Data entry associate vs data entry clerk

The differences between data entry associates and data 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 data entry associate and a data entry clerk. Additionally, a data entry associate has an average salary of $36,084, which is higher than the $31,582 average annual salary of a data entry clerk.

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

Data entry associate vs data entry clerk overview

	Data Entry Associate	Data Entry Clerk
Yearly salary	$36,084	$31,582
Hourly rate	$17.35	$15.18
Growth rate	-8%	-5%
Number of jobs	89,880	132,345
Job satisfaction	3	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	44	44
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 data entry clerk do?

Data entry clerks are employees who work on the proper documentation of the data sets within the organization. They are responsible for copying in or typing in items from a source to the company database. In doing so, they provide and validate essential information to the organization. Data entry clerks are expected to assess the data and ensure that they are correct before logging them into the company database. They are required to have good attention to detail, to be able to type swiftly and accurately, and to be able to work with minimal supervision.

Data entry associate vs data entry clerk salary

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

	Data Entry Associate	Data Entry Clerk
Average salary	$36,084	$31,582
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $61,000	Between $25,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	Washington
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	General Dynamics Mission Systems
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between data entry associate and data entry clerk education

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

	Data Entry Associate	Data Entry Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data entry associate vs data entry clerk demographics

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

	Data Entry Associate	Data Entry Clerk
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%	Male, 19.9% Female, 80.1%
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, 10.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 7.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between data entry associate and data entry 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.

Data entry clerk example responsibilities.

Prepare, maintain and manage PowerPoint presentations.
Enter contractual data into AS400 computer terminal, implementing alphanumeric and 10-key data entry.
Work in multiple windows to process information.
Create a backup copy for one specific table on the SQL database.
Process radiology reports into MDIV program while meeting department month- end billing cycle.
Establish the ability to type approximately 58 wpm and type 10 key by touch.

Data entry associate vs data entry clerk skills

Common data entry associate skills

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

Common data entry clerk skills

Data Entry, 23%
Customer Service, 19%
Computer Database, 12%
Computer System, 6%
Word Processing, 5%
WPM, 3%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Data Entry Associate
Data Entry Associate vs Data Entry Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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