Work-from-home jobs appeal to a lot of people. Millions of Americans seek remote work as freelancers, contract laborers, and even full-time employees.
Data entry jobs, in particular, stand out because they’re easy to do, and an entry-level position may require only a high school diploma, Internet access, and some basic Excel skills.
What’s not to like? There are a couple of things:
- Low Wages: Data entry job descriptions sound appealing, but wages tend to be low, and higher-wage jobs have a ton of competition.
- Scams: Too many positions ask you for money upfront to buy software or complete training — a warning sign the remote job isn’t a job but a scam taking advantage of hopeful applicants. (Some legit platforms charge subscriptions to filter out scams.)
We decided to review data entry specialist online jobs and platforms individually and see how they hold up.
If you are interested in data entry as a side hustle, part-time, or full-time job, you’ll find all the information you need here, including a list of the best online data entry jobs today.
skip down to see the best data entry job websites
How Do Data Entry Jobs Work?
At its simplest, data entry requires, well, entering data. This broad term means different things to different companies. But all data entry specialists do this:
- They receive raw data from a source, such as a web form or a stack of papers.
- They enter this data into a computer system or another format to be processed.
The data entered could be just about anything — ordinary text, industry-specific codes, order numbers, images, or even audio and video files.
Data entry won’t be the most intellectually stimulating job in the world. Repetition, speed, and accuracy are key data entry skills.
How Can I Do Data Entry Work From Home?
Most jobs allow you full access to your data entry work anywhere — and anytime — you have Internet access. So you could work from your living room, car, the library, a waiting room, or while on vacation. You get the idea.
To get started in your data entry career, you’ll need a few basic skills and some software and equipment you probably already have:
- Fast Typing: The most advanced skill you’ll need is the ability to type quickly. If you’re considering transcribing audio or video, this will be particularly important since you‘ll get paid per audio minute – the faster you type, the more you earn.
- Accurate Typing: You have to be able to enter data accurately. Accurate typing is important for transcribing and for more standard data entry jobs. If you can’t already touch-type quickly and accurately, learning this skill before you start searching for work could save you a lot of time in the long run.
- Hardware: A laptop and your own mobile hotspot can set you free to work anywhere you have a solid cell signal. But you could also work on a home WiFi network, a public network at the library or a public park, or even at a restaurant or hotel with WiFi. Consider a desktop computer with two monitors if you’d rather set up a home office. Be sure to get a keyboard with a number pad — or a separate number pad — if you’re doing numerical data entry. Some jobs may require devices like scanners.
- Software: Some jobs require company-specific software, but you shouldn’t have to buy this yourself! Other companies use standard programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Quickbooks, or Google Docs. A Mac or Windows operating system should work unless your employer has specific requirements. But a Chromebook could add extra steps if your company uses Microsoft products.
And that’s about it – if you can tick these things off the list, you’re good to go.
23 Best Data Entry Jobs from Home
Here are the top data entry jobs and platforms that allow you to work from home:
- 🏆 FlexJobs
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Mechanical Turk(Amazon)
- Virtual Vocations
- Axion Data Services
- DataPlus+
- DionData Solutions
- SigTrack
- TDEC
- Lionbridge
Platforms For Finding Data Entry Work
Many new work-from-home data entry specialists like to find work on freelancing platforms. These platforms can connect you with people who need data entry work.
You can set up a profile as you would on social media and get job alerts via text or email when a job posting matches your skills and experience.
These platforms have a lot more than just work-from-home data entry jobs. They also have typing jobs and positions for customer service representatives, graphic designers, freelance writers, transcribers, administrative assistants, social media managers, and so on.
Some of my favorite platforms are:
1. Flexjobs
Flexjobs is a job board providing all kinds of flexible work; this frequently includes data entry positions.
Job leads on Flexjobs are handpicked and researched by humans to filter out scams. This should put your mind at rest in an industry like data entry, but this service comes at a price. You’ll need to join Flexjobs and pay a monthly subscription.
In an industry as low-paid as data entry, a $15 or so subscription may seem steep, but it’s worth considering — especially if you’re interested in applying for other kinds of flexible work.
Flexjobs now has online skills tests so you can prove your typing skills or software skills to prospective employers.
2. Fiverr
On Fiverr, you set up a profile to “sell” your data entry skills to buyers who need them. The more prior experience you have and the better you market yourself, the more success you’ll have.
The most successful “sellers” have multiple skills, but you could set up shop as a data entry pro and see if you get any hits.
The more years of data entry experience — and the more satisfied clients you can list on your profile — the more success you’ll have selling your services.
In most cases, you’d compete with service providers from throughout the United States and the world.
3. Upwork
Upwork is another platform where you could sell your data entry skills. About 70,000 new job postings appear on the site each week, but only a fraction of those seek a data entry specialist.
Still, by joining this service and setting up an attractive profile, you could get connected with contract work. Most remote data entry job postings want your labor on a project-by-project basis.
