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What does a Data Entry Clerk do?

Updated June 25, 2024
7 min read
Quoted Expert
Joseph Coyle Ph.D.
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.

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Data entry clerk responsibilities

Data entry clerks play a crucial role in maintaining and updating accurate records. They meticulously validate and process scanned documents, ensuring compliance with processing guidelines. According to Joseph Coyle Ph.D., Professor and Chair at Monmouth University's Department of Mathematics, "being able to communicate, either written or oral communication...is one of the most important skills" for data entry clerks. This is evident in their responsibilities which often include handling inbound calls, answering phones, and providing excellent customer service. They also secure information by completing database backups and maintaining confidential customer data.

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

  • 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.
  • Schedule in home measurement, final measurements and schedule installations of windows and doors.
  • Deliver production ready graphics in HTML, JavaScript, and other codes for projects.
  • General knowledge of debits and credits, Micr fields and teller documents and the proof function
  • Job also include training in HTML and CSS as well as web page creation and design.
  • Enter data for credit card info changes keyboarding 50 wpm, and 10-key at 10,500 kph daily.
  • Enter data via keyboard and other data entry devices onto magnetic tape or disk for subsequent entry.
  • Generate purchased order via keyboarding alpha numeric data into AS400.
  • Create spreadsheets to disseminate information in a clearly and concisely.
  • Enter and submit payroll information daily into company program with great accuracy

Data entry clerk skills and personality traits

We calculated that 23% of Data Entry Clerks are proficient in Data Entry, Customer Service, and Computer Database. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Organizational skills.

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

  • Data Entry, 23%

    Comply, sort, and verify accuracy of data to entered alphanumerically into computer via keyboard data entry and optical scanner

  • Customer Service, 19%

    Answered phones, completing intake document efficiently, verifying insurance eligibility and benefits, providing excellent customer service.

  • Computer Database, 12%

    Verified and validity and accuracy of various confidential documents in the computer database to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data.

  • Computer System, 6%

    Entered personal information into computer system for persons interested in receiving information about starting a life insurance policy with the company.

  • Word Processing, 5%

    Maintained computerized records and database information by using word processing, spreadsheets and other applications to ensure accuracy of data.

  • WPM, 3%

    Call Center* Input information into computer* Inbound CallsSkills* Microsoft Office* Typing 60 WPM* Medical Terminology

Common skills that a data entry clerk uses to do their job include "data entry," "customer service," and "computer database." You can find details on the most important data entry clerk responsibilities below.

Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a data entry clerk to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what data entry clerks do because "general office clerks often provide general information to company staff, customers, or the public." Additionally, a data entry clerk resume shows how data entry clerks use customer-service skills: "recorded and verified insurance claims data and policy information in computer system for customers and independent adjusters. "

Detail oriented. Many data entry clerk duties rely on detail oriented. "general office clerks perform many clerical tasks that require attention to detail, such as preparing bills.," so a data entry clerk will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways data entry clerk responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "give detailed observation to insurance claims, keying in corrections and other minor errors. "

Organizational skills. This is an important skill for data entry clerks to perform their duties. For an example of how data entry clerk responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "general office clerks file and retrieve records." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a data entry clerk: "led organizational tasks and handled all filing of financial documents including invoices, payroll documents, and worksheets. ".

All data entry clerk skills

The three companies that hire the most data entry clerks are:

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Compare different data entry clerks

Data entry clerk vs. Clerk typist

A clerk typist is responsible for data entry procedures and document transcriptions, alongside other clerical and administrative duties as required by the employer. Clerk typists create reports and presentation materials, transcribe audio meetings, write business drafts, and send documents to appropriate office personnel or clients. A clerk-typist must show excellent organizational and time-management skills, especially with handling various typing tasks under strict deadlines and minimal supervision. They also respond and take calls from clients and customers, assisting with their inquiries and concerns.

We looked at the average data entry clerk salary and compared it with the wages of a clerk typist. Generally speaking, clerks typist are paid $164 higher than data entry clerks per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between data entry clerks and clerks typist are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like data entry, customer service, and computer system.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between data entry clerks and clerk typist. For instance, data entry clerk responsibilities require skills such as "computer database," "wpm," "account data," and "source data." Whereas a clerk typist is skilled in "input data," "scheduling appointments," "office procedures," and "purchase orders." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Clerks typist really shine in the education industry with an average salary of $32,312. Comparatively, data entry clerks tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $32,306.clerks typist tend to reach similar levels of education than data entry clerks. In fact, clerks typist are 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry clerk vs. Order entry specialist

An order entry specialist is an individual who performs high-volume data entry to deliver precise and timely work orders to the production staff. Order entry specialists must provide customers with worldwide logistics services through the domestic and international movement of their goods. They provide outstanding customer service by maintaining pricing, stock transfer, and backorder reports from manufacturers to dealers. Order entry specialists must also resolve complaints and handle troubleshooting issues more accurately and professionally while handling multiple tasks effectively.

Order entry specialist positions earn higher pay than data entry clerk roles. They earn a $3,043 higher salary than data entry clerks per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both data entry clerks and order entry specialists have skills such as "data entry," "customer service," and "computer database. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data entry clerk responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "word processing," "wpm," "office equipment," and "payroll." Meanwhile, an order entry specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "purchase orders," "order entry," "logistics," and "erp." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Order entry specialists earn a higher average salary than data entry clerks. But order entry specialists earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $36,459. Additionally, data entry clerks earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $32,306 annually.In general, order entry specialists achieve similar levels of education than data entry clerks. They're 0.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry clerk vs. General office clerk

A general office clerk is responsible for performing various clerical duties to support business functions and ensure smooth daily operations. General office clerks respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, welcoming guests, and assisting in disseminating information across the organization. They maintain the adequacy of inventories, organize business and financial transaction reports, and perform basic bookkeeping tasks and banking transactions. A general office clerk must be highly organizational and analytical, especially in encoding account statements on the database and processing business reports required by the management.

On average, general office clerks earn lower salaries than data entry clerks, with a $1,548 difference per year.By looking over several data entry clerks and general office clerks resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "data entry," "customer service," 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 clerk is likely to be skilled in "computer database," "wpm," "account data," and "source data," while a typical general office clerk is skilled in "hr," "photocopiers," "customer complaints," and "fax machines."

General office clerks earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $30,604. Data entry clerks earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $32,306.Most general office clerks achieve a similar degree level compared to data entry clerks. For example, they're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry clerk 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.

File clerks average a lower salary than the annual salary of data entry clerks. The difference is about $20 per year.While their salaries may vary, data entry clerks and file clerks both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "data entry," "computer system," and "word processing. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "customer service," "computer database," "wpm," and "payroll" are skills that commonly show up on data entry clerk resumes. On the other hand, file clerks use skills like numerical order, hr, patient charts, and scheduling appointments on their resumes.file clerks enjoy the best pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $32,774. For comparison, data entry clerks earn the highest salary in the finance industry.In general, file clerks hold similar degree levels compared to data entry clerks. File clerks are 0.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of data entry clerk

Updated June 25, 2024

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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