Data entry jobs from home are a popular way to make easy money online. The simplicity and freedom they offer can be appealing.
One thing about data input jobs is that they’re entry-level positions. This means that they’re suitable for almost anyone, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a student.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make money from home, an online data entry job could be the answer you’re looking for. The work is simple, flexible, and you’ll be able to set your own hours in most cases.
Also, data entry work from home requires little training or technical skills, so you can usually get started right away after completing an application.
Legitimate data entry jobs from home (and online)
As you search for data entry positions on the internet, be vigilant for scammy sites and ads. Even if you see an ad in a trusted website, it might not be legit. So it’s best to keep your guard up.
We researched the best remote data entry jobs to save you time. Here’s our list of legit companies to find data entry positions and make money from home.
1. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a trusted online flexible jobs resource that screens its listings. It’s one of the leading services for finding remote work on the internet.
Something that sets them apart is their team of researchers. They examine hundreds of online jobs so you don’t have to worry about scammers. Only after a job passes their filters, they add it to their site. They’re popular with people interested in working from home or remotely.
This peace of mind comes at a small price, which starts at $6.95 a week ($14.95 a month). Naturally, you might be nervous to pay for a jobs site. But consider the quality of their customer service, broad listings and ease of use. After all, you’re investing in yourself.
Jennifer B., for example, landed an at-home part-time position in Data Quality through FlexJobs. She was able to be there for her kids while earning extra income,
2. Axion Data Services
Axion offers legit, stable data entry work, but their openings are infrequent. When openings are available, you’ll need to be registered in their database and have at least 2-3 years of data entry experience to be considered.
Typing speed is important, so you’ll need to be able to type 50 words per minute error-free or better. Their compensation consists of a flat per-document rate which varies from project to project.
Axion doesn’t advertise openings, so don’t trust ads or emails offering you a position there if you haven’t registered. If you land a position with Axion, you’ll work as an independent contractor. And while they charge a small fee to register with them, they’re not a scam.
3. Clickworker
Clickworker is a crowdsourcing platform that lists short tasks or microjobs requested by clients. As a Clickworker, you’ll be one of their global freelancers working on tasks that may include data entry, proofreading or categorizing information.
Their app allows you to work independently at home and set your own, flexible schedule. How much you work is entirely up to you.
Their sign up process consists of completing a profile and assessments to match your skills with available jobs. And your performance on prior jobs and completion of assessments determines the number of jobs available to you.
Completed jobs are payable every 7 or 28 days, depending on the client. And payment is available through PayPal and Transferwise.
Side Note:
If data entry doesn’t sound like the type of gig for you, skip ahead for other work from home alternatives to consider.
4. Capital Typing
Capital typing offers typing, data entry, online customer support and other administrative services for their clients. They’re a legit South Carolina-based business that’s been around since 2002.
The company maintains a list of available opportunities in their jobs site, together with details on how to apply. Clerical hires join as independent contractors.
5. Scribie
With Scribie you’ll work as a freelancer transcribing voice into text and review transcripts for accuracy. It’s a service that hires independent data entry clerks globally.
After you apply, you’ll need to go through a certification process which includes a transcription test. Their pay rates vary from $5 ot $25 per hour of audio, and you can submit as many transcribed files as you wish. They pay through PayPal.
6. Kendall Creek Communications
Founded in 2005 and based in Montana, Kendall Creek Communications provides clerical services to government agencies, legal firms, financial institutions and corporations.
If you join them, you’ll be working as an independent contractor, since they don’t offer any employee positions. What you can expect, though, is complete flexibility to accept the jobs you want when you want to.
You can find out more in their employment opportunities site.
7. SigTrack
SigTrack is a database application that links freelancers with online data entry work. You’ll be verifying information on voter registrations and petitions for various states.
As of the date of this post, SigTrack was accepting new users. This isn’t always the case, as they stop taking new applicants when they meet their staffing needs.
According to their website, they’ll pay your earnings automatically through PayPal without a need to submit an invoice.
Because of election law restrictions, SigTrack is only able to hire U.S. residents. Also, be prepared for a Skype interview as part of their sign up process.
How do data entry jobs from home work?
Remote data entry jobs require you to transform information from one form to another and verify it. You’ll typically use a keyboard to input information manually into a software system.
Potential employers sometimes use the term ‘data entry’ somewhat broadly. So your duties as a data entry clerk may include correcting text, creating lists or verifying contact information. It may also consist of word processing, typing and transcription work.
A data entry job from home can be repetitive and boring, so it may not be a good fit for everyone. But many people find these opportunities attractive because of the flexibility and freedom they can provide.
What skills do I need for data entry online jobs?
While data entry jobs from home don’t require specialized skills, you’ll want to have some basic know-how to be successful:
- Typing proficiency: To get data input work, you need to be proficient at typing. That means your typing speed is in the range of 50 to 80 words per minute, error-free. Do you know how fast you can type? If you’re unsure, you can easily determine your current typing speed online and free of charge.
- Communication skills: Since you’ll work remotely, good communication with your clients is important. For example, you’ll want to be proactive when instructions aren’t clear or keep clients informed when there’s a problem.
- Attention to detail: Online data input jobs require accuracy and attention to detail. And producing work that is error-free consistently can lead to better pay.
- Basic understanding of software: Knowledge of word processing software and spreadsheets is desirable in these types of jobs. They’ll usually be your go-to tools to complete your tasks.
- Ability to focus: Data entry can be repetitive and monotonous. You need to be able to focus on tasks for long stretches of time.
How much can I make working in data entry?
You’ll find that data entry jobs from home generally pay less than those based in an office environment. There’s a couple reasons for that.
For one, companies that offer remote data entry positions hire you as an independent contractor, so federal minimum wage laws do not apply. At times, you’ll run into cases where the pay is simply not worth your time and effort, so it’s best to quickly walk away from those offers.
Also, some companies hire globally. In those cases, you’ll compete with a pool of data entry specialists who may be in locations where the pay is competitive to them, but not to you. Again, those opportunities may not be the best fit for you.
In terms of pay, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides nationwide data. They estimate that the average hourly wage for data entry specialists is about $16, including office-based data entry wages.
How to prevent data entry scams
The internet is a great resource when searching for data entry positions from home, but you need to keep your guard up and watch out for scammers.
Here are some things you should keep in mind to avoid data entry scams:
- Unsolicited email. Beware of unsolicited emails offering you data entry positions, even if you’ve heard about the company. Legit companies have reported email scams involving data typing jobs with them. If you get emails with such offers, treat them with suspicion.
- High-paying opportunities. Data entry positions aren’t known for their high pay. If you see ads marketing high-income opportunities in data entry just ignore them. They’re too good to be true.
- You need to pay a fee. Opportunities that involve up-front fees or require your credit card information deserve your mistrust. Even if you see the ad in a publication that you normally trust.
- Undisclosed federal work. Information about federal jobs is freely available. In fact, those positions are available in usajobs.gov. Plainly ignore any ad or any call promising an undisclosed federal data entry job.
Alternatives to data entry jobs from home
If data entry doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there’s other options to make money from home that you may want to consider. In fact, some of these alternatives have the potential of becoming rewarding career paths in their own right.
Pursue freelance writing
As a freelance writer, you’ll be self-employed and able to earn money from home, or wherever you have your computer. In a sense, you’re your own business owner, working independently.
Your typing skills still come in handy, of course, but you’ll be able to use your creativity and the work will be far from monotonous. As a freelance writer, you can work with one client or several, and work on one-off or recurring projects.
Freelance writing also affords flexibility. And not just with the hours you put in, but also with the type of assignments you can do. These include article writing, site content, copywriting and editing, among others.
And did you know? To pursue freelance writing you don’t need a degree. Of course, it helps to learn freelance writing from a well-paid writer who can teach you. Freelance writing is the type of career path that can transform people’s lives.
Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants work remotely and help executives manage their daily administrative tasks. These can include scheduling appointments, arranging travel or managing email for their clients.
The work you’ll take on as a virtual assistant will depend on your skills and can extend beyond administrative work to include bookkeeping or putting together presentations, for example.
As a virtual assistant, you can work independently from home and pretty much run your own show. It’s a legit business to be in.
You can get a better sense of the services that virtual assistants provide by downloading these 150 services you can offer as a virtual assistant.
Work as a transcriptionist
If data entry from home appeals to you, but you want better pay while building your skills, consider becoming a transcriptionist. As a transcriptionist, you’ll listen to audio recordings and convert them into text documents for your clients.
You can specialize in one of three areas: medical, legal and general transcription. ‘General transcription’ is the label used when dealing with industries outside of the medical and legal fields.
Is a career as a transcriptionist for you? It’s a bit difficult to decide if you’ve never done it. One way to figure out if it can work for you is to enroll in a free transcription course and learn first-hand what a career in transcription is all about.
The best thing about data entry jobs online is their simplicity
Working as a data entry clerk from home is one simple way to make extra money without complications.
Whether you need the money to pay off credit card debt, save more or make ends meet, online typing jobs can help you come up with the money you need.