930
U.S. Employment: 135,280

Job Outlook

-25.9%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Declining)

Annual Job Openings 9,500 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training

What You'd Do

  • 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.
  • Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
  • 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.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.6
Active Listening 3.4
Monitoring 3.3
Writing 3.0
Time Management 3.0
Speaking 2.9
Critical Thinking 2.9
Complex Problem Solving 2.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

English Language 4.8
Administrative 4.6
Customer and Personal Service 3.6
Law and Government 3.6
Public Safety and Security 2.9
Mathematics 2.9
Computers and Electronics 2.8
Administration and Management 2.7

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

High School
58.7%
Some College
30.2%
Associate's
11.1%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Google Docs Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software

Other Tools

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 Medical condition coding software Medical procedure coding software Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft Dynamics GP Perceptive Software Intelligent Capture +2 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.8
Attention to Detail
2.2
Dependability
1.8
Cautiousness
1.3
Integrity
0.9
Achievement Orientation
0.6
Perseverance
0.5
Stress Tolerance

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Written Comprehension 3.9
Near Vision 3.9
Finger Dexterity 3.8
Oral Comprehension 3.5
Speech Recognition 3.5
Perceptual Speed 3.5
Information Ordering 3.5
Selective Attention 3.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 4.7
Processing Information 4.5
Documenting/Recording Information 4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.3
Getting Information 4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.2
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.1
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 4.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Spend Time Sitting
4.9
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.9
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
4.8
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
4.6
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.4
E-Mail
4.3
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.3
Contact With Others
4.2
Time Pressure
4.2
Telephone Conversations
4.2
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.1

Is Data Entry Keyers right for you?

Take our free career quiz to see how you match with this and 900+ other careers.

Take the Quiz

Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.