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Program support assistant vs support clerk

The differences between program support assistants and support clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a program support assistant, becoming a support clerk takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a program support assistant has an average salary of $41,107, which is higher than the $35,159 average annual salary of a support clerk.

The top three skills for a program support assistant include patients, veterans and program support. The most important skills for a support clerk are customer service, data entry, and patients.

Program support assistant vs support clerk overview

Program Support AssistantSupport Clerk
Yearly salary$41,107$35,159
Hourly rate$19.76$16.90
Growth rate12%-5%
Number of jobs163,716163,168
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4347
Years of experience122

What does a program support assistant do?

A program support assistant is responsible for performing administrative functions to ensure a program's smooth operations. Program support assistants organize the necessary documents, create the expense sheet, respond to the clients' inquiries and concerns, negotiate with vendors and suppliers, and conduct data analysis. They also act as a liaison between the clients and the senior planners to resolve issues and address the clients' requests. A program support assistant maintains the accuracy of client information on the database and regularly updates the clients' files as needed.

What does a support clerk do?

A support clerk is primarily in charge of performing administrative support tasks in an office, making the daily workflow easier. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and processing documentation, answering and forwarding calls, handling correspondence, disseminating and organizing files, and running errands as needed. They may also update databases, maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a support clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating to ensure efficient and smooth workplace operations.

Program support assistant vs support clerk salary

Program support assistants and support clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Program Support AssistantSupport Clerk
Average salary$41,107$35,159
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $54,000Between $22,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Diego, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyNew York State Restaurant AssociationLos Alamos National Laboratory
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between program support assistant and support clerk education

There are a few differences between a program support assistant and a support clerk in terms of educational background:

Program Support AssistantSupport Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityStanford University

Program support assistant vs support clerk demographics

Here are the differences between program support assistants' and support clerks' demographics:

Program Support AssistantSupport Clerk
Average age4347
Gender ratioMale, 27.7% Female, 72.3%Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage11%6%

Differences between program support assistant and support clerk duties and responsibilities

Program support assistant example responsibilities.

  • Create reports, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations for special projects.
  • Design and implement new web pages for all libraries in the district using HTML.
  • Perform student information management application updates and maintain SharePoint log.
  • Ensure all timekeeping data are accurate and produce routine timekeeping reports as requested.
  • Establish and maintain a computerize tracking system on SharePoint for all congressional correspondence.
  • Assist with eligibility and enrollment of new veterans; produce primary care assignments and arrange initial medical appointments.
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Support clerk example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
  • Inform eligible or potentially eligible individuals with Medicaid cover service and how to use them.
  • Assist in development and creation of provider workshop materials to include manuals, PowerPoint presentations, and registration materials.
  • Organize and locate inventory and update companies QuickBooks.
  • Prepare subpoenas for document production, deposition and trial appearance/testimony.
  • Record results in database from medical questionnaires complete by individuals presenting Medicaid claims.
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Program support assistant vs support clerk skills

Common program support assistant skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • Veterans, 10%
  • Program Support, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 4%
Common support clerk skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Data Entry, 15%
  • Patients, 10%
  • Clerical Support, 6%
  • Medical Terminology, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%

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