What does a Data Entry Keyer typically earn per hour in the US according to O*NET/BLS data?
According to O*NET and BLS wage data, Data Entry Keyers in the US earn a median of about 19.88 US dollars an hour, which is noticeably higher than the roughly 10 to 15 US dollar hourly range often quoted for entry-level data entry and processing work abroad.
If you are considering data entry work while studying in the US, current government wage data shows this role pays better than older, commonly quoted estimates. It is worth checking the real median before assuming this is low-paying gig work.
Data entry pay according to official wage data
| Source | Median hourly pay |
|---|---|
| O*NET/BLS wage data for Data Entry Keyers | About 19.88 US dollars per hour |
| Commonly quoted entry-level estimate | Roughly 10 to 15 US dollars per hour |
Why the official figure runs higher
Government wage surveys capture a broad mix of full-time and part-time roles across employers, including ones that require accuracy, speed, and familiarity with specific software, which pulls the median above casual freelance estimates. Location, employer type, and typing speed all affect where you land within this range.
My Advice
Do not price yourself using outdated per-hour figures if you are applying for a formal data entry role in the US. Ask about the pay band up front and use the official median as your baseline when negotiating, especially for on-campus or structured employer roles.
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