Your Guide to Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs

When the pandemic hit, companies were scrambling to find ways to maintain their operations and ensure public safety. Therefore, many transitioned their workforce to remote positions. Three years later, it seems like many businesses and workers and wanting to make it a permanent change. And as even more companies go remote, there will be new online employment opportunities. Some fields, such as data entry, may not even require previous experience. So if you are interested in a remote position, let this be your guide to work-from-home data entry jobs.

What Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs Are There?

Data entry jobs involve typing, transcribing, or putting information into digital format. Nowadays, there are many ways to do this such as keyboard entry, voice transcription, or utilizing a touch screen with a digital pen. And the best part is that they don’t require more than basic computer and typing skills. A data entry position could provide an easy way to earn extra cash if you already have a home office.

And, there are many different types of data entry positions to choose from.

Clerk: It’s a clerk’s job to input data into the computer system or database. This may include transcribing information from paper documents, audio files, or data from scanned images.

Keyer: This position is a specialized clerk that focuses on alphanumeric data. It usually means transcribing numbers and other technical information from hard copies into a computer database.

Transcriptionist: These roles are primarily responsible for transcribing audio and video files to text. However, it may cover a wide variety of content including meeting notes, interviews, lectures, podcasts, etc.
Typist: These positions concentrate on entering text through a word processor. Therefore, you must be able to type quickly. A large portion of the job involves typing correspondences and reports.

What Are the Job Requirement?

With a transitioning workforce, more people are looking for remote jobs. While there are more opportunities, it also means that companies have a larger pool of employees to choose from. Therefore, you will need to know your skill set and search for opportunities best suited to your abilities.

The requirements will vary depending on the company and the type of data you work with. Many data entry positions often require little, and sometimes no experience. And, they often provide flexible or part-time schedules if you are looking to supplement your income. However, there are a few basic requirements you will need to meet to get one of these positions.

Home Office Equipment

This should be obvious, but you will need home office equipment to perform these tasks. Some companies will provide them for you, while others will require you to purchase them on your own. Generally speaking, you will need a reliable computer that has a word processing program, spreadsheets, and editing software as well as a strong internet connection. However, more specialized jobs may have additional requirements.

Basic Skills

Each job will be slightly different. But, here are some of the basic skills you will need to have include:

Accuracy – This is essential for all work-from-home data entry jobs. One mistake can lead to severe repercussions and hours of additional work to find and correct the error.
Typing Speed – In addition to accuracy, you need to be a fast typer. Employers may have tests to assess your WPM to ensure you can handle the job load. This is crucial since you will have to input large amounts of data on short timelines.
Attention to Detail – Although this is another component of accuracy, you must show attention to detail in all aspects of your work. The information must be entered precisely and procedures strictly followed.
Patience – Data entry can grow tedious after several hours. So, you must have the patience to handle long, repetitive tasks without losing focus.

While these are great skills to have, adding more to your resume will make you more appealing and improve your earning potential. Specialized skills like legal and medical transcription can give you a nice pay bump. Competencies and certifications with software programs or experience within a given field can also increase your starting salary for these positions.

How Much Can You Make in Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs?

There are legitimate opportunities out there for work-from-home data entry jobs. But, many are entry-level positions. So, they may not pay much more than the minimum wage.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, these were the national average wages from 2021.

Data Entry Clerks/Keyers: $17.28/hour
Medical Transcriptionists: $17.94/hour
Word Processors and Typists: $20.85/hour

Keep in mind that you can earn a higher salary if you have more specialized experience or job skills. And, good reviews from clients will also improve your professional reputation through higher rankings and referrals. This will give you the ability to raise your prices when you are more in demand.

Where Can You Find Work?

If you are looking for a data entry job, these are some of the best sites with the most opportunities.

Upwork

Upwork is a marketplace that connects freelancers with businesses in need of support for projects. It has a wide variety of jobs, including data entry positions. The site currently has over 2,000 positions for data entry. Once you make a profile, you can browse through job descriptions to learn about the skills needed, the timeline, and offered pay.

Fiverr

Fiverr is another popular freelance marketplace that allows you, the freelancer, to create “gigs” that businesses can buy. It is a good starting point if you are new and need to find work fast. And, there are no long-term commitments needed. This site lets you build your skills and determine which types of jobs are best for you.

Indeed

Indeed is a unique employment website that pulls job postings from all over the web. It focuses on helping companies find employees for full and part-time positions. It’s a lot like your typical job site that posts the job description, required skills, and estimated pay. But, it offers more opportunities since it accesses a wider network.

Getting Started

When I first started looking for contractual work, I hit many dead ends and followed many false leads. However, I soon learned that with persistence and dedication, it was possible to find real and profitable contracts. Although there are many opportunities out there, you will have to spend time sifting through job postings and applying for as many as possible to get your foot in the door.

First impressions are important, so put careful thought when creating your professional profile. You should also upload your resume, list relevant skills, and add examples to your work portfolio.

Working on multiple sites can also increase your exposure. But, a fee-based platform provides prescreening to help you find the best opportunities.

However, there are always people looking to take advantage of unsuspecting job hunters. So, be aware of current scams and make sure you only work with reputable companies.

Jenny Smedra

Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.