How long does it take to become a data entry keyer?

Typically no schooling after high school, then a few weeks of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do data entry keyers make?

The US median is $41,340 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a data entry keyer?

No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.

Where can you train to become a data entry keyer?

190 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

🎓 My University View

Home › Careers › Data entry keyers

How to become a data entry keyer

Office & admin · SOC 43-9021

$41,340US median pay, 2025

-25.5%Projected growth, 2025–35

7,700Openings per year

On the jobUsual way in

How you get in

Most people are hired and trained on the job, so school is optional. A program can still help you stand out.

High school diploma or equivalent (a program is optional for this job)
Short-term on-the-job training
Work as a data entry keyer

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Business/Office Automation/Technology/Data Entry	CIP 52.0407	118
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General	CIP 11.0601	59
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production	CIP 10.0305	21

See the 190 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a data entry keyer?: Typically no schooling after high school, then a few weeks of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do data entry keyers make?: The US median is $41,340 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a data entry keyer?: No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.
Where can you train to become a data entry keyer?: 190 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

Related careers in Office & admin

Customer service representatives · Office clerks, general · Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive · Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks · First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers · Receptionists and information clerks · Medical secretaries and administrative assistants · Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants