Data entry operator vs operations clerk

The differences between data entry operators and operations 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 an operations clerk. Additionally, an operations clerk has an average salary of $33,746, 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 an operations clerk are customer service, data entry functions, and computer system.

Data entry operator vs operations clerk overview

	Data Entry Operator	Operations Clerk
Yearly salary	$31,286	$33,746
Hourly rate	$15.04	$16.22
Growth rate	-	-5%
Number of jobs	93,965	158,449
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	44	47
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 an operations clerk do?

An operations clerk is responsible for performing administrative and clerical duties, ensuring smooth business operations. Operations clerks often handle customer service, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, and direct guests to appropriate departments. They also manage data entry tasks, update customers or employees' information to the database, create business reports, identify potential clients through cold calls and e-mails, sort and file documents, and monitor inventories. An operations clerk must have excellent time-management and organizational skills to follow office procedures and meet deadlines.

Data entry operator vs operations clerk salary

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

	Data Entry Operator	Operations Clerk
Average salary	$31,286	$33,746
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	Washington	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Intelliswift	Ncar - The National Center For Atmospheric Research
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between data entry operator and operations clerk education

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

	Data Entry Operator	Operations Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Western Carolina University

Data entry operator vs operations clerk demographics

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

	Data Entry Operator	Operations Clerk
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8%	Male, 31.7% Female, 68.3%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 9.2% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between data entry operator and operations 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.

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Operations clerk example responsibilities.

Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
Input global notes in CRT.
Retrieve documents to be send to the IRS.
Encode checks with 10 key hardware TRP or NCR machines.
Register patients in the HMS system.
Research case law using Internet and Westlaw software.

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Data entry operator vs operations 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 operations clerk skills

Customer Service, 25%
Data Entry Functions, 8%
Computer System, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Office Equipment, 4%
Provide Clerical Support, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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