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Support staff vs support clerk

The differences between desk clerks supervisors and support clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a support staff, becoming a support clerk takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a support clerk has an average salary of $35,159, which is higher than the $31,772 average annual salary of a support staff.

The top three skills for a support staff include customer service, developmental disabilities and mental health. The most important skills for a support clerk are customer service, data entry, and patients.

Support staff vs support clerk overview

Support StaffSupport Clerk
Yearly salary$31,772$35,159
Hourly rate$15.28$16.90
Growth rate36%-5%
Number of jobs161,915163,168
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4747
Years of experience62

What does a support staff do?

School support staff provide specialized instructional and student support while utilizing school facilities. They often include diverse staff members whose main role is to ensure that students learn in a supportive and safe learning environment. It is also their duty to enhance school climate by promoting the involvement of parent and family in education as well as to encourage trusting, positive student relationships. They should inhibit positive behavior and send uplifting messages to students as they often connect with them throughout the day.

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.

Support staff vs support clerk salary

Desk clerks supervisors and support clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Support StaffSupport Clerk
Average salary$31,772$35,159
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $22,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Diego, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkHawaii
Best paying companyLakeland ElectricLos Alamos National Laboratory
Best paying industryFinanceGovernment

Differences between support staff and support clerk education

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

Support StaffSupport Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeDuke UniversityStanford University

Support staff vs support clerk demographics

Here are the differences between desk clerks supervisors' and support clerks' demographics:

Support StaffSupport Clerk
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 31.2% Female, 68.8%Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 6.2% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage8%6%

Differences between support staff and support clerk duties and responsibilities

Support staff example responsibilities.

  • Manage SharePoint inventory repository and assign access levels to new hires as needed.
  • Provide companionship to the consumer.
  • Tutor students in various science courses, English and GED prep classes.
  • Maintain a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment which fosters growth and rehabilitation.
  • Work with students at various levels of mathematics knowledge within the same teaching environment.
  • Work with students who have graduated from the developmental mathematics program on more advance mathematics classes.
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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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Support staff vs support clerk skills

Common support staff skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 7%
  • Mental Health, 6%
  • Meal Preparation, 6%
  • Direct Care, 6%
  • Home Maintenance, 6%
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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