What is a Good Typing Speed for Data Entry Jobs?
Typing is an overlooked but important skill that all office workers use every day. Whether you’re an intern at an administrative office or a supervisor in the IT field, you will need to type at some point.
But just being able to type well isn’t enough to stand out, of course. To rise above the ranks, you need to type rapidly and accurately.
While typing may seem like a simple task, hiring for positions such as data entry clerks, administrative assistants, and medical coders requires a clear understanding of what “good data entry typing speed” means.
So, what is considered a good typing speed? The average typing speed is around 40 words per minute (WPM). Despite that, employers usually look for candidates who can type at least 60 WPM, especially for data entry jobs. Faster typists can handle more data, saving time and increasing productivity.
Keep reading to learn what a good typing score is for the data entry positions your company may be hiring for!
What is Considered a Good Typing Speed for Data Entry?
Source: Words Rated
In data entry, typing speed is significant for productivity and efficiency. So, what’s considered a good typing speed in WPM?
For most data entry jobs, a good typing speed is between 60 and 80 WPM. Still, for high-demand positions, like those in medical or legal fields, employers often want candidates who can type closer to 100 WPM.
For entry-level data entry roles, a minimum speed of 45 to 50 WPM is usually acceptable. But, in fast-paced industries where time is critical, like finance, employers might expect a higher speed of at least 60 WPM to make sure essential tasks are completed on time.
Factors Impacting Typing Speed Requirements
Typing speed requirements can vary, and different factors can affect what a good typing speed is for jobs, including:
- Task complexity and volume – When entering numerical data, such as financial or statistical information, workers should prioritize focus and accuracy over speed. A lower typing speed may be acceptable if it helps maintain quality standards, making sure that information is processed correctly, even if it takes longer.
- Industry-specific needs – In fields like legal or medical data entry, specialized knowledge of industry-specific terminology is major. In these roles, accuracy and attention to detail can be more critical than typing speed, as even minor errors can lead to significant issues.
Why Accuracy is Important in Data Entry Jobs
In data entry, accuracy is just as vital as speed, if not more so. While quickly typing helps workers manage a lot of data in a short time, being accurate prevents mistakes that could lead to bigger problems for the company.
The role of accuracy in preventing errors
Data entry errors can lead to expensive mistakes. For example, a small mistake in medical billing could reject insurance claims or delay patient treatment. In finance, incorrect numbers could disrupt transactions or damage client trust.
While the average typing accuracy rate is around 92%, many data entry jobs often require accuracy rates of 98% to 99%. This high level of accuracy helps reduce the need for costly corrections and quality checks.
In a medical billing company, if typists quickly type but with low accuracy, it can lead to a lot of time spent correcting errors, slowing down the whole process.
After all, what’s the point of typing fast if there are so many mistakes?
Balancing speed and accuracy
While speed is notable in data entry, having high accuracy at a reasonable pace is even more valuable.
Fast typing may seem productive at first, but frequent errors can quickly erase any time saved because correcting those mistakes takes time. Finding the right balance between speed and accuracy allows your typists to work efficiently while still maintaining quality.
Using pre-employment typing and data entry tests
To make sure data entry candidates meet high standards for both speed and accuracy, you can use pre-employment assessments like EmployTest’s Typing and Data Entry Tests. These tests measure both typing speed and accuracy, giving you a better understanding of a candidate’s ability to effectively handle data entry tasks.
Using these assessments allows you to confidently select candidates who are not only fast typists but also accurate. This helps reduce costly mistakes from the beginning and improves your hiring quality.
Make Every Keystroke Count
In data entry, both speed and accuracy are essential for productivity and precision. Establishing a target average typing speed for your company helps ensure quick data processing. High accuracy reduces costly errors, which is especially pivotal in fields like healthcare, finance, and logistics.
Using tools like skills assessment tests allows you to evaluate candidates’ abilities effectively, helping you hire team members who meet the role’s demands.
For job seekers, consistent practice in both speed and accuracy is key to becoming a valuable asset in any data-driven role. Pre-employment typing tests benefit both employers and job candidates by establishing a strong foundation for success.
Are you ready to improve your hiring process and find the right candidate for your company? Boost your hiring effectiveness with the tips from our comprehensive guide now!