Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between data entry operators and data 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 data clerk. Additionally, a data clerk has an average salary of $31,550, which is higher than the $31,286 average annual salary of a data entry operator.
The top three skills for a data entry operator include data entry equipment, customer service and computer database. The most important skills for a data clerk are database systems, computer entry, and office equipment.
| Data Entry Operator | Data Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $31,286 | $31,550 |
| Hourly rate | $15.04 | $15.17 |
| Growth rate | - | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 93,965 | 147,935 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 29% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| 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.
A data clerk is responsible for performing administrative support tasks, mainly focusing on data-entry. Their responsibilities typically include updating databases, maintaining records on spreadsheets and other documents, preparing and processing files, creating and organizing reports, coordinating with different departments to gather or disseminate data, and performing research and analysis. They may also handle calls and correspondence, monitor schedules and office supply inventory, and complete support tasks for staff as necessary. Furthermore, as a data clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with teams and adhere to the company's data security policies and regulations.
Data entry operators and data clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Entry Operator | Data Clerk | |
| Average salary | $31,286 | $31,550 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $25,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Intelliswift | Armstrong Flooring |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a data entry operator and a data clerk in terms of educational background:
| Data Entry Operator | Data Clerk | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 29% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between data entry operators' and data clerks' demographics:
| Data Entry Operator | Data Clerk | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8% | Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3% |
| 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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 7.6% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |