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Data Entry Keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Other titles employers use
Data Capture Specialist · Data Entry Clerk · Data Entry Machine Operator · Data Entry Operator · Data Entry Specialist · Data Transcriber · Records Clerk · Underwriting Support Specialist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
5 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Time Management
Subjects to know
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 1.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.4 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 3.0 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 59%
- A certificate or some college 30%
- A two-year degree 11%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Word processing software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Accounting software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 16,090
- Job openings each year
- 1,730
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −16.5%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 16,090 | 1,730 | −16.5% |
| California | 12,700 | 1,300 | −24.4% |
| Florida | 10,770 | 1,150 | −17.1% |
| New York | 9,960 | 20 | 2.4% |
| Illinois | 7,280 | 730 | −26.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 5,710 | 580 | −25.3% |
| North Carolina | 4,660 | 480 | −22.6% |
| Ohio | 4,540 | 460 | −26.8% |
| New Jersey | 4,080 | 410 | −25.8% |
| Arizona | 3,380 | 360 | −18.0% |
| Georgia | 3,310 | 350 | −20.8% |
| Michigan | 3,070 | 310 | −27.6% |
| Virginia | 3,070 | 310 | −24.2% |
| Washington | 3,010 | 340 | −1.3% |
| Indiana | 2,850 | 290 | −23.0% |
| Missouri | 2,700 | 270 | −24.8% |
| Wisconsin | 2,540 | 260 | −24.0% |
| Tennessee | 2,440 | 270 | −11.6% |
| Puerto Rico | 2,330 | 250 | −19.9% |
| Utah | 2,210 | 240 | −16.6% |
| Colorado | 1,950 | 210 | −19.1% |
| Kentucky | 1,880 | 190 | −23.0% |
| Maryland | 1,660 | 170 | −22.1% |
| Oklahoma | 1,510 | 150 | −25.2% |
| Connecticut | 1,330 | 140 | −23.6% |
| South Carolina | 1,300 | 140 | −16.7% |
| Iowa | 1,260 | 130 | −22.7% |
| Kansas | 1,140 | 120 | −26.0% |
| Minnesota | 1,130 | 110 | −25.2% |
| Oregon | 1,060 | 110 | −21.5% |
| Louisiana | 1,000 | 100 | −25.4% |
| Nebraska | 960 | 100 | −22.0% |
| Arkansas | 940 | 100 | −23.0% |
| New Hampshire | 870 | 90 | −23.7% |
| Alabama | 830 | 90 | −23.1% |
| Nevada | 820 | 90 | −12.8% |
| West Virginia | 670 | 70 | −21.2% |
| District of Columbia | 640 | 70 | −23.8% |
| Mississippi | 630 | 70 | −24.1% |
| Massachusetts | 560 | 60 | −26.3% |
| New Mexico | 400 | 40 | −16.7% |
| Idaho | 340 | 40 | −15.0% |
| Vermont | 330 | 30 | −19.5% |
| Delaware | 320 | 30 | −28.9% |
| Rhode Island | 320 | 30 | −23.8% |
| Montana | 300 | 30 | −23.1% |
| Maine | 230 | 20 | −25.8% |
| Alaska | 170 | 20 | 6.3% |
| North Dakota | 120 | 10 | −25.0% |
| Wyoming | 100 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Guam | 70 | 10 | −22.2% |
| Virgin Islands | 10 | 0 | −50.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Degrees each year
- 524
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Annual cost after aid
- $49,000
Columbia College Chicago
- Degrees each year
- 212
- Admit rate
- 91%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
Ringling College of Art and Design
- Degrees each year
- 124
- Admit rate
- 67%
- Annual cost after aid
- $55,000
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Degrees each year
- 92
- Admit rate
- 90%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
George Mason University
- Degrees each year
- 80
- Admit rate
- 89%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Art Center College of Design
- Degrees each year
- 79
- Admit rate
- 75%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
- Degrees each year
- 75
- Admit rate
- 30%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Degrees each year
- 64
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —