Encoder vs key operator

The differences between encoders and key operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an encoder and a key operator. Additionally, a key operator has an average salary of $36,162, which is higher than the $35,038 average annual salary of an encoder.

The top three skills for an encoder include process checks, data entry system and computer system. The most important skills for a key operator are data entry, xerox, and photoshop.

Encoder vs key operator overview

	Encoder	Key Operator
Yearly salary	$35,038	$36,162
Hourly rate	$16.85	$17.39
Growth rate	-5%	-8%
Number of jobs	277	39,708
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

Encoder vs key operator salary

Encoders and key operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Encoder	Key Operator
Average salary	$35,038	$36,162
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $47,000	Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between encoder and key operator education

There are a few differences between an encoder and a key operator in terms of educational background:

	Encoder	Key Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Encoder vs key operator demographics

Here are the differences between encoders' and key operators' demographics:

	Encoder	Key Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 32.5% Female, 67.5%	Male, 52.0% Female, 48.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 23.0% Asian, 8.9% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 21.9% Asian, 9.4% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between encoder and key operator duties and responsibilities

Encoder example responsibilities.

Stitch in next coil to be run.
Encode deposits slips and checks (NCR).
Correct errors for clients of DHL.
Operate the continuous check MICR encoding machine.
Train new encoders to use the computer program/equipment.
Scan USPS packages and print labels for say packages

Key operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Perform bindery functions using spiral, velo, and GBC bindery equipment.
Complete bindery for print jobs including cutting, folding, drilling and collating.
Perform one or more bindery operation such as collating, shrink-wrap, lamination, paper cutting and stock.
Balance general ledger accounts, verify accuracy and enter transactions into CRT.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

Encoder vs key operator skills

Common encoder skills

Process Checks, 22%
Data Entry System, 19%
Computer System, 10%
Encoders, 8%
ZIP Codes, 6%
Subsequent Entry, 5%

Common key operator skills

Data Entry, 24%
Xerox, 12%
Photoshop, 8%
Computer System, 5%
Customer Orders, 3%
Windows, 3%