Data entry associate vs clerk

The differences between data entry associates 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 associate and a clerk. Additionally, a data entry associate has an average salary of $36,084, which is higher than the $31,163 average annual salary of a clerk.

The top three skills for a data entry associate include customer service, computer database and data entry. The most important skills for a clerk are basic math, math, and data entry.

Data entry associate vs clerk overview

	Data Entry Associate	Clerk
Yearly salary	$36,084	$31,163
Hourly rate	$17.35	$14.98
Growth rate	-8%	-5%
Number of jobs	89,880	80,311
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age	44	47
Years of experience	2	2

What does a data entry associate do?

Data entry associates are a group of professionals using computers and data processing programs to supply information into a database or documentation platform or to transcribe data via phone conversations or recordings. They can multitask effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and perform repetitive tasks accurately with excellent attention to detail. Part of their task is to maintain the database by encoding new and updated customer account information by preparing source data for computer entry, compiling, and sorting information. To be effective, typing speed and accuracy must be considered.

What does a clerk do?

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 associate vs clerk salary

Data entry associates and clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Entry Associate	Clerk
Average salary	$36,084	$31,163
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $61,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New Hampshire
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	University of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industry	Finance	Health Care

Differences between data entry associate and clerk education

There are a few differences between a data entry associate and a clerk in terms of educational background:

	Data Entry Associate	Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Western Carolina University

Data entry associate vs clerk demographics

Here are the differences between data entry associates' and clerks' demographics:

	Data Entry Associate	Clerk
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%	Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 23.0% Asian, 7.7% White, 55.0% 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%

Differences between data entry associate and clerk duties and responsibilities

Data entry associate example responsibilities.

Manage client s files and communicate confidential information to approve agencies and caregivers according to HIPAA regulations.
Provide third-party medical billing; entering ICD-9, CPT codes, and insurance information into medically-based computer system.
Process payroll data, data entry applications and retirement fund contributions.
Perform a variety of duties associate with entering of prescription information into computer system require to process prescription orders for patients.
Provide 10-key and maintain a 40 wpm average.
Collaborate with a team to triage and prioritize the right work at the right time.

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Clerk example responsibilities.

Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
Manage orthopedic accounts regarding payment posting through IDX medical systems.
Administer financial bookkeeping by way of QuickBooks.
Bank reconciliation in QuickBooks and assist bookkeeper when need.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
Call DMV's and dealerships when liens are not perfect.

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Data entry associate vs clerk skills

Common data entry associate skills

Customer Service, 22%
Computer Database, 12%
Data Entry, 10%
Computer System, 7%
Payroll, 3%
WPM, 3%

Common clerk skills

Basic Math, 18%
Math, 10%
Data Entry, 10%
Customer Service, 9%
Cleanliness, 8%
POS, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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