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Data specialist vs data entry clerk

The differences between data specialists and data entry 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 specialist and a data entry clerk. Additionally, a data specialist has an average salary of $68,326, which is higher than the $31,582 average annual salary of a data entry clerk.

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

Data specialist vs data entry clerk overview

Data SpecialistData Entry Clerk
Yearly salary$68,326$31,582
Hourly rate$32.85$15.18
Growth rate9%-5%
Number of jobs100,301132,345
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

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 clerk do?

Data entry clerks are employees who work on the proper documentation of the data sets within the organization. They are responsible for copying in or typing in items from a source to the company database. In doing so, they provide and validate essential information to the organization. Data entry clerks are expected to assess the data and ensure that they are correct before logging them into the company database. They are required to have good attention to detail, to be able to type swiftly and accurately, and to be able to work with minimal supervision.

Data specialist vs data entry clerk salary

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

Data SpecialistData Entry Clerk
Average salary$68,326$31,582
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $116,000Between $25,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateConnecticutWashington
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncGeneral Dynamics Mission Systems
Best paying industryManufacturingFinance

Differences between data specialist and data entry clerk education

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

Data SpecialistData Entry Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Data specialist vs data entry clerk demographics

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

Data SpecialistData Entry Clerk
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 40.6% Female, 59.4%Male, 19.9% Female, 80.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 7.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between data specialist and data entry clerk 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.
    • Show more

Data entry clerk example responsibilities.

  • Prepare, maintain and manage PowerPoint presentations.
  • Enter contractual data into AS400 computer terminal, implementing alphanumeric and 10-key data entry.
  • Work in multiple windows to process information.
  • Create a backup copy for one specific table on the SQL database.
  • Process radiology reports into MDIV program while meeting department month- end billing cycle.
  • Establish the ability to type approximately 58 wpm and type 10 key by touch.
    • Show more

Data specialist vs data entry clerk 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 clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 23%
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Computer Database, 12%
  • Computer System, 6%
  • Word Processing, 5%
  • WPM, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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