Occupation · SOC 43-9021
Data Entry Keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Median wage
$39,850
$30,100–$56,930
Projected growth
-25.9%
Declining
Annual openings
-3,670
per year
Employed (US)
135,280
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
197 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningMonitoringWritingTime Management
Knowledge areas
English LanguageAdministrativeCustomer and Personal ServiceLaw and Government
Technology & tools
Customer relationship management CRM softwareData base user interface and query softwareMedical softwareVideo conferencing softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Data entry keystrokes — perform under direct supervision using standard office suite software to input structured information from source documents.Source document comparison — follow established protocols to match printed records against on-screen fields in a supervised office environment.Basic data errors — recognize and flag obvious discrepancies to a supervisor before records are saved in a database system.Completed data files — store in designated folders or filing locations according to department naming conventions under direct guidance.Work materials and templates — select appropriate forms and input screens needed to begin assigned data tasks with supervisor assistance.Alphabetic and numeric keyboarding — demonstrate acceptable speed and accuracy on entry-level data tasks in a clerical support role.Written instructions — read and interpret task briefs with sufficient comprehension to begin routine data entry assignments independently.Spreadsheet software — enter rows of structured data into pre-formatted worksheets following step-by-step instructions provided by a team lead.Time allocation — follow a daily task schedule set by a supervisor to complete assigned batches of records within a standard shift.Near-vision accuracy — apply close visual attention to distinguish similar characters and numeric strings when transcribing source documents at a workstation.
developing
Data accuracy verification — compile, sort, and cross-check batches of records against source documents routinely with minimal oversight in a production data environment.Error detection and correction — locate and correct keying mistakes using re-entry verification formats before submitting records to the main database.Customer relationship management software — navigate CRM screens to update client records and retrieve existing data in a moderate-volume office setting.Document storage protocols — apply departmental filing conventions consistently to store completed digital and paper records in appropriate locations without reminders.Word processing documents — draft and format routine correspondence and data summaries using standard templates in an administrative support role.Work assignment planning — select and prioritize materials and input queues independently to meet daily throughput targets without supervisor direction.Spreadsheet and accounting software — enter, format, and perform basic validation on financial or transactional data across multiple software platforms.Active listening in handoff meetings — capture verbal instructions from supervisors or colleagues and apply them accurately to subsequent data tasks.Selective attention under repetition — maintain consistent keystroke accuracy across extended data entry sessions in a high-volume clerical environment.Cloud-based sharing platforms — upload, organize, and retrieve shared data files using cloud access tools to support team-wide data workflows.
proficient
Complex error resolution — independently locate, diagnose, and correct multi-field data inconsistencies across linked database tables without escalating routine issues.Full-cycle data quality review — compile, sort, verify, and certify accuracy of large data sets before import into enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.Cross-platform data entry — perform accurate record maintenance across CRM, ERP, medical, and accounting software platforms in a multi-system office environment.Procedural writing — document step-by-step data entry procedures and error-correction protocols for use by newer keyers on the team.Non-routine source documents — interpret ambiguous or non-standard source materials and determine correct entry format using professional judgment in a live production environment.Time management across workloads — self-manage competing batch deadlines and reprioritize task queues in response to shifting organizational demands without supervisor intervention.Data integrity monitoring — routinely audit completed records for systemic keying patterns that indicate process-level problems and report findings with supporting evidence.Video conferencing and remote workflow tools — coordinate remote data handoffs and verification tasks with distributed teams using video and cloud collaboration platforms.Legal and regulatory data standards — apply knowledge of relevant law, government, and compliance requirements when handling sensitive records in regulated industries.Perceptual speed under pressure — sustain high accuracy and throughput on time-sensitive data projects by applying practiced visual-scanning and information-ordering techniques.
advanced
Data entry quality standards — establish team-wide accuracy benchmarks and verification protocols that define acceptable performance across all keying assignments in the department.Workflow design — design and implement structured data intake, sorting, and validation procedures that reduce error rates across the full keying operation.Staff development — coach and mentor entry-level and developing keyers on error-detection techniques, software tools, and professional work habits in an office environment.Technology adoption — evaluate and pilot new database, CRM, or ERP software upgrades, then lead rollout training to ensure seamless transition for the data entry team.Process documentation governance — oversee creation, review, and maintenance of all standard operating procedures governing data entry and document storage practices organization-wide.Performance monitoring — track team throughput and accuracy metrics over time, identify trends, and present data-driven improvement recommendations to administrative leadership.Cross-functional coordination — serve as the primary liaison between data entry operations and IT, compliance, and business units to align keying standards with organizational data needs.Integrity and compliance leadership — model and enforce data privacy, accuracy, and ethical handling standards across the team in environments subject to legal or government oversight.Continuous improvement initiatives — lead projects that streamline source-document comparison, batch verification, and filing workflows to measurably reduce processing time and rework.Organizational capacity planning — assess staffing, software, and training resource needs for the data entry function and make recommendations that support long-term departmental goals.
Also known as
92 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Strike On Machine OperatorCheck ProcessorMagnetic-Tape-Composer OperatorData Entry ClerkData Entry Email ProcessorCompugraph OperatorData ProcessorMedical Data Entry ClerkData Coder OperatorTerminal Make Up OperatorField Data CollectorComputer AidePhotocomposition Keyboard OperatorVaritype Keyboard OperatorMultiplex OperatorAdjusto-Writer OperatorRetail Data CollectorTerminal OperatorData KeyerEncoding ClerkVerifier OperatorData Entry AssociateVaritype OperatorPhotocomposition-Keyboard OperatorTypesetter OperatorTeletype ClerkFlex O Writer OperatorTeletype OperatorBraille TranscriberElectronic Typesetting Machine OperatorClaims Support SpecialistKey Punch OperatorPhotocomposing-Perforator-Machine OperatorBraille OperatorPunch Card OperatorMachine Clerical VerifierAutomatic OperatorVaritypistCustoms Entry ClerkCryptographic Clerk