How to become data entry keyerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become data entry keyers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

3–6 months

2–4 years

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as data entry keyers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Office Clerks, General Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures.	$45,010	24/100	83%
3	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
5	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
6	Receptionists and Information Clerks Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.	$38,010	29/100	73%

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.