Will AI replace data entry keyers?AI replacement risk 86% and how the work is changing

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$41,340
25th–75th pct. $35,760–$48,410
Top pay (est.)
$76,400
Top 10% $58,790
Pay in 5 years
$43,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$46,200est.
$39,700–$53,700
Outlook score
11/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
86%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
−25.5%
7,700 openings / yr

Will AI replace Data Entry Keyers? AI replacement risk

86%
Very high
Ranked #823 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Data Entry Keyers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
3.4
Writing
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Critical Thinking
2.9
Time Management
2.9
Complex Problem Solving
2.5
Social Perceptiveness
2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative
5.0
English Language
4.9
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Law and Government
3.7
Mathematics
3.6
Computers and Electronics
3.4
Public Safety and Security
3.0
Education and Training
2.8

What the work involves

Processing InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsPerforming Administrative Activities

Important abilities

Near VisionWrist-Finger SpeedSpeech RecognitionOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityOral Expression

Education of workers

Associate's degree
11%

Training before entry

1–3 months
75%
None / short demo
24%

Related work experience

1–2 years
49%
6–12 months
40%
None
5%
3–6 months
3%
2–4 years
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.