If you’re looking to make some extra money from home, data entry jobs are a great option. They are simple tasks that you can do online and don’t require special skills.
This also lets you work more flexibly, meaning you can choose when and where to work.
You don’t need any special qualifications or a degree to work here; just basic typing skills are enough.
Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can get hired as long as you can type quickly.
If you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student looking for extra income with a flexible schedule, or anyone interested in working from home, one of the following data entry jobs might be a good fit for you!
How much can you actually earn from data entry jobs?
Since data entry tasks don’t need specialized education or advanced skills, the pay might not be as high as for other freelance jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data entry clerks make more than $15 an hour on average. That’s much higher than the minimum wage.
Which is pretty great considering the facilities & flexibility of the job.
Sitting on your couch at any time, and just typing stuff.
You can listen to your favorite music while working without paying much attention to what specific sentences or numbers mean.
Equipment Required to work in such data-oriented jobs
Work from home data entry jobs don’t need anything you don’t already have. To do these jobs well, you’ll mainly need the following:
- A computer (desktop or laptop): To work as a data entry worker, you’ll need a computer. Some companies may suggest or require that you have two monitors. This setup makes it easier to move data between documents because you can see both documents at the same time.
- A fast reliable internet connection: There is a constant need to upload your work and download your next assignment while you’re working, so you need a reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions.
- A comfortable place to work: You’ll be at your computer for a long time, so make sure your chair or couch is comfortable. This will help you work comfortably and avoid any problems with your posture.
- Common Data processing applications: As a data entry worker, it’s helpful to know how to use computer programs like Microsoft Excel and Word. These are the main tools you’ll be using in your job.
How to recognize a scam while searching for data entry jobs?
Even if the job seems simple, there are still many ways you could get scammed when applying for or searching for these jobs.
Many people, like you, look for reliable remote data entry jobs, and scammers know this and exploit it.
So, it’s important to watch out for scams by following these tips. Avoid signing up for jobs that…
Sounds too good to be true
As I mentioned earlier, data entry jobs don’t pay very well. You’ll usually make just a bit more than minimum wage. If you see a job offering an unusually high salary, it’s best to ignore it.
The website is poorly designed and seems suspicious
If the company or job site you’re looking at seems new or doesn’t feel quite right, it’s likely not genuine.
Scammers often create fake websites to trick people, but they usually don’t spend much time on making them look good.
You can find out how old a website is by using Whois.net. If the site was created recently or just a few weeks ago, it could be a warning sign.
Wants you to go through an unnecessary training program
Data entry doesn’t need any special skills—just the ability to type 25-35 words per minute, which most people can do!
You don’t need to pay for any additional training programs or certification courses that a company might suggest.
If something isn’t free, it might be a scam!
If you’ve been scammed, here’s how to report it:
There are several ways to file a complaint. You can contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Better Business Bureau. For more details, check out “How to report a job scam.”
Here are some (Legit) Data Entry Jobs:
1: AccuTran Global
AccuTran Global is best known for handling transcription work. They primarily hire independent contractors to do this type of work.
However, they also offer data entry jobs from time to time, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for those opportunities. If you’re interested in both types of work, you should look into their job openings.
2. Scribie
Transcription means turning spoken words from audio files into written text, like creating subtitles. Scribie is a good place to start if you’re interested in transcription.
Many companies send their audio files to Scribie, where freelance workers listen to the files and write down what is said.
Transcribers can pick which tasks they want to do, so you can choose when and how much you work. Jobs pay at least $5 per hour of audio, and some pay as much as $25 per hour of audio.
To begin, you need to apply and finish a transcription test first.
3. Clickworker
Clickworker lets you sign up for free and join a community of people who complete simple tasks for Clickworker’s clients.
One of the tasks you can do is data entry, but there are others too, like editing drafts, doing market or web research, proofreading, taking surveys, and more.
After you sign up, you’ll fill out your profile and do a few short tasks to show what you can do. The more effectively you complete these tasks, the more job opportunities you’ll have.
You can set your own work hours. They handle the invoicing, and you get paid through PayPal either once a week or once a month.
4. Birch Creek Communications
Birch Creek Communications occasionally hires people for data entry jobs. When they do, they are looking for independent contractors, just like other companies.
You can choose your own working hours, but usually, there is work available from Monday to Friday.
Pay is based on the job and your performance. You’ll earn more if you consistently do the job with near-perfect accuracy.
5. Dion Data Solutions
DionData Solutions frequently needs data entry workers who can type at least 60 words per minute and with great accuracy.
You should be comfortable using computers and handling tasks like connecting to the Internet, managing email attachments, and downloading and opening files. These skills are important for data entry jobs.
Data entry professionals need to juggle several projects at once and meet deadlines. Also, you must be a U.S. citizen to work here.
6. Flexjobs
lexJobs is a well-known site for finding remote, flexible, and freelance work. Many people use it to find data entry jobs.
It’s likely your best option for finding genuine work-from-home data entry jobs online. While you need to pay a membership fee to access all the job listings, it’s worth it because the job opportunities are high-quality.
Each job on our site is checked by a real person, so you won’t have to sift through scams or poorly-paid jobs to find something worthwhile.
FlexJobs is definitely worth checking out. You can pick a plan for $14.95 per month, or choose a longer-term plan to pay less each month.
7. Capital Typing
Capital Typing offers different types of data and office services to businesses and clients. Their services go beyond just basic data entry.
They also provide remote data entry jobs you can do from home. Contractors are hired as independent workers. Visit their job-offering section to find current opportunities.
8. Kendall Creek Communications
Kendall Creek Communications hires a variety of remote workers, including people who handle data entry.
This company, like many others in data entry, hires people as independent contractors to do tasks like transcription, data entry, processing, and market research.
They work with a lot of clients, including several major U.S. government agencies. You can find their current job openings in the jobs section on their website.
9. MicroWorkers
Microworkers is a website where you can find small, simple tasks to do for money. They offer different types of jobs, including data entry.
On their site, you can see a percentage next to each job. This percentage shows how often the person posting the job has approved the work of others in the past.
You only pay for work that’s been approved, which is a really handy feature!
Payment for completed jobs is sent straight to your PayPal account as soon as you reach a $10 minimum payout.
Skills That are Typically Required for Data Entry Jobs
Typing skills (Obviously!)
As a data entry clerk, you must have good typing skills.
If you’re new to typing, you might struggle with this job because it needs you to type quickly and accurately.
Also, if you can’t finish tasks on time, you’ll earn less money. As a freelancer, you usually get paid based on the work you complete, not the hours you put in.
Spreadsheets
Most companies use spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets to organize their data. To be effective in these roles, you should become skilled in using these programs.
Note: Learn all the shortcut keys so you can use them to save time.
Attention to Details
Data entry can quickly become boring if you’re working with the same type of data for a long time. This repetition can lead to many mistakes.
If you’re not very focused on details, you might end up spending more time fixing those mistakes.
Organization Skills
Data entry is all about organizing messy information. It involves sorting and arranging data from a disorganized draft. If you’re good at staying organized, this job should be pretty easy for you!
Moreover Keeping things organized will help you keep track of your work more easily.
Communication Skills
This is not as important as the other things mentioned, but it might still be useful when talking to task providers.
You should definitely discuss your progress, timelines, and any need for extra documents with them, either by email or phone.
There are Great Alternatives for Data Entry too…
Proofreading
Proofreading means checking the final version of a piece of writing to make sure it’s correct in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. The goal is to ensure everything is clear and makes sense.
Freelance proofreading jobs involve working from home to find and correct typos in written texts.
So, if you enjoy finding and fixing mistakes, and can spot hidden errors or misspellings easily, proofreading might be a great fit for you.
Virtual Assistant
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who supports businesses remotely by offering various services.
Thanks to fast internet and easy data sharing, many people can now work from home using live video and audio communication.
There’s a growing demand for virtual assistants among online entrepreneurs and businesses, like those in blogging or e-commerce. It’s often simpler and more cost-effective for small businesses to hire a virtual assistant rather than a full-time employee.
Freelance Writing
A freelance writer is someone who works independently instead of being employed by a single company. They write for various clients, including websites, blogs, magazines, and more.
You don’t need a strong writing background to succeed in this business.
How much money do freelance writers make?
PayScale.com says that part-time freelance writers typically earn between $24,000 and $115,000 a year.
This amount can reach up to $200,000 a year!
How can you get started as a work from home freelance writer?
Holly from Club Thrifty began freelance writing as a side job without any experience and now earns over $200,000 a year from it.
Now she has created a course designed for people who want to become successful freelance writers, even if they have no prior experience.
Working as a remote freelancer or in similar jobs is a great way to earn money now. Just choose something that doesn’t stress you out too much.
Overall, working from home is pretty straightforward. Even if you have a full-time job, side gigs like data entry or proofreading can provide some extra income.