Data Entry Keyer
A Data Entry Keyer is a professional responsible for inputting various types of information, such as customer records, financial data, and reports, into computer systems. They typically work in office environments across industries including finance, healthcare, business, and government. The role often requires long hours of focused typing with minimal interaction with others, making it well-suited for individuals who possess strong typing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform repetitive tasks. While formal education is not typically required, experience with computer applications and office equipment is valued by employers.
Data entry keyers may utilize various methods for data entry, including manual typing or scanning documents into electronic systems. The job can present physical and mental challenges, such as repetitive strain injuries, which makes ergonomics and regular movement important. Although many entry-level positions are available, the occupation is facing a decline in demand due to advancements in technology, such as optical character recognition (OCR) and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly automating these tasks. Individuals pursuing a career in this field can benefit from high school courses in English, business communication, and computing, as well as on-the-job training for specific software systems.
Data Entry Keyer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Finance
Interests: Computers, typing, paying attention to detail
Earnings (Yearly Median): $40,130
Employment & Outlook: -26% (Decline)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Data entry keyers enter information, such as customer or patient records, numbers, lists, and reports, into computers. The position may be part of a multidisciplinary administrative team or a dedicated data entry workforce. Data entry keyers are employed in industries and organizations where large amounts of information entry and processing are needed. These work settings may include banking and finance, health services, energy and mining, business and administration, manufacturing, and government.
Work Environment. Data entry keyers usually work in office environments, although advances in communication technologies are increasing opportunities for off-site or remote work. They spend long hours sitting and working in front of a computer. The position generally requires little interaction with others. Indeed, the job demands the ability to focus on a specific typing task for extended periods without interruption. Most data entry keyers work a forty-hour week during standard office hours, although some may work longer or more flexible hours. Part-time, temporary, and contract work is also often available.
Occupation Interest. This occupation suits individuals who have good typing and general computing skills and who can perform repetitive work over long periods. Data entry may be particularly attractive to those with little formal education who are seeking an entry-level clerical role. Attention to detail, accuracy, and speed are equally important in data entry work. Although no formal qualifications are required for the job, experience using a variety of computing programs and office equipment is likely to be well-regarded by employers.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A data entry keyer spends most of the workday entering information into computer systems, such as databases and other electronic information repositories. The specific data they work with depends on the type of employer and industry. Data entry keyers may process such data as medical and client records, sales receipts, financial transactions, lists of items, numbers, names, notes, addresses, test results, and equipment details.
The methods of data entry vary as well. Some data entry keyers manually enter information from paper records into an electronic records system using a computer keyboard. Others use a scanner to scan information from hard copies into an electronic system and then check the data for accuracy and missing entries.
Data entry keyers are often required to proofread or check the accuracy of their work or that of others. As they encounter mistakes introduced either by mechanical or human error, the data entry keyers must correct the data. To rectify some problems, they may need to make adjustments to computer systems or electronic equipment. At times, data entry keyers may also edit or reformat data in existing records.
Beginning data entry keyers often work under greater supervision than those with more experience who may work in virtual solitude or oversee others’ work. Tasks given to new data entry keyers tend to be more rote, while experienced or more educated employees may receive assignments that are more complex and require some discretionary judgment.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Bright, clean office settings predominate. Data entry keyers work at desk stations in front of computers. Some data entry keyers may work in home offices, supported by communication technologies. The repetitiveness of the work can be physically and mentally straining. Like other office workers, data entry keyers are at risk for repetitive strain injuries and chronic postural issues; thus, regular stretching and movement are very important to prevent injury.
Human Environment. Data entry keyers generally work independently. This occupation demands little interaction or communication with other people, although data entry keyers can expect to have some contact with work colleagues and supervisors. A data entry keyer may be part of a multidisciplinary administrative team or a member of a dedicated data entry workforce.
Technological Environment. Daily data entry operations demand the use of a computer, keyboard, and software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and character recognition. Data entry keyers may also use scanners or other electronic devices. Data entry keyers who perform other administrative or clerical tasks may be required to use other standard office technologies, such as the telephone, email, photocopiers, fax machines, and the Internet.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career as a data entry keyer by taking courses in English and applied communication subjects such as business communication. Computing studies, data processing, and typing would also be highly beneficial. Finding part-time data entry work while still in high school is an excellent way to gain entry-level experience. High school students may secure employment as data entry keyers directly following graduation.
Postsecondary. Data entry keyers generally require no formal postsecondary educational qualifications, although the completion of database management, word processing, and typing courses at a technical or community college may be well-regarded by employers.
On-the-job experience in data entry is usually considered more important than formal qualifications. Most employers provide on-the-job training to prepare new data entry keyers for using the company’s specific programs and systems. Experience across a variety of systems and databases is generally attractive to employers, as is experience using related equipment such as scanners.
Experts in 2023 believed that these jobs would significantly decline as OCR software and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reduce the need for human workers.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Data Entry Keyers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 43-9021 Data Entry Keyers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.