One of the best things about data Entry jobs from home is the flexibility to work wherever you want.
Data entry is a great career for those who want to make easy money from home. To become a data entry clerk, all you need is a computer and some basic skills.
There are plenty of online data input jobs that allow you to work remotely, earning a decent living regardless of your location.
You can work during the week or look for weekend work only, and these are great home-based jobs for moms, for students, and for anyone looking to earn extra money.
Best Entry Level Data Entry Jobs
When searching for remote data Entry Jobs from home, you’ll quickly find that many jobs out there aren’t worth your time.
Many of them pay next to nothing or are outright scams. Make sure you aren’t wasting your time by sticking with a reputable company. Here are the best entry-level data entry jobs online for those looking to make money at home.
Flexible and Freelance Online Data Input Jobs
One reason many people are interested in remote data entry is the flexibility it can provide. There are plenty of opportunities for freelance data entry work. These sites are great starting places if you want to do data entry work on your own terms.
1. Flexjobs
Flexjobs is a well-established, reputable site for finding remote, flexible, and freelance jobs. Data entry jobs are popular on this platform.
Every job listed is vetted by a real person, so you don’t have to sort through scams or low-paying jobs to find something worth your time. This makes Flexjobs well worth browsing, although you will have to pay to access their listings. You can choose from a $14.95 per month plan, or longer-term plans with lower monthly costs.
2. Microworkers
Microworkers is very different from Flexjobs. You won’t find “jobs,” per se, on Microworkers. Instead, the site lists short tasks that employers need to be completed.
Most tasks pay less than a dollar, but they only take a few minutes at the most. Many of these are basic data entry tasks that don’t require any special training or skills. If you have a little extra time on your hands and want to make a few bucks quickly, Microworkers is a good way to do it.
3. Scribie
Scribie is a great way to get started in the field of transcription. Companies submit audio to Scribie and freelance remote workers transcribe it.
Transcribers can choose jobs they want to complete, so you have the freedom to decide when and how much you want to work. Jobs pay at least $5 per hour of audio, with some offering up to $25 per audio hour. To get started, you’ll need to apply and complete a transcription test. Otherwise, no special qualifications are needed.
4. SigTrack
SigTrack hires remote freelance workers to do one simple task—check signatures on petitions against names on voter registration rolls. You get paid based on your productivity, which means there’s no guarantee you’ll get a certain rate.
SigTrack claims that most new users double or triple their speed within the first few days, so even if it feels like you’re not making money at first, it may be worth it to stick with it.
There are a few extra requirements for those looking to work through SigTrack. Because SigTrack requires workers to access voter registration data, you must be a U.S. resident. You’ll have to do a brief video interview to verify your identity before beginning work. You also need dual monitors, so you can view signatures and voter registrations at the same time.
Companies that Hire Remote Data Entry Clerks
Maybe you’re interested in being a remote data entry clerk but prefer the idea of working for a major company instead of freelancing. There are a few big companies that offer remote data entry jobs from home. They’re not always hiring, but all are worth checking out.
5. Birch Creek Communications
Birch Creek Communications is a big employer of remote workers, including data entry clerks. This company hires workers as independent contractors to complete jobs in the fields of transcription, data processing, and market research.
They have an impressive list of clients that includes several big U.S. government agencies. Check their website for current employment opportunities.
6. DionData Solutions
DionData Solutions has been around for over a decade and is well-established as a reputable company. They provide all kinds of data-related services to companies and government agencies.
DionData Solutions hires data entry clerks who work from home to complete all their work. You can check their site to search for openings.
7. Capital Typing
Capital Typing provides a variety of data and clerical services for businesses. They offer a wide range of services besides basic data entry, and they’re a reputable company.
Capital Typing offers remote data entry jobs from home where clerks are hired as independent contractors. Check out their website for employment opportunities.
What Skills Are Required for Data Entry?
Don’t expect to just be entering numbers and data—you’ll find that data entry clerks do all kinds of tasks. Though every job is different, there are some basic skills you should have if you want to succeed in the world of online data input jobs.
Computer Skills
Because you’ll be working from home, all your work will be done using a computer. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to land data entry jobs from home. However, you do need to have basic computer skills.
Typing
Typing might be the most important skill you’ll need as a data entry clerk. Most data entry involves typing. The faster you can type, the faster you can get your work done.
If you’re looking to work remotely as a freelancer or independent contractor, you’ll probably be paid based on the work you complete and not by the hour. That means time is money.
The average typing speed is 40 words per minute, so anything above that is a good start for a data entry clerk. You can test your typing speed online to see where you fall.
Spreadsheets
Many companies organize their data in spreadsheets, so knowing how to use a spreadsheet is key to succeeding in data entry. There are two programs you should be familiar with: Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
Both have a lot of features that can be tricky to learn. Taking a class online or at a local community college isn’t a bad idea. Luckily, they’re also very similar. If you learn one, your skills should transfer to the other.
Word Documents
As a data entry clerk, there’s a good chance you’ll be using Microsoft Word at some point. Knowing how to use the basic features of the program, such as formatting a document or inserting links, will give you an edge over other job-seekers.
Powerpoints
You’re less likely to use PowerPoint on a daily basis compared to Word or Excel. However, it won’t hurt you to know how to use it. Using PowerPoint is considered a basic computer skill by most employers. They’ll likely expect you to be at least proficient in PowerPoint, so brush up on your skills.
Whatever program you choose for email—Gmail and Microsoft Outlook are the most popular—you’ll need to know how to use it. Email is the primary means of communication for online data entry jobs. In addition to basic skills like knowing how to check your inbox and attach files, be sure you know proper email etiquette.
All Google Products
Google products, including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for people to collaborate online. They’re similar to Microsoft Office programs, but they allow multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously.
You’ll likely need to use at least one of these programs to work in data entry. Be sure you have a professional Google account and a good working knowledge of basic Google applications.
Organizational Skills
Staying organized is extremely important for data entry clerks. This is especially true when you’re working with a lot of data at once and need to keep things straight.
Keeping Files and Folders Straight
As a remote data entry clerk, you’ll be downloading and uploading lots of files and folders. Create a system for naming and filing everything on your computer. This will keep you from misplacing a file or sending a client the wrong data.
Attention to Detail
If you’re not detail-oriented, data entry will be difficult. You might be dealing with long strings of data that can start to look alike. Data entry can also be extremely repetitive, and it can be easy to start overlooking small details. Paying attention to detail will keep you from making costly mistakes.
Communication Skills
Since you won’t be working in a traditional office environment where you can chat with coworkers at the water cooler, it’s important to stay on top of online communication. Being able to communicate clearly and professionally is also key.
Regular Emailing
A lot of communication in the online workplace happens over email. You need to be able to keep up with your emails and reply in a timely manner.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure you reply to all emails within 24 hours, but some emails may be more time-sensitive. Make it easy to keep up with your emails by installing a mail app on your smartphone that alerts you when you have a new message.
Online Chat Communications
Some companies have their own online chat system. If your employer has a chat system, make sure you learn to use it properly and check it as needed. Get clear guidance from employers or clients on when they need you to be available online.
How Much Can You Really Make from Data Entry?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data entry clerks make an average hourly wage just over $15 an hour—well above minimum wage. Not all entry-level data entry jobs pay this well, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the best jobs.
The amount of money you make also depends on how quickly you work. Most remote data entry jobs are on a contractor or freelance basis, paying per job rather than by the hour.
How to Avoid Data Entry Scams
There are lots of people searching for good remote data entry jobs, and scammers know it. Unfortunately, that means there are lots of scams posing as legitimate opportunities. Keep an eye out for scams by following these tips.
Avoid Anything That’s Too Good to Be True
If you stumble across a data entry job that promises to pay thousands per month for minimal work, it might sound great. But most of the time, employers who claim you’ll get rich working in data entry are lying.
Sure, you can make some money, especially if you have experience in a specialized field like medical coding. If you’re looking for entry-level data entry jobs, keep your expectations reasonable and be wary of anything that seems too good to be true.
Don’t Pay to Get A Job
Another scam involves asking you to pay money upfront before you can start making money. If a potential employer asks for any kind of payment, walk away. No legitimate job will ever ask you to pay a fee or pay for training before you start.
Be Wary of Training Programs
Plenty of legitimate employers require you to undergo some training before beginning work as a data entry clerk. Be wary of employers that want you to work for free or extremely low wages as a training period.
You may find that after your “training” period, you don’t get the high-paying work they promise. Get a contract or other guarantee before you begin any kind of work.
Alternatives to Data Input Jobs
Data entry is a great way to make extra money from home in your spare time. But it’s not the only remote work available. There are other ways you can turn your free time into spending money by working online.
Proofreading
If you have a good eye for detail and know your grammar and conventions, proofreading can be an easy way to make extra money as a part-time home-based job.
Proofreaders check over documents to make sure there are no mistakes before publication. Unlike an editor, a proofreader doesn’t change content. They just find spelling, grammar, and other small mistakes.
If you think proofreading might be a good fit, but you’re not entirely sure, check out Proofread Anywhere’s free workshop. The workshop covers five signs you could make a great proofreader, how much money you can expect to make, and tips to land your first clients.
The nice thing about proofreading is that you set your own rates, hours, and work as little or as much as you want.
Virtual Assistant
Another great way to work from home is to be a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant is a bit like a secretary or personal assistant. The only difference is, you’ll work entirely online.
Virtual assistants perform a wide variety of tasks, such as making phone calls, sending emails, running social media accounts, and more. Many virtual assistants also do data entry work, but the possibilities are nearly limitless. Here’s a list of over 150 services you can offer as a virtual assistant.
As a virtual assistant, you have a little less freedom in choosing when and how you work. You’ll be working directly for an entrepreneur or company to complete whatever tasks they need to be done.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on how to get started as a virtual assistant.
Freelance Writing
Maybe you want something a little more creative than data entry, proofreading, or being a virtual assistant.
Freelance writing allows you to work from home in your spare time and make extra money. As a freelance writer, you can offer your services to individuals and companies who need articles, website copy, and more written.
Freelance writers have a lot of freedom. You can choose when you want to work, how often you want to work, and what types of jobs you want to do. There are plenty of sites listing freelance writing jobs up for grabs.
You can also set up a profile on freelance sites like UpWork. On Upwork, you can browse freelance writing jobs and apply for the ones that interest you. Anyone can sign up and get started right away.
The Best Part of Working Data Entry Jobs From Home: Freedom
However you decide to get started, working from home as a data entry clerk or in a similar field is a great way to get paid in your spare time.
Even if you already work full time, becoming a data entry clerk can allow you to make the extra money you want to pay off debts, save up for a vacation, or just stash a little extra money at the end of each month.
Have you had a good experience finding legitimate data entry jobs from home? Tell us about it in the comments!
The post 7 Data Entry Jobs to Earn from Home on Your Own Schedule appeared first on DollarSprout.
