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The differences between data entry operators 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 operator and a clerk. Additionally, a data entry operator has an average salary of $31,286, which is higher than the $31,163 average annual salary of a clerk.
The top three skills for a data entry operator include data entry equipment, customer service and computer database. The most important skills for a clerk are basic math, math, and data entry.
| Data Entry Operator | Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $31,286 | $31,163 |
| Hourly rate | $15.04 | $14.98 |
| Growth rate | - | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 93,965 | 80,311 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 29% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A data entry operator is someone responsible for entering collected information into a database using different computer software. Data entry duties include updating customer data, transcribing information, and entering accounting records. Also, it is their responsibility to organize collected data and maintain their accurate record on the database so it can be accessed at any time. Data operators must be proficient in typing skills, keen to details and able to manage a large amount of data. They must also be familiar with using spreadsheets, along with other word processing programs.
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 operators and clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Entry Operator | Clerk | |
| Average salary | $31,286 | $31,163 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Intelliswift | University of Massachusetts Boston |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a data entry operator and a clerk in terms of educational background:
| Data Entry Operator | Clerk | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 29% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between data entry operators' and clerks' demographics:
| Data Entry Operator | Clerk | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8% | Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 8.6% White, 55.7% 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% |