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What does a data entry specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted expert
Ng'ang'a Muchiri
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.

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Data entry specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real data entry specialist resumes:

  • 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.
  • Support branches on busy help desk in all debit card, ATM and ACH relate matters.
  • Check all encounter forms before entering them into the IDX system to ensure proper use of ICD-9 and CPT codes.
  • Enter data from source documents into computer and onto tape and disk for subsequent entry, manually and via scanner.
  • Perform data entry by manually transferring bank statements into QuickBooks including checks, payroll, deposits, wiring, etc.
  • Perform qualitative analysis and evaluate the documentation consistency and adequacy to ensure the CPT codes reflect the care and treatment render.
  • Prepare various PowerPoint presentations for management use.
  • Obtain workers comp/auto insurance information for claims from patients and obtain retro Medicaid authorizations.
  • Maintain security and confidentiality of all files and machinery according to HIPAA and military standards.
  • Position also require strict confidentiality restrictions regarding client information as well as following HIPPA guidelines.

Data entry specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 25% of Data Entry Specialists are proficient in Data Entry, Customer Service, and Computer Database.

We break down the percentage of Data Entry Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Data Entry, 25%

    Managed incoming emails and faxes from clients, identified relevant information and conducted data entry; performed other administrative duties.

  • Customer Service, 16%

    Entered and maintained confidential data for PeopleSoft using their database * Provided excellent customer service to internal customers

  • Computer Database, 12%

    Provided quality control and verification of data received and entered information from a variety of sources into a single computer database.

  • Computer System, 4%

    Completed daily data entry of key information within company computer system, providing management with impetus for making sound business decisions.

  • WPM, 4%

    Certified at WPM (words per minute): They calculated it by keystrokes per hour.

  • Charge Entry, 3%

    Perform responsibilities of updating supervisor apprised to matters regarding charge entry.

Most data entry specialists use their skills in "data entry," "customer service," and "computer database" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data entry specialist responsibilities here:

Most common data entry specialist skills

The three companies that hire the most data entry specialists are:

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Compare different data entry specialists

Data entry specialist vs. Clerk

Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies. Clerks should have good office skills, communication skills, business writing skills, and time management skills. They should also be able to treat any document or paperwork they handle with confidentiality.

If we compare the average data entry specialist annual salary with that of a clerk, we find that clerks typically earn a $1,229 lower salary than data entry specialists make annually.Even though data entry specialists and clerks are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require data entry, customer service, and computer system in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a data entry specialist are more likely to require skills like "computer database," "wpm," "charge entry," and "account data." On the other hand, a job as a clerk requires skills like "basic math," "math," "cleanliness," and "pos." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Clerks tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $31,380. In contrast, data entry specialists make the biggest average salary, $36,710, in the finance industry.The education levels that clerks earn slightly differ from data entry specialists. In particular, clerks are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a data entry specialist. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry specialist vs. Room clerk

A room clerk is responsible for receiving guests and assigning them to their respective rooms, typically in a hotel setting. Room clerks manage guests' reservations, explain the policies of the premises, and process their payments for staying at the hotel. They also ensure the rooms' cleanliness, reaching out to the maintenance for any repairs and requests for additional room items. A room clerk must have excellent communication and customer service skills, respond to the customer's inquiries and concerns, and resolve service complaints immediately.

Room clerk positions earn lower pay than data entry specialist roles. They earn a $1,605 lower salary than data entry specialists per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both data entry specialists and room clerks have skills such as "data entry," "customer service," and "computer system. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that data entry specialist responsibilities requires skills like "computer database," "wpm," "charge entry," and "word processing." But a room clerk might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "stock room," "purchase orders," "inventory control," and "postage meter."

On average, room clerks earn a lower salary than data entry specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, room clerks earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $33,014. Whereas data entry specialists have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $36,710.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Room clerks tend to reach similar levels of education than data entry specialists. In fact, they're 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for data entry specialists in the next 3-5 years?

Ng'ang'a MuchiriNg'ang'a Muchiri LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

I think the synergy between AI, machine learning, and the humanities, in general, will be exciting. There are whole product lines and industries currently just beyond our reach.

Data entry specialist vs. Title clerk

Title clerks are responsible for preparing and processing title paperwork to transfer property ownership of a vehicle or real estate. They typically work for lawyers and agents, accomplishing varied tasks such as submitting title documents to the designated government office and verifying the collection of funds from sales. Also, title clerks are responsible for ensuring that all information from the records is accurate, answering telephone calls, and maintaining their cleanliness. A title clerk also explains the title transfer process to customers and responds to their queries.

An average title clerk eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of data entry specialists. The difference in salaries amounts to title clerks earning a $2,466 higher average salary than data entry specialists.data entry specialists and title clerks both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "data entry," "customer service," and "computer system," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a data entry specialist is likely to be skilled in "computer database," "wpm," "charge entry," and "account data," while a typical title clerk is skilled in "dmv," "vehicle titles," "notary," and "title issues."

Title clerks earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,369. Comparatively, data entry specialists have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $36,710.When it comes to education, title clerks tend to earn similar degree levels compared to data entry specialists. In fact, they're 1.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry specialist vs. Control clerk

Being a control clerk involves a variety of administrative and clerical tasks, including the maintenance of business files, answering phone calls, and running errands. A control clerk's responsibility includes coordination and assistance of project team members to resolve data issues and protocols. Since the job is to keep business efficiency by overseeing the safety and quality of work, a control clerk should have attention to detail, good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work individually and to concentrate for long periods.

Control clerks typically earn higher pay than data entry specialists. On average, control clerks earn a $973 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, data entry specialists and control clerks both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "data entry," "computer system," and "word processing. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "customer service," "computer database," "wpm," and "charge entry" are skills that commonly show up on data entry specialist resumes. On the other hand, control clerks use skills like access database, purchase orders, sharepoint, and hard copy on their resumes.control clerks enjoy the best pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $35,154. For comparison, data entry specialists earn the highest salary in the finance industry.In general, control clerks hold similar degree levels compared to data entry specialists. Control clerks are 0.2% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of data entry specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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