Online data entry work involves processing and entering information for companies remotely from your home office. It provides an excellent opportunity to earn an income in a flexible work environment. Data entry jobs are ideal for those looking for entry-level roles with potential for career growth. The barriers to entry are low, and most companies provide training to get you started. In this article, we will explore what online data entry jobs entail, the requirements, pay rates, where to find openings, and tips for getting hired.
What does an online data entry worker do?
A data entry worker is responsible for inputting, managing, and updating information for companies into computerized databases and systems quickly and accurately. Typical data entry tasks include:
- Entering data from paper documents, PDF files, images, surveys, and other sources into spreadsheets, forms, and databases
- Verifying data for accuracy by proofreading and cross-checking
- Formatting data appropriately as per company guidelines
- Sorting, organizing, and extracting relevant information for reports
- Uploading batches of data using specialized software
- Researching and compiling data from web searches and public records
- Transcribing audio files into text documents
The type of data entry can vary across industries. Common projects include processing:
- Healthcare records and insurance claims
- Survey responses and market research data
- Purchase orders, invoices, receipts, and other financial records
- Image captions and metadata descriptions
- Product descriptions and inventory for ecommerce
- Resume information into applicant tracking systems
- Handwritten records into digital formats
The goal is to convert various information into structured, consistent digital formats for company databases quickly and accurately. Attention to detail is crucial.
What are the requirements and qualifications?
Data entry jobs have minimal barriers for entry. The essential requirements are:
- Basic computer literacy and typing skills. A speed of 8,000-10,000 keystrokes per hour is typical.
- Proficiency with data entry software and MS Office applications like Excel and Word.
- Good internet connection.
- High school education.
- Ability to follow instructions and procedures closely.
Useful qualifications and skills that can help you get hired and excel in data entry roles include:
- Fast and accurate typing – hitting over 10,000 keystrokes per hour with high accuracy minimizes errors.
- Numeracy – a comfort with numbers helps enter financial and statistical data.
- IT proficiency – being adept at learning data entry software and databases.
- Detail-oriented – strong accuracy and quality control abilities.
- Stamina – data entry typically involves prolonged computer work.
- Time management – ability to meet tight deadlines and quotas.
- Communication skills – asking clarifying questions to correct errors.
Many companies also prefer or require 1-2 years of data entry experience. However, some provide in-house training for beginners with the right aptitude.
What is the pay for data entry jobs from home?
Data entry salaries vary based on factors like your skill level, speed and accuracy, certifications, and employer. On average, the typical pay rate for online data entry jobs ranges between $15-25 per hour. However, rates can be as low as $10 or as high as $35 per hour based on your qualifications and employer.
Companies usually pay per amount of data entered, meaning your earnings depend directly on your speed and accuracy. For example, getting paid $20 for every 1,000 records entered. Entry-level and temporary data entry work may be around $15 per hour or $7-10 for each 1,000 fields, while specialized legal or medical transcription can pay up to $30-50 per audio hour.
According to PayScale, average hourly wages for home-based data entry jobs are:
Data Entry Job Title | Average Hourly Rate |
---|---|
General data entry clerk | $16 |
Data entry specialist | $18 |
Legal data entry clerk | $20 |
Medical transcriptionist | $18 |
Insurance claims data entry clerk | $17 |
Annual salary for full-time home based data entry (40 hours per week) generally ranges from $30,000-50,000. However, exact earnings vary per company pay structures. Overall, data entry provides decent work from home wages – especially for those new to the job market or as supplementary income.
Where can I find data entry jobs online?
Reputable sites to find remote data entry job openings include:
- FlexJobs – Leading job site for screened remote and flexible jobs across many categories, including data entry.
- Upwork – Freelance jobs site with data entry projects posted by companies worldwide.
- Remote.co – Home of 3,000+ remote jobs from vetted companies hiring now.
- RatRaceRebellion – Curated data entry and other remote work-from-home job leads.
- CareerBuilder – Mainstream job site with online data entry job listings and options to search remote-only roles.
- LinkedIn – Professional social network has remote data entry jobs posted by individuals and companies.
- Company websites – Major corporations like Amazon, Kelly Services, and Conduent hire for in-house data entry.
Searching for terms like “remote data entry”, “work from home data entry”, or “virtual data entry” will help surface legitimate openings. Be sure to research companies carefully to avoid scams. Look for established brands offering fair pay and training.
How can I get hired for an online data entry job?
Follow these top tips to get hired for home-based data entry roles:
- Highlight computer literacy, typing speed, data entry experience, and attention to detail in your application.
- Get certified in data entry software like 10 Key and Microsoft Excel to boost qualifications.
- Check for data entry proficiency tests during hiring process and practice typing tests.
- Be prepared to provide references or take skills assessment tests.
- Have a professional resume summary tailored for remote administrative roles.
- Apply to openings from reputable companies like Kelly Services and Amazon.
- Set up a quiet, distraction-free home office space with a reliable computer and internet.
- Get experience first through temp agencies and freelance data entry work.
- Research details of role and company to ask informed questions during interviews.
- Highlight self-motivation and time management skills for remote work.
With attention to accuracy, persistence, and preparation, you can get hired for legitimate online data entry roles that offer flexibility and decent pay.
Conclusion
Online data entry jobs provide an excellent option for those looking to earn income from home with minimal barriers to entry. They involve processing information for companies accurately and efficiently into digital formats. Although requirements are basic, specialized skills and experience can increase your competitiveness and earnings. Legitimate data entry roles pay above minimum wage, with wages averaging around $15-25 per hour based on speed and accuracy. Major job sites, companies like Kelly Services and Amazon, and temp agencies offer remote data entry work openings. To get hired, highlight relevant skills, prepare for proficiency tests, obtain data entry certifications, and emphasize your self-motivation and reliability for remote work. Online data entry provides a great foot in the door for your at-home career.