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Data entry device operators

How to become a Data Entry Clerk

Also called: Keypunch operator, Data entry operator

Enters data such as text and numbers into computers using a keyboard or number pad, and checks and confirms what has been entered.

Main tasks

Workers in this job say high school is common. From job tag's survey of people in each job, who could give several answers. It shows what workers see as common, not how many workers hold each level.

How to become one

No particular education or qualification is required to start. You can get a job if you are used to using computers and can type quickly and accurately. Tests that prove your typing speed and accuracy, such as Business Keyboard and Key Touch 2000, can sometimes help. Many people join an information services company that specialises in data entry, train for a period on the equipment and typing, and start with input work. After gaining some experience, they handle checking as well as input. When entering data directly you need to type without looking at the keys (touch typing) to enter large amounts quickly. When data is processed in bulk by programs, programming skills are needed. The data can include numbers, the alphabet, katakana and kanji, and some is handwritten and not always easy to read, but accuracy is always required, so you need to be careful not to make input errors.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Data Entry Clerk?

No particular education or qualification is required to start. You can get a job if you are used to using computers and can type quickly and accurately. Tests that prove your typing speed and accuracy, such as Business Keyboard and Key Touch 2000, can sometimes help. Many people join an information services company that specialises in data entry, train for a period on the equipment and typing, and start with input work. After gaining some experience, they handle checking as well as input. When entering data directly you need to type without looking at the keys (touch typing) to enter large amounts quickly. When data is processed in bulk by programs, programming skills are needed. The data can include numbers, the alphabet, katakana and kanji, and some is handwritten and not always easy to read, but accuracy is always required, so you need to be careful not to make input errors.

How much does a Data Entry Clerk earn in Japan?

Average annual income in the private sector, bonus included, is ¥4,288,100 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). The figure is for the wage survey group Office appliance operators, which covers several jobs.

Do you need a degree to become a Data Entry Clerk?

Not always. In this job's census occupation group, 25% of workers are university graduates.

Will AI change the work of a Data Entry Clerk?

Generative AI could change many tasks in this job, which usually reshapes the work more than it replaces it, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

独立行政法人労働政策研究・研修機構（JILPT）作成 職業情報データベース 解説系ダウンロードデータ（IPD_DL_description_7_01.xlsx）ver.7.01 職業情報提供サイト（job tag）より2026年10月4日にダウンロード（https://shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/download）を加工して作成

独立行政法人労働政策研究・研修機構（JILPT）作成 職業情報データベース 簡易版数値系ダウンロードデータ（IPD_DL_numeric_7_00.xlsx）ver.7.00 職業情報提供サイト（job tag）より2026年10月4日にダウンロード（https://shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/download）を加工して作成

Sources: JILPT Occupational Information Database download data via job tag (解説系 ver.7.01 and 簡易版数値系 ver.7.00, downloaded 4 October 2026), processed by Peernovo; MHLW, Basic Survey on Wage Structure 2025; Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2020 Population Census; MEXT, School Basic Survey 2025; MHLW, Employment Referrals for General Workers (Hello Work statistics). Figures processed by Peernovo. English job names, translations and the matching of jobs to statistical groups, schools and degree fields by Peernovo.

Updated 4 October 2026