Call center operator vs order entry clerk

The differences between call center operators and order entry clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a call center operator and an order entry clerk. Additionally, an order entry clerk has an average salary of $34,147, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.

The top three skills for a call center operator include strong customer service, patients and data entry. The most important skills for an order entry clerk are customer service, purchase orders, and data entry errors.

Call center operator vs order entry clerk overview

	Call Center Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Yearly salary	$31,022	$34,147
Hourly rate	$14.91	$16.42
Growth rate	-4%	-
Number of jobs	215,083	101,541
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 30%
Average age	53	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a call center operator do?

A call center operator is primarily in charge of handling inbound and outbound calls in a call center, aiming to provide clients with optimal support and service. They usually answer inbound calls from clients and assist them by answering inquiries, processing requests, and even handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently to ensure customer satisfaction. They also make outbound calls, reaching out to potential clients to offer products and services. They usually answer inquiries, discuss product specifications, arrange payment plans, and maintain records of all transactions.

What does an order entry clerk do?

An Order Entry Clerk is primarily in charge of receiving and processing customer orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Upon receiving orders, an order entry clerk is responsible for entering customer information into databases such as names, billing details, address, and item specifications. They communicate with customers through calls or email to confirm their orders and information, answering inquiries should there be any. Besides handling databases, an Order Entry Clerk Prepares and processes shipping documents, invoices, and contracts, tracking procedures to ensure smooth workflow. Moreover, there are also instances where they must receive and handle customer complaints, resolving them promptly.

Call center operator vs order entry clerk salary

Call center operators and order entry clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Call Center Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Average salary	$31,022	$34,147
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $42,000	Between $28,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Vacaville, CA	Las Vegas, NV
Highest paying state	New York	Connecticut
Best paying company	Brigham and Women's Hospital	Dexter
Best paying industry	Media	Automotive

Differences between call center operator and order entry clerk education

There are a few differences between a call center operator and an order entry clerk in terms of educational background:

	Call Center Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 30%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Call center operator vs order entry clerk demographics

Here are the differences between call center operators' and order entry clerks' demographics:

	Call Center Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Average age	53	43
Gender ratio	Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4%	Male, 15.7% Female, 84.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 3.4% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.9% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	19%	6%

Differences between call center operator and order entry clerk duties and responsibilities

Call center operator example responsibilities.

Manage confidential documents and records with strict compliance to HIPAA.
Manage patient's records and make sure they are protected under the HIPPA laws.
Page all Dr's and staff when need.
Comply with HIPAA regulations at all times.
Create daily reports to monitor patient census, food allergies and nutritional plans.
Oversee scheduling, re-scheduling, and input appointment information into the systems EMR.

Order entry clerk example responsibilities.

Assist customers with book purchases; POS cashier.
Pull orders of juice, utilizing a laptop and RF gun attach to forklift.
Audit all EDI orders for complete address, terms, special promotions, and overall accuracy.
Post invoices to ERP system, update GRN, set up and maintain new vendor accounts.
Process EDI purchase ordering-credit-debit adjustments.
Assist department director in weekly payroll approval.

Call center operator vs order entry clerk skills

Common call center operator skills

Strong Customer Service, 50%
Patients, 10%
Data Entry, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
Phone Calls, 4%
Telephone Calls, 3%

Common order entry clerk skills

Customer Service, 23%
Purchase Orders, 10%
Data Entry Errors, 10%
Computer System, 9%
Customer Orders, 9%
EDI, 3%

Call Center Operator vs. similar jobs

Call Center Operator related careers

Call Center Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Call Center Operator
Call Center Operator vs Order Entry Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs