Data entry operator vs order entry clerk

The differences between data entry operators and order entry 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 order entry clerk. Additionally, an order entry clerk has an average salary of $34,147, 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 order entry clerk are customer service, purchase orders, and data entry errors.

Data entry operator vs order entry clerk overview

	Data Entry Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Yearly salary	$31,286	$34,147
Hourly rate	$15.04	$16.42
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	93,965	101,541
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Associate Degree, 30%
Average age	44	43
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 order entry clerk do?

An Order Entry Clerk is primarily in charge of receiving and processing customer orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Upon receiving orders, an order entry clerk is responsible for entering customer information into databases such as names, billing details, address, and item specifications. They communicate with customers through calls or email to confirm their orders and information, answering inquiries should there be any. Besides handling databases, an Order Entry Clerk Prepares and processes shipping documents, invoices, and contracts, tracking procedures to ensure smooth workflow. Moreover, there are also instances where they must receive and handle customer complaints, resolving them promptly.

Data entry operator vs order entry clerk salary

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

	Data Entry Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Average salary	$31,286	$34,147
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $28,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Las Vegas, NV
Highest paying state	Washington	Connecticut
Best paying company	Intelliswift	Dexter
Best paying industry	Finance	Automotive

Differences between data entry operator and order entry clerk education

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

	Data Entry Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Associate Degree, 30%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data entry operator vs order entry clerk demographics

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

	Data Entry Operator	Order Entry Clerk
Average age	44	43
Gender ratio	Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8%	Male, 15.7% Female, 84.3%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.9% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between data entry operator and order entry 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.

Order entry clerk example responsibilities.

Assist customers with book purchases; POS cashier.
Pull orders of juice, utilizing a laptop and RF gun attach to forklift.
Audit all EDI orders for complete address, terms, special promotions, and overall accuracy.
Post invoices to ERP system, update GRN, set up and maintain new vendor accounts.
Process EDI purchase ordering-credit-debit adjustments.
Assist department director in weekly payroll approval.

Data entry operator vs order entry 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 order entry clerk skills

Customer Service, 23%
Purchase Orders, 10%
Data Entry Errors, 10%
Computer System, 9%
Customer Orders, 9%
EDI, 3%

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Data Entry Operator
Data Entry Operator vs Order Entry Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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