Online data entry jobs are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for those interested in diving into the remote work world without having much experience. If you have good keyboarding skills and a good command of typing, online data entry jobs can be your door to landing a remote job in 2024.
For starters, all the equipment you need is a laptop and stable internet connection. As a data entry clerk your main role consists in inputting data into a computerized system using manual means such as a keyboard or scanning documents.
Whether you’re a student, looking for a part-time job or exploring career options, online data entry jobs are a great alternative. Let’s explore more into what this career involves.
The Skills You Need To Succeed
A data entry job requires a few technical skills to succeed, but you can develop these skills with time and practice:
- Typing Proficiency: Data entry jobs require fast typing skills. Since you’ll be entering data into spreadsheets and documents, you’ll need to know how to do this. Keeping up with deadlines will require you to be more efficient with your typing. Practicing regularly and avoiding typos and other errors on a computer keyboard is a proven way to improve your typing proficiency.
- Attention To Detail: Being thorough and spotting errors in data is crucial for data entry professionals. You’ll also need to be attentive when listening to audio recordings.
- Good Communication Skills: Data entry professionals must communicate with clients and co-workers about issues related to data entry. This also means you’ll need good listening skills to ensure the quality of your work.
- Organization: A core skill of data entry professionals is their ability to organize data. You can use this skill to manage the data you have already gathered or plan to obtain.
- Basic Computer Knowledge: You don’t need to be a computer expert to do this job. But you’ll need a basic understanding of how computers work to be successful as a data entry specialist. This includes knowing your way around Windows, opening programs, logging in to accounts, searching the internet, and using spreadsheets.
8 Types of Data Entry Jobs From Home
While the primary function of the data entry role is to input and process data, there are different types of data entry jobs. These are the ones with more demand:
1. General Data Entry Clerk
The responsibilities of a data entry clerk involve organizing company data into a file system or spreadsheet format.
They may also be responsible for updating outdated information and comparing the latest data sets with the originals. Being up-to-date on computer software and organizational skills is crucial to success in this role.
Common tasks:
- Typing data from paper documents
- Updating databases
- Verifying information.
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $15.78
2. Transcriptionist
Data transcriptionist is among the most in-demand online data entry jobs. This role requires you to listen to audio or video files and convert them into text form.
Transcribers may need to listen to audio or video files multiple times for accurate transcription.
Some examples of audio/video files you may transcribe are voicemails, podcasts, interviews, conference calls, YouTube clips, and online lectures.
Common tasks:
- Transcribing medical, legal, or business recordings, ensuring accuracy and proper formatting.
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $17.50 to $25.00
3. Data Entry Keyer
The role of a data entry keyer emphasizes the task of entering data quickly and accurately. It focuses more on the speed and precision of data entry, without requiring additional administrative responsibilities.
Common tasks:
- Entering information from documents, scanning records, and maintaining data logs.
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $16.00 to $21.00
4. Data Processor
Data processors focus on providing support to organizations by organizing, processing and storing data. They often work with confidential information, however data processors can’t record it or use it for other purposes. Their main role consists in providing analytics and reports about the raw data, which data controllers use to make decisions or draw conclusions.
This is one of the online data entry jobs that require additional technical skills like knowledge of computer databases, financial data, quality control, and more.
Common tasks:
- Processing transactions
- Updating financial records
- Managing databases
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $17.00 to $22.00
5. Data Entry Specialist
As a data entry specialist, you’ll be responsible for entering large amounts of data into a company’s database and maintaining it. You’ll focus on collecting and maintaining accurate records of valuable company information in a database.
Common tasks:
- Entering complex data sets
- Ensuring data integrity
- Performing quality checks.
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $15.57
6. Billing and Coding Specialist
One of the best-paying data entry jobs online from home without investment is working as a coding specialist. Their main role is to retrieve and organize client data, aid in the creation of company documents, and oversee company databases.
They may also need to coordinate with hospitals and insurance companies to record reimbursement fees. An understanding of medical processes is essential for this position.
Common tasks:
- Processing insurance claims
- Coding medical procedures
- Ensuring compliance with regulations
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $18.00 to $25.00
7. Word Processor
A word processor, also known as a typist, is responsible for inputting, editing and formatting text data using a word processing software. This includes preparing letters, reports, spreadsheets and other textual data.
Common Tasks:
- Formatting documents
- Checking for grammar and spelling errors
- Ensuring consistency in style
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $20
8. Data Coordinator
A data coordinator maintains company databases, enters spreadsheet data, and communicates discrepancies with superiors about recorded data. Their main responsibility consists in ensuring data integrity and accuracy. This role often requires a higher level of expertise in data management and analysis.
Common Tasks:
- Data entry
- Data validation
- Generating reports
- Data analysis
- Maintaining databases
💵 Average Hourly Rate: $24
How to Find an Online Data Entry Job?
Finding a job as an online data entry specialist can be tricky, especially if you don’t have any experience. Beyond job boards, the key is in optimizing your search as well as your resume, so it’s more detectable for recruiters and ATS. Here are some practical steps you can take to start with your job search.
