DATA ENTRY KEYERS California Occupational Guide Number 16 Interest Area 7 1997
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.
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