Data entry operator vs operator

The differences between data entry operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a data entry operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, 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 operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Data entry operator vs operator overview

	Data Entry Operator	Operator
Yearly salary	$31,286	$37,928
Hourly rate	$15.04	$18.23
Growth rate	-	7%
Number of jobs	93,965	159,077
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	44	43
Years of experience	2	4

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 operator do?

Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.

Data entry operator vs operator salary

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

	Data Entry Operator	Operator
Average salary	$31,286	$37,928
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	North Dakota
Best paying company	Intelliswift	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between data entry operator and operator education

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

	Data Entry Operator	Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data entry operator vs operator demographics

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

	Data Entry Operator	Operator
Average age	44	43
Gender ratio	Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8%	Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	4%

Differences between data entry operator and operator 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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Operator example responsibilities.

Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.

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Data entry operator vs operator 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 operator skills

Safety Procedures, 15%
CDL, 6%
Emergency Calls, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Quality Checks, 4%
Dozer, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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