1. Make Your Resume as Specific as Possible
Why should companies hire you? This is the question that you need to answer with your resume through your set of skills, qualifications and experience.
As an online data entry professional, you need to be as specific as you can with your skills and online working experience. The purpose is that hiring managers can detect what makes you different from other candidates and what you have to offer.
It’s also useful to customize your resume to include the specific skills or experiences mentioned in the job posting. If the job description mentions “proficiency in Microsoft Excel” make sure this skill is highlighted on your resume.
Additionally, focus on incorporating relevant keywords. This is the best way to get through ATS systems that scan resumes for specific terms. In the case of data entry jobs this may include “data validation”, or “CRM systems” – these are always highlighted in job descriptions.
2. Use the Right Keywords for Your Job Search
As you’ve seen above, the role of a “Data Entry Specialist” is not the same as the role of a “Data Coordinator.” While they are in the same data entry category, they require different skills. Noticing this is important when conducting your job search because you don’t want to apply for jobs where you don’t have the right qualifications.
Start by identifying specific keywords that are related to the type of data entry job you’re seeking. These are some examples related to remote work as well:
- Remote data entry
- Online data entry clerk
- Virtual transcriptionist
- Remote data processor
- Work from home data entry specialist
Additionally, focus on job boards that are specifically targeted for remote roles as these can make your search more efficient and geared towards your goals. These job boards include ThinkRemote, Indeed, FlexJobs, Remote.co, or social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
💡 Pro tip: Set up job alerts with your specific keywords. This will notify you when new jobs that match your criteria are posted.
3. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
When applying for jobs, you’ll soon notice that most companies ask for your LinkedIn profile. In fact, over 95% of recruiters actively use LinkedIn to search for high-quality candidates.
You can have all the experience and skills required, but if you’re profile is not optimized they might not take you into consideration.
There are several ways you can optimize your LinkedIn profile. Here are a few useful tips:
- Add a headline that states your expertise. For example: “Experienced Remote Data Entry Specialist”
- Make sure you have a professional profile picture.
- Add your previous work experience, and ask for references.
9 Sites for Online Data Entry Jobs
Once you have your resume ready to go, these are some great sites to find online data entry jobs:
1. ThinkRemote
ThinkRemote offers a job board specifically for remote workers and digital nomads. The jobs are constantly updated and target different industries from technology to marketing. You can find online data entry jobs by typing the keyword through the search engine.
2. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
Amazon Mechanical Turk is a crowdsourcing platform where businesses post small jobs for remote workers to complete in exchange for payment. Workers can earn up to $2 – $7.25 per hour.
Tasks on MTurk typically require completing surveys, transcribing audio/video clips, providing basic customer service, and more.
3. Clickworker
Clickworker is a website that allows businesses to outsource small tasks to a crowd of online workers. Assignments include things like data entry, transcription, research, and more.
Businesses can get work done quickly and efficiently with Clickworker. And best of all, it’s a great way for data entry professionals to make an average of $8 per hour.
4. TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe is an online transcription platform that allows businesses and workers to complete small transcription tasks online. You will receive assignments one at a time, but as long as there is demand, you can work on as much as you like.
5. Upwork
Upwork is the world’s largest freelancing platform. Interested and qualified candidates can bid on data entry projects. Payments are made monthly through Upwork’s payment processing system.
6. People Per Hour
People Per Hour is a freelance platform where businesses post small projects for freelance workers to complete. You then choose a project that interests you and bid the amount you are willing to be paid.
Once you and the employer agree on a rate, you can start working immediately. People Per Hour does not charge any fees to freelancers.
7. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great place to find online data entry jobs. The platform allows the public to expand their professional network by connecting with other professionals worldwide.
LinkedIn also serves businesses by providing them with a list of professionals they can contact when they need services. You can reach out to online data entry companies through LinkedIn for job opportunities.
8. Rev
Rev is a platform specifically for transcription, captioning, and subtitling jobs. It’s ideal for those with good listening and typing skills. Rev offers flexible work opportunities where you can choose your projects and work as much or as little as you want.
9. Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest job search engines. You can filter for remote work, adding “data entry positions” in the search engine and setting up job alerts to stay updated.
Land Your First Online Data Entry Job!
Remote workers are in high demand as employers look to save costs. You can earn a decent income from online data entry jobs without investment. Now that you know more about this type of work, you can apply for remote data entry jobs and start making money online from home.
FAQ
A data entry job is any position that involves inputting data into a computerized system using manual means such as a keyboard or scanning documents.
According to Zippia, data entry specialists earn $15.57 per hour or $32,392 per year in the United States.
Yes, online data entry jobs can be legitimate, but it’s important to carefully vet the opportunities to avoid scams. Look for jobs on reputable platforms like ThinkRemote, Indeed, FlexJobs, and Upwork, and research potential employers to ensure they have a positive track record. No job should ask you for upfront money.
