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Data Entry Keyers

TRENDS

Computer technology changes fast.  Networks, optical character recognition 
and voice recognition are some of the ways that data can be entered 
"automatically" into the computer without the help of DATA ENTRY KEYERS.  
Optical character recognition readers are machines that scan and record 
documents into computers automatically.  Software for voice recognition 
records data as the operator talks to the computer.  Also, data can be sent 
between computers that are networked (hooked up electronically).


THE JOB

Computers are very important to modern business and government operations. 
They produce paychecks and bills, record daily business dealings and process 
a lot of other data.

Data Entry Keyers are the workers who type data into a computer. Although 
there are many jobs which might include some sort of computer data entry 
work, this guide looks at  those clerical workers whose only job or main job 
is the entry of computer input data.

Data Entry Keyers use machines with keyboards and functions similar to those 
of computer terminals, typewriters, or ten key adding machines.

These workers follow routine instructions and specific machine operating 
procedures.  A typical work routine is to read source materials (like 
canceled checks, sales reports, utility bills and time cards) and key (type) 
the data into specific data fields.

Data Entry Keyers are also called Data Entry Operators, Input Operators, and 
Key Data Operators.  Other job titles refer to the type of equipment being 
used: Key-to-Tape Operators, Key-to-Disc Operators or CRT Operators.

Data Typists and Data-Coder Operators use equipment such as key-to-tape 
machines, multi-station key-to- magnetic-tape devices and multi-station key-
to- magnetic-disk-to-tape devices. These workers enter data onto magnetic 
tapes or magnetic disks. The more experienced Data Typists and Data Coder 
Operators often double-check data entries before the tapes or discs are put 
into the computer for use.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Data Entry Keyers usually work in a comfortable office buildings.  The work 
involves a lot of repetition, and speed, accuracy and concentration are 
needed.  It also requires a lot of production which can be stressful.

Data Entry Keyers may belong to a union, especially those working for 
government agencies.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market 
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates 
that the number of Data Entry Keyers in California will reach 43,030 by 
2005, an increase in new jobs of 1,910 over the number there was in 1993.

There will also be an estimated 3,270 job openings due to people retiring or 
leaving the occupation.  Added to the 1,910 new jobs expected, this makes 
for an estimated total of 5,180 job opportunities through 2005.

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

In some places, work availability is seasonal.  Employers may put on extra 
shifts and hire temporary help to handle tax-related work, usually starting 
in November or December and ending by mid-April every year.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

A recent salary survey shows that the earnings for workers without 
experience starts at $6.00 an hour and can go up to $11.00 an hour in larger 
cities.  Experienced data keyers earn between $7.50 and $17.00 an hour, 
depending on the area.

Data entry work often goes around the clock, seven days a week.  Workers 
might be assigned to a particular shift or to certain days of the week 
including weekends and holidays.  The work week ranges between 37.5 and 40 
hours a week.  

Most employers offer standard benefits and a few pay for child care, either 
at work or off-site.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

High school graduation or the equivalent is usually required.  Most 
employers prefer some training in business machine operations.

Some employers hire trainees and train them on the job.  Other prefer to 
promote clerical workers from within their own company. Some employers 
require that incoming Data Entry Keyers have at least one to three years of 
related or specific work experience.

Employers often specify what they want in terms of certain levels of speed 
and accuracy and give pre-hiring tests.  Typical requirements are either a 
typing speed of 45-50 words per minute, the ability to input numbers on a 
ten-key keyboard by touch, or a data keying speed of 10,000-12,000 
keystrokes per hour (about the same as a typing speed of 40-45 words a 
minute).

Other parts of the pre-employment test might focus on reading ability, 
clerical ability and general math skill. Data entry courses using the latest 
equipment may give the student an advantage, especially if the school trains 
students on the same equipment that employers use.


ADVANCEMENT

Data Entry Keyers with good skills, training, experience, and ambition will 
have the best chances to be promoted.  Since many firms promote from within, 
job performance and supervisor recommendations are very important to 
advancement to senior and supervisory positions. Sometimes, with additional 
education or training, Data Entry Keyers are able to move into computer 
operating jobs or computer programmer trainee positions.


FINDING THE JOB

Job seekers should apply directly to employers, respond to help wanted ads 
in newspapers and register with Job Service of the California Employment 
Development Department.  Temporary (temp) employment agencies, which usually 
do not charge a fee, match up job seekers to jobs that provide experience 
and training.  These temporary jobs often lead to permanent work.  School 
career centers place graduates with employers.  Job seekers should also 
contact federal, State, county and city personnel offices.


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Typists and Word Processing Techs             No.  20
Bkpg., Accounting and Auditing Clerks         No.  26
Shorthand Reporters/Court Reporters           No. 162
Computer Operators                            No. 299
Medical Transcriptionists                     No. 499

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Data Entry Clerk                          203.582-054

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Data Entry Keyers - Except Composing           560170


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.