Excellent Remote Data Entry Jobs

Online-based jobs that allow you to work from home are becoming increasingly common, and one of the fields that offer a significant number of remote job opportunities is data entry.

In this article, you will learn more about data entry jobs available to do from home as well as what data entry is, the skills and qualifications it requires, and what equipment is needed to do the job. We’ll also talk about avoiding data entry job scams.

Key Takeaways

• Data entry jobs can be found across a variety of industries and is a great way to gain some work experience.

• You typically need to be organized, attentive to detail, and have strong typing skills to be able to do data entry.

• Generally the only equipment you need for a data entry job is a reliable computer, a strong internet connection, and a quiet place to work.

• It’s important to keep an eye out for scams when applying for online data entry jobs — do your research to make sure companies are legit before signing on to work for them.

Data Entry Jobs You Can Do From Home

Data entry jobs are not specific to one particular industry. Most of these jobs are geared towards general office responsibilities. Here are some examples of different types of data entry positions:

1. Data Entry Clerk

   Average Annual Salary: $31,582

   A data entry clerk’s main job is to input on to the company’s system. Most of the time, the data they receive is given to them as a hard copy, and they type it into the computer.

Find Data Entry Clerk Jobs Near You.

2. Transcriptionist

   Average Annual Salary: $44,118

   These are people who will type recordings and audio files into text. This job is generally offered in legal and medical offices.

Find Transcriptionist Jobs Near You.

3. Data Entry Keyer

   Average Annual Salary: $34,335

   According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a data entry keyer is a person that operates data entry devices. This job involves scanning data into a computer.

Find Data Entry Keyer Jobs Near Me.

4. Typist

   Average Annual Salary: $32,143

   A typist is a person whose main job is typing, whether it is minutes from a meeting, text from a hard copy, or reports.

Find Typist Jobs Near Me.

5. Accounting Data Entry Clerk

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   This is a person that is in charge of maintaining accounting documents.

6. Election clerk

   Average Annual Salary: $51,598

   Someone needs to enter the data on voter registration forms and petition signatures, and you can do it from the comfort of your living room.

Find Election Clerk Jobs Near Me.

Overall a data entry clerk’s primary responsibility is to enter and sort data from a company or organization files into the database. This position also requires scanning documents, assisting in generating reports, and correcting data when needed.

Remember, this is not a role that is specific to a single field. For instance, if you are currently studying law, working as a data entry clerk at a legal office can help you get a view into that world.

What Is Data Entry?

Data entry is the process of entering, or transcribing, information into a database or common format for further analysis. People who start working in data entry can transcribe, update information in a database, and even record sales figures. Some of the most common positions in this versatile field are Data Entry Operator, Medical Records Data Entry Clerk, and Personnel Records Data Entry Clerk.

When you think about the term data entry, the first thing that comes to mind is inputting numbers into a system. However, it is much more than that. The beauty of data entry is that it is not specific to one particular position. Luckily getting into data entry is not very complicated — it only requires you to have a high school diploma or a GED, excellent reading, and typing skills.

Data entry is also a great way to get your feet wet and begin gaining experience. Keep in mind that if you choose to work remotely, chances are you will be brought on as an independent contractor. This means that even though you are being paid accordingly for working from home as an independent contractor, you are less likely to receive the same benefits as other employees.

What Skills Do You Need For An Online Data Entry Job?

Though they may not ask you for a four-year degree to become a data entry clerk, you must contain a unique set of skills and qualifications. A potential data entry candidate needs to be:

• Well organized

• Self-motivated

• Attention to detail

• Computer proficiency

• Exceptional typing skills

Keep in mind that if you do not p
ossess a quick typing skill, that does not mean you cannot obtain this role. Typing is all about training your muscle memory. Enroll in a class that can help you improve your typing skills over time.

What Equipment Do You Need For Online Typing Jobs?

Like every job requires an employee to have an adequate tool to perform the job. The same can be said about a data entry job. For this position, you will need the following tools and equipment:

• A desktop or laptop

• Data entry software

• Fast connection to the internet

• Designated desk

• A quiet room to do your work

Which Services Can Be Used For Data Entry Communication?

Communication is one of the most vital things about any job, especially if you are working from home. Fortunately, with today’s technology, communications between team members have become a lot more accessible.

Because many of us are still confined in our home, communication software has become common. Here are some communication tools you may encounter while working from home:

• Slack. This is a messaging platform that gives people the opportunity to connect and keep each other well informed.

• Microsoft Teams. Teams work as a collaboration platform that is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 Suite. With this software, you will be able to have team meetings and share documents with your coworkers.

• Cisco WebEx. This is considered to be a conferencing platform used for presentations, info sections, and demonstrations.

• Google Docs. This is a free word-based processor similar to Microsoft Office. With this platform, you will be able to share and edit documents with your team members.

• GoToMeeting. This is a teleconferencing platform where you will be able to schedule a meeting with your boss, coworkers, or clients.

• Asana. This software allows members to monitor projects and assignments closely.

• Dapulse. Dapulse is considered to be very user friendly. This is a communication tool that helps you collaborate effectively with your team.

• Monday.com. This is a great tool to monitor your team’s progress, track and organize your projects for a better workflow.

• Zoom. Over the last few months, Zoom has become a very popular platform for group gatherings because of social distancing. It allows up to 300 participants.

How Much Money Can You Expect To Earn Working As A Data Entry Clerk?

People that work as Data Entry Clerks at home are most likely doing it as independent contractors– this means that they might not even earn minimum wage. Generally, people that work from home as an independent contractor are paid per project. Thus, it is highly likely that most people take on a data entry position as a part-time.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Entry Clerk earns from a minimum wage of $23 per hour. However, this wage is more specific to people working in an office environment, not necessarily for those who are working from home.

Keep an Eye Out For Data Entry Scams

We have all heard it before, looking for a job over the internet can open you up to getting scammed. Keep a watchful eye out for any random emails you might receive, offering you an opportunity for employment. Some go as far as asking you for an incentive to guarantee you get hired even before you have been asked to interview for them.

Others will even offer to send you an advance payment even before you have agreed to do the job.

Before agreeing to any job offer, be sure to do your research on the person reaching out and the company that is offering you the job.

Here are a few red flags to look for:

• Being asked to pay for training. There are some legitimate training programs that do cost money, but if you’re applying for a data entry job in an area that doesn’t have a lot of legal requirements, it isn’t common.

• Having to pay them for equipment. This is a common scam that comes in a variety of forms — just remember, you’re providing your services and they’re paying for them, so your being asked to pay should send up a red flag.

• It sounds too good to be true. As the old saying goes, “Anything that sounds too good to be true usually is.” If an entry-level job is saying it’s going to pay you an unusually high salary, be wary and look into it a little more before signing on.

• The company doesn’t have an online presence. It’s always a good idea to look up the company’s website and social media profiles before signing on with them. Legitimate companies will be easy to find, so if you can’t find them, consider looking for other options.

• Something just feels off. Sometimes you may not be able to point to a specific red flag, but your intuition is telling you something is wrong all the same. This is a legitimate concern, so if you’re feeling hesitant about a company, do some homework before you sign on with them.

Data Entry Jobs FAQs

1. What exactly is a data entry job?

   A data entry job requires to you input information into some type of digital format. Usually this involves the transfer of written information into a computer through typing or scanning. The transfer of data requires important skills in organization, time management, and computer literacy.

2. Is data entry a good job?

   Yes, data entry is a good job. It allows for flexible work environments and can be found in many industries. Data entry is accessible to most people with basic computer skills. Therefore, it can be a good entry level or part-time position.

3. Are data entry jobs hard?

   Data entry jobs can be tedious. Some data jobs require endless repetition of transferring information. The transfer of information can involve the same process, which some people may find boring. This is why it is important to be self-motivated to succeed at any data entry position.

4. How do I start data entry?

   To start in data entry, build up your skills and experience. Even if you do not have a job you can work on your data entry skills through improving your typing or knowledge of computers. Additionally, you can volunteer or look for your own projects that involve data entry. Then you can use this on your resume and in your cover letter as proof of your qualifications.

5. What skills do you need for data entry?

   Skills for data entry include:

   • Typing

   • Computer literacy

   • Organization

   • Time management

   • Self-motivation

   • Communication

   • Focus

   • Discipline

   Data entry jobs involve a lot of time on your own, which may sound nice, but can always work against you if you do not keep on top of your work.

Final Thoughts

One of the great things about Data Entry is that it allows you to get your foot into the field of your choice. Even if you decided that this position is not the one for you, it would enable you to gain work experience and make you more desirable to other companies in the future.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.