Data entry specialist vs data entry technician

The differences between data entry specialists and data entry technicians 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 entry technician. Additionally, a data entry specialist has an average salary of $32,392, which is higher than the $31,058 average annual salary of a data entry technician.

The top three skills for a data entry specialist include data entry, customer service and computer database. The most important skills for a data entry technician are customer service, patients, and triage.

Data entry specialist vs data entry technician overview

	Data Entry Specialist	Data Entry Technician
Yearly salary	$32,392	$31,058
Hourly rate	$15.57	$14.93
Growth rate	-	-8%
Number of jobs	89,081	142,759
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a data entry specialist do?

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.

What does a data entry technician do?

The duties of a data entry technician depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around entering information into databases, reviewing inputs to ensure accuracy and quality, devising strategies to identify any inconsistencies, and conducting corrective measures as needed. There are also instances when a data entry technician must coordinate with the information technology team to conduct repairs on systems, troubleshoot, resolve errors, and conduct regular maintenance checks on databases to ensure an efficient workflow.

Data entry specialist vs data entry technician salary

Data entry specialists and data entry technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Entry Specialist	Data Entry Technician
Average salary	$32,392	$31,058
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $42,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Union City, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	DeWitt LLP Law Firm	FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA
Best paying industry	Finance	Insurance

Differences between data entry specialist and data entry technician education

There are a few differences between a data entry specialist and a data entry technician in terms of educational background:

	Data Entry Specialist	Data Entry Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data entry specialist vs data entry technician demographics

Here are the differences between data entry specialists' and data entry technicians' demographics:

	Data Entry Specialist	Data Entry Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 24.8% Female, 75.2%	Male, 31.0% Female, 69.0%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 8.0% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between data entry specialist and data entry technician duties and responsibilities

Data entry specialist example responsibilities.

Manage FedEx account; send and receive large volume of tax and accounting paperwork.
Enter ten-key data; fastest keystrokes reach 104 wpm.
Land Venezuela 1- 2D and 3D designer perform processing and QC for land acquisition seismic.
Used SQL scripts to process automate crack and lane detection on files that require it.
Enter bank account information on individual life policies in Guard-O-Matic (ACH) payment plan.
Fill a bin/tray/tray/box with complete packets then place it in the designated area to await QC.

Data entry technician example responsibilities.

Manage continuous patient documentation abiding by the HIPPA guidelines.
Utilize PC to enter and retrieve patient data and process all new and refill prescriptions through Medicaid and private insurance.
Maintain current knowledge of Medicaid claim regulations and processes.
Maintain customer confidence and protect operation according to HIPAA regulations.
Safeguard confidential patient health information in compliance with HIPPA regulations.
Follow all applicable government and federal regulations and guidelines, including medication labeling and HIPAA.

Data entry specialist vs data entry technician skills

Common data entry specialist skills

Data Entry, 25%
Customer Service, 16%
Computer Database, 12%
Computer System, 4%
WPM, 4%
Charge Entry, 3%

Common data entry technician skills

Customer Service, 20%
Patients, 19%
Triage, 9%
Data Entry Errors, 5%
Order Entry, 5%
Computer Database, 4%

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Data Entry Specialist
Data Entry Specialist vs Data Entry Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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