Data specialist vs data entry associate

The differences between data specialists and data entry associates 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 specialist and a data entry associate. Additionally, a data specialist has an average salary of $68,326, which is higher than the $36,084 average annual salary of a data entry associate.

The top three skills for a data specialist include data analysis, data entry and data collection. The most important skills for a data entry associate are customer service, computer database, and data entry.

Data specialist vs data entry associate overview

	Data Specialist	Data Entry Associate
Yearly salary	$68,326	$36,084
Hourly rate	$32.85	$17.35
Growth rate	9%	-8%
Number of jobs	100,301	89,880
Job satisfaction	-	3
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 30%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a data specialist do?

A data specialist's role is to process data, transferring them into an electronic platform or database for record-keeping or creating systems. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the accuracy of every inputted data point and verify its authenticity by reaching out to clients or using specific software. There are also instances when they must perform various analyses or take part in different product development processes. Furthermore, it is crucial to be able to identify any anomalies or inconsistencies; this way, corrective measures can be quickly implemented.

What does a data entry associate do?

Data entry associates are a group of professionals using computers and data processing programs to supply information into a database or documentation platform or to transcribe data via phone conversations or recordings. They can multitask effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and perform repetitive tasks accurately with excellent attention to detail. Part of their task is to maintain the database by encoding new and updated customer account information by preparing source data for computer entry, compiling, and sorting information. To be effective, typing speed and accuracy must be considered.

Data specialist vs data entry associate salary

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

	Data Specialist	Data Entry Associate
Average salary	$68,326	$36,084
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $116,000	Between $21,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	Connecticut	New York
Best paying company	McKinsey & Company Inc	AstraZeneca
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Finance

Differences between data specialist and data entry associate education

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

	Data Specialist	Data Entry Associate
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 30%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data specialist vs data entry associate demographics

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

	Data Specialist	Data Entry Associate
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 40.6% Female, 59.4%	Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 9.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 23.0% Asian, 7.7% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between data specialist and data entry associate duties and responsibilities

Data specialist example responsibilities.

Manage the FAA's classify operations program.
Manage and prepare pharmaceutical records for multiple FDA audits.
Create UNIX and LINUX shell scripts to automate data migration process.
Create packages in SSIS to automate importing text files into a data mart.
Participate in data profiling activities and lead root cause / impact analysis sessions.
Manage offshore developers to support DBA operations.

Data entry associate example responsibilities.

Manage client s files and communicate confidential information to approve agencies and caregivers according to HIPAA regulations.
Provide third-party medical billing; entering ICD-9, CPT codes, and insurance information into medically-based computer system.
Process payroll data, data entry applications and retirement fund contributions.
Perform a variety of duties associate with entering of prescription information into computer system require to process prescription orders for patients.
Provide 10-key and maintain a 40 wpm average.
Collaborate with a team to triage and prioritize the right work at the right time.

Data specialist vs data entry associate skills

Common data specialist skills

Data Analysis, 7%
Data Entry, 7%
Data Collection, 7%
Customer Service, 7%
Data Management, 6%
Visualization, 6%

Common data entry associate skills

Customer Service, 22%
Computer Database, 12%
Data Entry, 10%
Computer System, 7%
Payroll, 3%
WPM, 3%

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Data Specialist
Data Specialist vs Data Entry Associate

Updated January 8, 2025

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