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Data entry operator vs file clerk

The differences between data entry operators and file clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a file clerk has an average salary of $31,562, 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 file clerk are data entry, office equipment, and numerical order.

Data entry operator vs file clerk overview

Data Entry OperatorFile Clerk
Yearly salary$31,286$31,562
Hourly rate$15.04$15.17
Growth rate--
Number of jobs93,96566,383
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 29%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Average age4446
Years of experience2-

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 file clerk do?

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.

Data entry operator vs file clerk salary

Data entry operators and file clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Data Entry OperatorFile Clerk
Average salary$31,286$31,562
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $40,000Between $25,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAVancouver, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyIntelliswiftWilliams Parker
Best paying industryFinanceGovernment

Differences between data entry operator and file clerk education

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

Data Entry OperatorFile Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 29%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Western Carolina University

Data entry operator vs file clerk demographics

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

Data Entry OperatorFile Clerk
Average age4446
Gender ratioMale, 19.2% Female, 80.8%Male, 22.9% Female, 77.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.4% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%9%

Differences between data entry operator and file clerk 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.
    • Show more

File clerk example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage database with clinical details and digital radiology imaging.
  • Maintain current product device master and device history records per FDA and ISO regulations.
  • General office duties and experience with windows, excel, access PowerPoint, word, publisher.
  • Enter pleadings, request for productions and interrogatories into logs and clients files by dates of court filings.
  • Maintain EMR with current and accurate data.
  • Utilize scanning software such as AnyDoc and OCR.
    • Show more

Data entry operator vs file clerk 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 file clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 25%
  • Office Equipment, 10%
  • Numerical Order, 8%
  • HR, 6%
  • Office Machines, 5%
  • Patient Charts, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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