Data entry operator vs data entry technician

The differences between data entry operators and data entry technicians 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 entry technician. Additionally, a data entry operator has an average salary of $31,286, which is higher than the $31,058 average annual salary of a data entry technician.

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 entry technician are customer service, patients, and triage.

Data entry operator vs data entry technician overview

	Data Entry Operator	Data Entry Technician
Yearly salary	$31,286	$31,058
Hourly rate	$15.04	$14.93
Growth rate	-	-8%
Number of jobs	93,965	142,759
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a data entry operator do?

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.

What does a data entry technician do?

The duties of a data entry technician depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around entering information into databases, reviewing inputs to ensure accuracy and quality, devising strategies to identify any inconsistencies, and conducting corrective measures as needed. There are also instances when a data entry technician must coordinate with the information technology team to conduct repairs on systems, troubleshoot, resolve errors, and conduct regular maintenance checks on databases to ensure an efficient workflow.

Data entry operator vs data entry technician salary

Data entry operators and data entry technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Entry Operator	Data Entry Technician
Average salary	$31,286	$31,058
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Union City, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Alaska
Best paying company	Intelliswift	FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA
Best paying industry	Finance	Insurance

Differences between data entry operator and data entry technician education

There are a few differences between a data entry operator and a data entry technician in terms of educational background:

	Data Entry Operator	Data Entry Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data entry operator vs data entry technician demographics

Here are the differences between data entry operators' and data entry technicians' demographics:

	Data Entry Operator	Data Entry Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8%	Male, 31.0% Female, 69.0%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 8.0% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between data entry operator and data entry technician duties and responsibilities

Data entry operator example responsibilities.

Provide support for UNIX, NT and mainframe systems.
Cleanse the sales force data and customer complaint reports using Java.
Write basic Unix shell scripts and commands as part of the daily activity.
Proofread output generate for completeness, print quality, spelling, punctuation, and format.
Enter data from source documents into computer using keyboard at a typing speed of 50 wpm.
Interact with DBA to discuss database design and modeling, index creations and SQL tuning issues.

Data entry technician example responsibilities.

Manage continuous patient documentation abiding by the HIPPA guidelines.
Utilize PC to enter and retrieve patient data and process all new and refill prescriptions through Medicaid and private insurance.
Maintain current knowledge of Medicaid claim regulations and processes.
Maintain customer confidence and protect operation according to HIPAA regulations.
Safeguard confidential patient health information in compliance with HIPPA regulations.
Follow all applicable government and federal regulations and guidelines, including medication labeling and HIPAA.

Data entry operator vs data entry technician skills

Common data entry operator skills

Data Entry Equipment, 20%
Customer Service, 14%
Computer Database, 12%
Computer System, 6%
Office Equipment, 4%
WPM, 4%

Common data entry technician skills

Customer Service, 20%
Patients, 19%
Triage, 9%
Data Entry Errors, 5%
Order Entry, 5%
Computer Database, 4%

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Data Entry Operator
Data Entry Operator vs Data Entry Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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