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The differences between clerks 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 and a data clerk. Additionally, a data clerk has an average salary of $31,550, which is higher than the $31,163 average annual salary of a clerk.
The top three skills for a clerk include basic math, math and data entry. The most important skills for a data clerk are database systems, computer entry, and office equipment.
| Clerk | Data Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $31,163 | $31,550 |
| Hourly rate | $14.98 | $15.17 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 80,311 | 147,935 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies. Clerks should have good office skills, communication skills, business writing skills, and time management skills. They should also be able to treat any document or paperwork they handle with confidentiality.
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.
Clerks and data clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clerk | Data Clerk | |
| Average salary | $31,163 | $31,550 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $25,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Nevada |
| Best paying company | University of Massachusetts Boston | Armstrong Flooring |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a clerk and a data clerk in terms of educational background:
| Clerk | Data Clerk | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between clerks' and data clerks' demographics:
| Clerk | Data Clerk | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9% | Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 7.7% White, 55.6% 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 Percentage | 6% | 6% |