What Data Entry Keyers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Data Entry Keyers this way: "Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Data Entry Keyers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 131,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 98,200 in 2035, a decrease of 33,600 jobs (-25.5%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 7,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $41,340, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Data Entry Keyers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $44,331 in New Jersey to $44,439 in New York, a gap of $108 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $41,340 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 13,330, which is 51.9% of the 25,660 counted across them. New York follows with 12,330.
Highest-paying states
New York ($44,439) and New Jersey ($44,331) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($44,331) and New York ($44,439) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Data Entry Keyers
Word Processors and Typists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-9000) include Office Clerks, General.
Frequently asked questions about Data Entry Keyers
How much do Data Entry Keyers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $41,340. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $44,331 to $44,439.
Which state pays Data Entry Keyers the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $44,439. New Jersey is next at $44,331.
Is Data Entry Keyers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 25.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 7,700 openings a year.
What education do Data Entry Keyers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.