Data entry keyers
SOC Code: 43-9021
Data entry keyers carries a 60% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $39,850 and -25.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 141,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Data entry keyers (SOC 43-9021) carries an AI exposure score of 60%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 141,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -25.9% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $39,850, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Data entry keyers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to supervisors.
- 2. Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered.
- 3. Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors.
- 4. 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.
- 5. Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
- 6. Select materials needed to complete work assignments.
- 7. Maintain logs of activities and completed work.
- 8. Load machines with required input or output media, such as paper, cards, disks, tape, or Braille media.
- 9. Resolve garbled or indecipherable messages, using cryptographic procedures and equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Economics and Accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Data entry keyers?
Data entry keyers has an AI exposure score of 60%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Data entry keyers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Data entry keyers is projected to decline by 25.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 141,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Data entry keyers?
Key skills for Data entry keyers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Data entry keyers earn?
The median annual wage for Data entry keyers is $39,850, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Data entry keyers?
The typical entry-level education for Data entry keyers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Data entry keyers?
Data entry keyers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 9 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).