Data processor vs payment processor

The differences between data processors and payment processors 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 processor, becoming a payment processor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a payment processor has an average salary of $34,030, which is higher than the $33,076 average annual salary of a data processor.

The top three skills for a data processor include computer database, data processing and financial data. The most important skills for a payment processor are customer service, patients, and data entry.

Data processor vs payment processor overview

	Data Processor	Payment Processor
Yearly salary	$33,076	$34,030
Hourly rate	$15.90	$16.36
Growth rate	-	-5%
Number of jobs	92,954	33,161
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	44	51
Years of experience	2	6

What does a data processor do?

A data processor is responsible for encoding various information to the organization's database, originating from either manual or electronic communications. Data processors must be highly detail-oriented, especially on analyzing the completeness of data before uploading it to the system. In some cases, a data processor performs in-depth research to verify the authenticity of the information. A data processor should have excellent typing skills and knowledge with office software tools to create proper formatting and ensure accuracy for easy comprehension.

What does a payment processor do?

A payment processor is responsible for managing and informing the clients of their payment obligations for the services offered by a financial institution or other related organizations. Payment processors record transactions and ensure the timely completion of account statements. They discuss the terms and conditions of the service contract with the clients and respond to their inquiries and concerns. A payment processor must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in coming up with repayment plans and solutions for clients who are not able to pay services in time.

Data processor vs payment processor salary

Data processors and payment processors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Processor	Payment Processor
Average salary	$33,076	$34,030
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $40,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	AECOM	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Technology	Insurance

Differences between data processor and payment processor education

There are a few differences between a data processor and a payment processor in terms of educational background:

	Data Processor	Payment Processor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	University of Pennsylvania

Data processor vs payment processor demographics

Here are the differences between data processors' and payment processors' demographics:

	Data Processor	Payment Processor
Average age	44	51
Gender ratio	Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8%	Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 8.5% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	7%

Differences between data processor and payment processor duties and responsibilities

Data processor example responsibilities.

Manage and prepare pharmaceutical records for multiple FDA audits.
Research the CPT coding manual and edit reference codes from CMS.
Utilize knowledge of diagnosis codes and CPT codes to prevent denial of claim.
Process Medicare and Medicaid papers.
Enter data information about insurance claims for Medicaid.
Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA laws and ability to maintain confidentiality.

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Payment processor example responsibilities.

Manage and review all incoming discounts and electronic contractual adjustments for accuracy per the negotiated Medicaid and Medicare contracts ;.
Maintain daily transactions for customer payments and various bank accounts using Quickbooks to track transactions.
Prepare and print all reports for EDI processing.
Maintain client customer confidentiality and HIPAA regulations with all data handling and transfers.
Uphold and reinforce compliance with hospital policies and federal regulations such as HIPAA.
Investigate and take corrective action regarding invoices reject by system or through EDI.

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Data processor vs payment processor skills

Common data processor skills

Computer Database, 18%
Data Processing, 16%
Financial Data, 5%
Data Entry, 5%
Computer System, 5%
QC, 5%

Common payment processor skills

Customer Service, 15%
Patients, 10%
Data Entry, 10%
ACH, 8%
Phone Calls, 5%
Credit Card Payments, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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