Data entry associate vs operations clerk

The differences between data entry associates and operations 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 an operations clerk. Additionally, a data entry associate has an average salary of $36,084, which is higher than the $33,746 average annual salary of an operations clerk.

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

Data entry associate vs operations clerk overview

	Data Entry Associate	Operations Clerk
Yearly salary	$36,084	$33,746
Hourly rate	$17.35	$16.22
Growth rate	-8%	-5%
Number of jobs	89,880	158,449
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
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 an operations clerk do?

An operations clerk is responsible for performing administrative and clerical duties, ensuring smooth business operations. Operations clerks often handle customer service, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, and direct guests to appropriate departments. They also manage data entry tasks, update customers or employees' information to the database, create business reports, identify potential clients through cold calls and e-mails, sort and file documents, and monitor inventories. An operations clerk must have excellent time-management and organizational skills to follow office procedures and meet deadlines.

Data entry associate vs operations clerk salary

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

	Data Entry Associate	Operations Clerk
Average salary	$36,084	$33,746
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $61,000	Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	Ncar - The National Center For Atmospheric Research
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between data entry associate and operations clerk education

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

	Data Entry Associate	Operations Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Western Carolina University

Data entry associate vs operations clerk demographics

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

	Data Entry Associate	Operations Clerk
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%	Male, 31.7% Female, 68.3%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 9.2% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between data entry associate and operations 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.

Operations clerk example responsibilities.

Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
Input global notes in CRT.
Retrieve documents to be send to the IRS.
Encode checks with 10 key hardware TRP or NCR machines.
Register patients in the HMS system.
Research case law using Internet and Westlaw software.

Data entry associate vs operations clerk skills

Common data entry associate skills

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

Common operations clerk skills

Customer Service, 25%
Data Entry Functions, 8%
Computer System, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Office Equipment, 4%
Provide Clerical Support, 4%

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Data Entry Associate
Data Entry Associate vs Operations Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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