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The differences between data entry operators and general 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 general clerk. Additionally, a general clerk has an average salary of $33,254, 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 general clerk are customer service, data entry, and office procedures.
| Data Entry Operator | General Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $31,286 | $33,254 |
| Hourly rate | $15.04 | $15.99 |
| Growth rate | - | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 93,965 | 141,570 |
| 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.
General clerks are responsible for a variety of miscellaneous and administrative tasks within an organization. These include answering and transferring calls, sorting and delivering incoming emails, and scheduling appointments. They are also responsible for providing information to clients and staff members, preparing and processing bills and office documents, and performing data entry tasks. General clerks are often employed in almost all industries. This position typically requires a high school diploma and basic knowledge of computer applications such as spreadsheet software and word processing.
Data entry operators and general clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Entry Operator | General Clerk | |
| Average salary | $31,286 | $33,254 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Intelliswift | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Government |
There are a few differences between a data entry operator and a general clerk in terms of educational background:
| Data Entry Operator | General 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 general clerks' demographics:
| Data Entry Operator | General Clerk | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8% | Male, 33.1% Female, 66.9% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 9.2% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |