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What does a data entry associate do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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.

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Data entry associate responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real data entry associate resumes:

  • 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.
  • Determine if Rx is valid or a new Rx is needed to complete the order.
  • Clean offices, basketball and tennis court, daycare, pool area, windows, locker rooms.
  • Enter patient demographics, verify insurance, and assignment of ICD-9 and CPT codes for billing purposes.
  • Open and separate mail according to order forms, RX, payments, sticky notes, and refills.
  • Work with Microsoft excel, windows, Microsoft outlook, juggling between numerous programs and windows on the computer.
  • Enter client insurance coverage information into computer system AS400 with the highest degree of accuracy, quality and efficiency.
  • Enter prescriptions and update any current allergies, health condition into the system and route to correct queue as needed.
  • Assist the office manager with data entry tasks, reporting, billing, invoicing, bill pay, and creating spreadsheets.
  • Update patient profile with all the necessary information from prescription including the patient s allergies, therapies, and current medication.

Data entry associate skills and personality traits

We calculated that 22% of Data Entry Associates are proficient in Customer Service, Computer Database, and Data Entry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Organizational skills, and Writing skills.

We break down the percentage of Data Entry Associates that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 22%

    Received inbound customer service calls assisting and educating customers with their financial accounts within Janus Mutual Funds.

  • Computer Database, 12%

    Input insurance information/data systematically into computer database.

  • Data Entry, 10%

    Handled extensive data entry of key information into the company computer system, while completing patient co-payments/deductibles and overseeing patient accounts.

  • Computer System, 7%

    Receive, review and enter data into computer system and tracking database of pharmacy ordered prescriptions according to established procedures.

  • Payroll, 3%

    Completed operational activities in Office Administration, Accounting and Payroll.

  • WPM, 3%

    Keyed documents for state records* Worked three different jobs daily* Kept quality 99.4 consistently* Typed over 45 wpm* Verified other employees work

Most data entry associates use their skills in "customer service," "computer database," and "data entry" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data entry associate responsibilities here:

Interpersonal skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a data entry associate to have is interpersonal skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff." Data entry associates often use interpersonal skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "display courtesy and strong interpersonal skills while assisting clients on the phone by taking outbound calls. "

Organizational skills. Another essential skill to perform data entry associate duties is organizational skills. Data entry associates responsibilities require that "secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in order so that an office runs efficiently." Data entry associates also use organizational skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "hired for a temporary data entry position because of my industry experience, organizational and computer skills. "

Writing skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of data entry associates is writing skills. This skill is critical to many everyday data entry associate duties, as "secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "letter writing, scheduling appointments in fast paced environments"

All data entry associate skills

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Compare different data entry associates

Data entry associate vs. Clerk

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.

We looked at the average data entry associate salary and compared it with the wages of a clerk. Generally speaking, clerks are paid $4,921 lower than data entry associates per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between data entry associates and clerks are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like customer service, data entry, and computer system.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between data entry associates and clerk. For instance, data entry associate responsibilities require skills such as "computer database," "wpm," "hippa," and "hipaa." Whereas a clerk is skilled in "basic math," "math," "cleanliness," and "pos." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Clerks earn the highest salaries when working in the health care industry, with an average yearly salary of $31,380. On the other hand, data entry associates are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $52,978.The education levels that clerks earn slightly differ from data entry associates. In particular, clerks are 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a data entry associate. Additionally, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry associate vs. File clerk

File clerks are employees who do a variety of clerical and administrative tasks, usually related to documents in the office. They are responsible for the safekeeping of various files, records, or documents of the company. They keep track of records, ensure that documents are properly stored, and maintain a system of organizing files. They are also in charge of managing digital files and also assist in the digitization of hard copies of documents. They ensure that documentary records are updated and filed or uploaded accurately. File clerks should be organized, should have a keen eye for detail, and should be trustworthy.

A career as a file clerk brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a data entry associate. In fact, file clerks salary is $4,522 lower than the salary of data entry associates per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Data entry associates and file clerks both require similar skills like "data entry," "computer system," and "powerpoint" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that data entry associate responsibilities requires skills like "customer service," "computer database," "payroll," and "wpm." But a file clerk might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "numerical order," "hr," "office machines," and "patient charts."

File clerks earn a lower average salary than data entry associates. But file clerks earn the highest pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $32,774. Additionally, data entry associates earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $52,978 annually.file clerks earn similar levels of education than data entry associates in general. They're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry associate vs. Room clerk

A room clerk is responsible for receiving guests and assigning them to their respective rooms, typically in a hotel setting. Room clerks manage guests' reservations, explain the policies of the premises, and process their payments for staying at the hotel. They also ensure the rooms' cleanliness, reaching out to the maintenance for any repairs and requests for additional room items. A room clerk must have excellent communication and customer service skills, respond to the customer's inquiries and concerns, and resolve service complaints immediately.

On average, room clerks earn lower salaries than data entry associates, with a $5,297 difference per year.By looking over several data entry associates and room clerks resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "customer service," "data entry," and "computer system." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a data entry associate is likely to be skilled in "computer database," "payroll," "wpm," and "hippa," while a typical room clerk is skilled in "stock room," "postage meter," "delivery carts," and "parts room."

Room clerks earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $33,014. Data entry associates earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $52,978.room clerks typically earn similar educational levels compared to data entry associates. Specifically, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry associate vs. Mailroom clerk

A mailroom clerk specializes in handling and distributing mail and packages within a company or establishment, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They are responsible for scanning and sorting out every parcel through a system, making sure to document everything in and out of the building. Furthermore, there are instances where they must process all outgoing mail by processing it into postal stamping machines, respond to mail inquiries from employees, and maintain records of all transactions.

Mailroom clerks tend to earn a lower pay than data entry associates by an average of $6,581 per year.While their salaries may vary, data entry associates and mailroom clerks both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "customer service," "data entry," and "computer system. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between data entry associates and mailroom clerks, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a data entry associate might have more use for skills like "computer database," "payroll," "wpm," and "hippa." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of mailroom clerks require skills like "usps," "pickup," "delivery carts," and "postage meter readings. "

In general, mailroom clerks earn the most working in the government industry, with an average salary of $35,996. The highest-paying industry for a data entry associate is the finance industry.mailroom clerks reach similar levels of education compared to data entry associates, in general. The difference is that they're 1.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of data entry associate

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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