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The differences between data entry specialists and data 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 specialist and a data clerk. Additionally, a data entry specialist has an average salary of $32,392, which is higher than the $31,550 average annual salary of a data clerk.
The top three skills for a data entry specialist include data entry, customer service and computer database. The most important skills for a data clerk are database systems, computer entry, and office equipment.
| Data Entry Specialist | Data Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $32,392 | $31,550 |
| Hourly rate | $15.57 | $15.17 |
| Growth rate | - | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 89,081 | 147,935 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A data entry specialist is responsible for filling data in a database or platform with precision and speed. There are instances when a data entry specialist must convert files and input information using particular devices or scanners. There are also situations where one has printed materials as a source, such as billing information, data logs, and other forms of documentation. Furthermore, a data entry specialist can also be in charge of regular correspondence, spreadsheet maintenance, and other data-related administrative tasks.
A data clerk is responsible for performing administrative support tasks, mainly focusing on data-entry. Their responsibilities typically include updating databases, maintaining records on spreadsheets and other documents, preparing and processing files, creating and organizing reports, coordinating with different departments to gather or disseminate data, and performing research and analysis. They may also handle calls and correspondence, monitor schedules and office supply inventory, and complete support tasks for staff as necessary. Furthermore, as a data clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with teams and adhere to the company's data security policies and regulations.
Data entry specialists and data clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Entry Specialist | Data Clerk | |
| Average salary | $32,392 | $31,550 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $42,000 | Between $25,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Nevada |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | Armstrong Flooring |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a data entry specialist and a data clerk in terms of educational background:
| Data Entry Specialist | Data Clerk | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between data entry specialists' and data clerks' demographics:
| Data Entry Specialist | Data Clerk | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.8% Female, 75.2% | Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 7.9% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 7.6% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |