Working remotely in data entry is a great option because you can work from anywhere.

These jobs can be done during the week, or you can look for weekends work. This makes them great for students and moms looking for extra income.

Many online data input jobs allow you to work from anywhere, making a decent living and earning a decent salary. All you need is to know where they are.

What is Data Entry?

Data entry is the process of taking hard-copy information such as sales receipts, addresses, survey responses and entering it into a computer program. This could include scanning documents or transcribing audio files.

To work as a data entry clerk you don’t have to have a degree or training. However, you will need to have a high school diploma. You also need to be a proficient typist. You will need to learn English if you are working in the U.S.A or with U.S.-based customers.

Companies that employ data entry clerks include law firms, membership organizations, and medical practices.

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Entry-level Data Entry Jobs at Freelance

You’ll find many remote data entry jobs that aren’t worth your while. By sticking with a reliable company, you can avoid wasting time. These are the top platforms to find entry-level jobs in data entry.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a reputable website for remote, flexible and freelance jobs.

Each job listing is verified by an actual person so that you don’t have the hassle of looking through low-paying jobs or scams in order to find a great opportunity. FlexJobs is well worth looking at, though you will need to pay for access to its listings. There are two options: a $14.95/month plan or a longer-term plan with lower monthly costs. For more information, visit our review.

DollarSprout members can get up to 20% off when they sign up for FlexJobs’ three-month or one-year plans.

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2. Microworkers

lists brief tasks that employers require to be completed. These tasks are not difficult and don’t require special skills or training.

Many microtask jobs are less expensive than a dollar and take only a few minutes. Microworkers can be a great way to quickly make some extra cash if you have the time.

3. Amazon MTurk

Amazon MTurk is short for Mechanical Turk. It’s Amazon’s micro-tasking website, but it focuses on data-based tasks such as fact-checking and transcribing audio files. Data entry tasks could include verifying information in a listing or removing duplicate content.

It’s easy to get started with MTurk by creating a account and looking for suitable jobs.

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4. Clickworker

Clickworker, another micro-task job website, allows freelancers to work as contractors and complete a range of tasks, including data entry. After you sign up, you’ll need to complete an assessment to determine which jobs you are qualified for. These will be the ones that appear in your job search listings.

Higher levels of skills can lead to more job opportunities. You will find jobs in both your native language and the other languages you speak, for example, if you’re bilingual.

Clickworker Registration with Clickworker can be a great way for extra income, but the website warns that it is not a replacement for a full-time occupation and that your income may fluctuate monthly.

5. Fiverr

allows freelancers to offer services such as graphic design, voiceovers, proofreading, and article writing. By bidding on jobs and creating a listing, you can also offer data entry service to those who require it.

The basic package will typically pay $5, but you have the option to upgrade your earnings. This is a great place to learn data entry skills and negotiate with clients.

6. SigTrack

SigTrack employs remote workers to verify signatures on petitions against voter registration lists. Your productivity is what determines how much you get paid. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a certain rate.

SigTrack claims that new users can double or triple their speed in the first few days. This means that even if you don’t feel like you are making any money, it might be worth sticking with it.

SigTrack requires that you meet some additional requirements in order to be able to work with it. SigTrack requires that workers have access to voter registration data. You must be a U.S. citizen. To verify your identity, you will need to complete a short video interview. Dual monitors are required to view both voter registrations and signatures simultaneously.

Companies that hire remote data entry clerks

You might be interested in remote data entry but prefer to work for a large company over freelancing. For other companies looking for employees, you can search on job boards or aggregator websites like ZipRecruiter and Upwork.

Remote data entry jobs are offered by a few companies, such as Amazon. Although they are not always hiring, all of them are worth looking into.

7. Kendall Creek Communications

Kendall Creek Communications employs many remote workers, including data entry clerks. The company employs independent contractors to perform tasks in the areas of data processing, transcription, and market research.

It boasts a large client list that includes many big U.S. government agencies. For current job opportunities, visit its website.

8. Capital Typing

Capital Typing offers a wide range of data entry and clerical services to businesses. This company is a well-respected one and provides a variety of other services than data entry.

Capital Typing provides online data entry jobs, where the clerks can work as independent contractors. For job opportunities, visit its website.

9. Xerox

Xerox is most well-known for its photocopy machines, but they also offer a variety of work-from home opportunities, such as data entry. A part-time or full-time job could be available with a salary of up to $30,000 annually.

It is not always possible to hire, so it is a good idea to upload your resume into the applicant database. You will be notified by email when a job becomes available so that you can apply.

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What skills are required for data entry jobs?

Although every job in data entry is unique, there are certain skills that you must have to be successful in this field.

Computer skills

You will work from home so all of your work will be done on a computer. Although you don’t need to be an expert, it is a good idea to have some knowledge of computers.

Helpful computer skills include:

• Typing. Because most data entry involves typing, it is the most important skill that you will need. You can type faster and make more typing at home if you are able to type quickly. A data entry clerk should be able to type at least 40 words per minute. Anything above that speed is good. To see where you fall, can test your typing speed online
• Spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are used by many companies to organize their data. Knowing how to use a spreadsheet to enter data is crucial. You should be familiarized with Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Both programs have many features. They are however very similar. You should be able to transfer your skills from one to the other if you’re proficient in either.
• Word documents. It’s likely that you will use Microsoft Word at one point. You will be able to learn the basics of Microsoft Word and give yourself an advantage over other job-seekers.
• PowerPoint. While PowerPoint is less common than Word or Excel, it is a good idea for you to get to know it.
• All Google products You should have a Google account that is professional and an understanding of basic Google apps.

Don’t be discouraged if you feel you are lacking certain skills. Online tutorials and courses are available. Many programs also offer in-platform support and troubleshooting.

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Organisational skills

Your success as a data entry clerk depends on your ability to stay organized. This is especially important when working with large amounts of data and need to keep everything straight.

You might need the following skills for organization:

• Maintaining files and folders in a logical order. You’ll be working as a remote data entry clerk and downloading and uploading many files and folders. You should have a system in place for filing and naming everything on your computer. This will prevent you from losing a file or accidentally sending the wrong data to a client.
• Pay attention to details. Data entry can be frustrating if you aren’t detail-oriented. Long strings of data can look similar, so it is possible to have multiple entries. It can be very repetitive to enter data and it is easy to overlook small details. Avoid costly errors by paying attention to details.
• Setting deadlines. Data entry projects can be time-sensitive and must be completed by a certain date. It is important to use a calendar or another system to manage deadlines if you have multiple clients. Google’s free calendar feature can be used to track important dates, tasks, or assignments.

You can also use an app like Evernote or Asana to help you keep track of different clients, projects and deadlines if you struggle with organization.

Communication skills

It’s not possible to communicate with coworkers in an office setting where you can easily chat. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep up to date with online communication.

You can communicate with your supervisors and coworkers in many ways.

• Email. The majority of communication in online work is done via email. A system will be needed to keep track of your email inbox and to respond promptly to all emails. It is a good rule to reply within 24 hours. However, some emails are more urgent. Install a mail app for your smartphone to make it easier to keep track of your emails and set up message alerts.
• Chat communications online. Many companies use Slack or their own chat system. If your employer uses such a system, ensure you are familiar with it and that you check your messages. Employers and clients should give you clear instructions on when you need to be online.
• Video conference. Clients or employers may use Zoom or another videoconferencing platform to hold trainings or team meetings. These platforms will require you to be able to navigate them and have reliable internet access.

It is important to communicate clearly online and professionally.

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How to Avoid Scams

Many people are looking for remote data entry jobs. Scammers know this. This means that there are many scams masquerading as legitimate opportunities. These tips will help you avoid falling for scams.

• Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true. A data entry job promising thousands of dollars per month for very little work is a fraud. Even if you are an expert in medical coding, it is possible to make some extra money. However, keep your expectations realistic. Don’t believe anything you hear.
• Do not pay for a job. Another con is asking for money upfront before you can make money. Don’t pay any type of payment to a potential employer. A legitimate job does not require you to pay any kind of fee or for training before you can start.
• Avoid training programs. Many legitimate employers will require that you complete some training before you can start working as a data entry clerk. Employers that require you to work as a trainee for very low wages or free of charge should be avoided. It is possible that you won’t be offered the job after your “training” period. Before you start any type of work, get a contract or some other guarantee.

These tips are not the only ones that will help you. Listen to your gut instincts. Don’t accept any job offer that you don’t like or is too personal. There are many legitimate options.

Alternatives to Data Entry Jobs

Data entry is a great way for you to make extra money from home. However, it’s not your only option. You can also make extra money online by working from home.

Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is another great job . Virtual assistants are a little like personal assistants or secretary. You’ll only work online.

Virtual assistants can perform many tasks such as sending emails, making phone calls, managing social media accounts, and much more. Virtual assistants can also perform data entry work remotely, although the options are almost limitless. As a virtual assistant , you can offer over150 services.

You have less control over when and how you work as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants work directly for entrepreneurs or companies to accomplish any tasks they require.

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Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping can be a great alternative to data entry if you are good at managing your finances and balancing your checkbook.

You can work remotely or at an office and perform tasks such as invoicing clients, recording receipts or issuing payments. This job can be done manually or with bookkeeping software.

A Google spreadsheet or Excel spreadsheet can be used to create automatic formulas that do the calculations automatically, eliminating any errors in your math. This makes you more efficient, accurate, and faster so you can take on more clients.

Transcribing

You can also make money by becoming a transcriptionist. You will listen to audio files and then transcribe them into text. Some editing might be necessary to remove words like “um”, sighs, or sniffles. Other than that, all you have to do is type what you hear.

Transcribers have the option to choose the jobs they do, and can decide when and how long to work. Transcription jobs are at least $5 an hour, while some offer up to $25 an hour. You will need to complete a transcription test and apply for the job. A transcript test is not required.

You can sign up to Scribie and become a freelance transcriber if you are new to the field. You can use this platform to improve your skills and create a client list in the event that you decide to open your own data entry company.

Is Data Entry a Real Opportunity to Make Money?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that data entry clerks earn an average hourly salary of just over $16 per hour, which is well above the minimum wage. You won’t find all entry-level jobs in data entry that pay this much so make sure to choose the most lucrative jobs for you and your skills.

How fast you work will also affect how much money you make. Remote data entry jobs pay per job, rather than by hour.