Key operator vs data entry specialist

The differences between key operators and data entry specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a key operator and a data entry specialist. Additionally, a key operator has an average salary of $36,162, which is higher than the $32,392 average annual salary of a data entry specialist.

The top three skills for a key operator include data entry, xerox and photoshop. The most important skills for a data entry specialist are data entry, customer service, and computer database.

Key operator vs data entry specialist overview

	Key Operator	Data Entry Specialist
Yearly salary	$36,162	$32,392
Hourly rate	$17.39	$15.57
Growth rate	-8%	-
Number of jobs	39,708	89,081
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

Key operator vs data entry specialist salary

Key operators and data entry specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Key Operator	Data Entry Specialist
Average salary	$36,162	$32,392
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $44,000	Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	DeWitt LLP Law Firm
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between key operator and data entry specialist education

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

	Key Operator	Data Entry Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Key operator vs data entry specialist demographics

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

	Key Operator	Data Entry Specialist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 52.0% Female, 48.0%	Male, 24.8% Female, 75.2%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 7.9% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between key operator and data entry specialist duties and responsibilities

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.

Data entry specialist example responsibilities.

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.

Key operator vs data entry specialist skills

Common key operator skills

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

Common data entry specialist skills

Data Entry, 25%
Customer Service, 16%
Computer Database, 12%
Computer System, 4%
WPM, 4%
Charge Entry, 3%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Key Operator
Key Operator vs Data Entry Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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