Data entry keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
Data entry keyers operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing. The role reports a median annual salary of $39,850 in the US and is projected to decline by 26% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows high AI exposure (0.88 on a 0-1 scale) — significant portions of core tasks are already being automated. The most in-demand skills for the role include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Writing, Time Management.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £28,316 a year for Data entry administrators (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £24,870 to £33,281 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 4152). ONS rates this estimate reasonably precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Clerical support workers” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Data entry keyers, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 4. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
How to get here in India
The usual route into this career in India. Each step links to the official page it comes from.
- 1 · Qualification Class 12 pass (Science with Maths for some departments)[1]
- 2 · Entrance exam SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination[1]
- 3 · First role Data Entry Operator in a central government office[1]
Rules change: check the exam body's and regulator's current notice before you apply.
- SSC — Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination notice (read on 2026-09-27)
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
What you'd actually do
- 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.
- Read source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enter data in specific data fields or onto tapes or disks for subsequent entry, using keyboards or scanners.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Data entry keyers do?
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
How much does Data entry keyers earn?
The median annual salary for Data entry keyers in the US is $39,850.
What is the job outlook for Data entry keyers?
The role is projected to decline by 26% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 141,600 workers.
How do I become data entry keyers?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Data entry keyers need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Writing, Time Management, Speaking. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Data entry keyers?
Our AI-durability model gives Data entry keyers a score of 0.88 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at high AI risk — many core tasks are already being automated by generative AI and workflow tools. Focus on AI-adjacent skills or plan a pivot to an AI-durable adjacent role.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Data entry keyers has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.