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The differences between data entry assistants and 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 data entry assistant and a clerk. Additionally, a data entry assistant has an average salary of $33,251, which is higher than the $31,163 average annual salary of a clerk.
The top three skills for a data entry assistant include company database, re-enter data and computer system. The most important skills for a clerk are basic math, math, and data entry.
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $33,251 | $31,163 |
| Hourly rate | $15.99 | $14.98 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 86,989 | 80,311 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A data entry assistant is responsible for performing data entry procedures, updating customer information, as well as logging business transactions on the company's database accurately and efficiently. Data entry assistants compile and sort documents, escalating incomplete information for verification, and following the business' procedures on disposing and eliminating unnecessary data. They also provide administrative and clerical support on office operations, including assisting visitors on their needs or directing them to the appropriate personnel for their concerns. A data entry assistant maintains a safe and secured database and immediately call for support in case of unauthorized access and system inconsistencies.
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.
Data entry assistants and clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerk | |
| Average salary | $33,251 | $31,163 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $40,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Beaverton, OR | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | University of Massachusetts Boston |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a data entry assistant and a clerk in terms of educational background:
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerk | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between data entry assistants' and clerks' demographics:
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerk | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 23.1% Female, 76.9% | Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 8.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |