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Clerk/assistant vs data clerk

The differences between clerks/assistant and data 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 clerk/assistant and a data clerk. Additionally, a clerk/assistant has an average salary of $32,674, which is higher than the $31,550 average annual salary of a data clerk.

The top three skills for a clerk/assistant include customer support, telephone calls and word processing. The most important skills for a data clerk are database systems, computer entry, and office equipment.

Clerk/assistant vs data clerk overview

Clerk/AssistantData Clerk
Yearly salary$32,674$31,550
Hourly rate$15.71$15.17
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs114,718147,935
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

What does a clerk/assistant do?

A clerk is someone who performs administrative tasks assigned by a manager or by other employees. The job includes responsibilities like dealing with correspondence, data maintenance through manual or computer systems, filing, and related general office duties. It involves typing letters, reports, and any other business-related documents. Clerks sort and respond to emails or forward them to other employees. They need to develop skills in typing, administrative duties, customer service and relations, and attention to detail.

What does a data clerk do?

A data clerk is responsible for performing administrative support tasks, mainly focusing on data-entry. Their responsibilities typically include updating databases, maintaining records on spreadsheets and other documents, preparing and processing files, creating and organizing reports, coordinating with different departments to gather or disseminate data, and performing research and analysis. They may also handle calls and correspondence, monitor schedules and office supply inventory, and complete support tasks for staff as necessary. Furthermore, as a data clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with teams and adhere to the company's data security policies and regulations.

Clerk/assistant vs data clerk salary

Clerks/assistant and data clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clerk/AssistantData Clerk
Average salary$32,674$31,550
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $41,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityLong Beach, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiNevada
Best paying companyUnited States CourtsArmstrong Flooring
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between clerk/assistant and data clerk education

There are a few differences between a clerk/assistant and a data clerk in terms of educational background:

Clerk/AssistantData Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaWestern Carolina University

Clerk/assistant vs data clerk demographics

Here are the differences between clerks/assistant' and data clerks' demographics:

Clerk/AssistantData Clerk
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 27.5% Female, 72.5%Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 8.3% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 7.6% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between clerk/assistant and data clerk duties and responsibilities

Clerk/assistant example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
  • Create and present PowerPoint presentations for senior level staff.
  • Compose a weekly PowerPoint presentation regarding company highlights.
  • Review payroll to ensure accuracy, compile payroll records and distribute paychecks.
  • Schedule radiology procedures and appointments accurately, and in a timely manner.
  • Demonstrate administrative and customer service expertise with responsibility for resolving payroll relate questions.
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Data clerk example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
  • Examine doors, windows, and gates to ensure security.Prepare routine and incident reports.
  • Excel as entry level data clerk, inputting sensitive patient records while withholding HIPPA regulations.
  • Load groceries quickly and carefully to make sure to pack bags to maximize space without overloading.
  • Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy patient environment by following OSHA and HIPPA standards and guidelines.
  • Stock shelves, help customers, bag groceries, retrieve carts, help keep store up to par.
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Clerk/assistant vs data clerk skills

Common clerk/assistant skills
  • Customer Support, 14%
  • Telephone Calls, 13%
  • Word Processing, 11%
  • Payroll, 7%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • Office Machines, 5%
Common data clerk skills
  • Database Systems, 13%
  • Computer Entry, 12%
  • Office Equipment, 10%
  • HR, 8%
  • Computer System, 6%
  • Data Entry, 5%

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