Finding full-time or even part-time work isn’t as likely.
4. Mechanical Turk (Amazon)
Mechanical Turk (otherwise known as MTurk) is Amazon’s crowdsourcing marketplace. This service matches remote workers with people who need small jobs completed.
MTurk uses the term “microtasks” for these jobs requiring little human expertise. Many microtasks are similar to data entry, or they include data entry. So you can probably find some tasks that match your skill set.
For example, someone may want you to transcribe an audio recording of a meeting — which is a lot like data entry.
MTurk is a growing platform, and it works for a lot of people. But be careful: Some work-from-home tasks take a lot of time and do not pay well. Many pay significantly below a living wage.
It’s even possible to get stiffed on a contract if the employer isn’t 100 percent satisfied with the work. Some postings pay in Amazon gift cards.
And, unlike Flexjobs, MTurk’s job postings aren’t filtered for scams.
5. Virtual Vocations
Virtual Vocations works like Flexjobs, except you can join for free — on a limited basis. As a free member, you’d get a hand-picked list of work-at-home data entry job leads daily.
To get full access, you must upgrade to a paid membership.
With a monthly subscription, you can see all job postings, build an attractive profile to attract people who need data entry work completed and take online courses to sharpen your skills.
Pure Data Entry Jobs
As mentioned previously, “data entry” is a broad term. There aren’t many companies dedicated solely to data entry in its purest form, but some of the few are listed below.
If you follow any of the links below, you’ll notice that the websites are outdated, which speaks volumes about this industry.
However, these sites are likely your best bets for earning a living wage from data entry.
6. Axion Data Services
Axion Data Services specializes in data entry services, as its name suggests.
The company does not take new applications often, but it’s good to be registered in its database if it releases new roles.
Axion requires two to three years of data entry experience and typing skills of 50 words per minute (wpm), so this isn’t one for beginners. You also need to pass a criminal background check. When you get on board, Axion works as your data entry agent, connecting you with contract work.
Axion pays independent contractors on a piece-by-piece basis, and you can expect to work 20 to 25 hours a week. The wage is generous too, which is why securing a place can be tricky.
7. DataPlus+
DataPlus+ hires data entry clerks, MS Access database programmers, mail/document handling clerks, and administrative personnel.
You must complete a criminal background check, but the only other requirements are owning a computer and having high-speed internet access.
To apply, upload the relevant documents and wait to be contacted.
8. DionData Solutions
DionData Solutions is a data management services bureau that works for government agencies and companies. The company often hires typists to do data entry, which typically involves moving information from one source to another.
You could be processing information such as medical claims, surveys, or inventories. You must be able to type at a speed of 60 wpm, possess basic computer skills, and be a United States citizen.
9. SigTrack
SigTrack processes voter registrations and petition signatures. The work you complete will involve figuring out whether signatures are from voters.
Due to the nature of the work, you must be a United States citizen, and the work revolves around the petition season, meaning you will probably need to look for another job, too.
To be accepted, you must complete a test to prove you can achieve 98% accuracy on your work. You must also have a single 4k or double monitor and do a Skype call to prove your U.S. identity.
They pay on a piece-by-piece basis; the pay may seem low at first, but most users double or triple their pay within the first few days.
10. TDEC (The Data Entry Company)
TDEC is the world’s largest provider of business processing outsourcing services to government and commercial clients. They’re in constant need of data entry operators.
However, they don’t advertise job positions on their site – you’ll need to send an email with your application and resume and wait for them to get back to you with positions as they open up.
Because positions are less advertised, you may have a greater chance of success.
If you need help getting our resume up to date, Millennial Money recommends the experts at TopResume.
Microtask Jobs
A microtask is a small and simple job that a human rather than artificial intelligence must complete.
Although microtasks seem distinct from data entry, there’s a lot of overlap; both consist of simple tasks anyone can do.
Microtask websites also frequently host jobs in data entry due to this overlap.
11. Clickworker
Clickworker is primarily a microtasks website, but many of the tasks available include data entry work. After you register, you must complete an assessment to demonstrate your ability; your performance will dictate the number of jobs available to you.
Like most similar sites, Clickworker pays on a piece-by-piece basis. They also have other jobs available which are fairly low-skilled, such as writing and researching.
You can sign up to have jobs sent to your inbox
12. Microworkers
Microworkers is another microtask site. It offers a variety of tasks, including data entry. Some of their jobs pay better than other similar sites, such as those named above.
However, a drawback is that you get paid only for approved work, which can be frustrating, but you should only accept jobs you know you can complete.
Microworkers pays twice a week.
Transcription Jobs
There’s a lot of overlap between data entry and transcription. Data entry typically involves transferring information and data from one source (such as a scanned photo) to another, while transcription involves transferring information from audio or video format into writing.
The same skills are needed – basic computer skills, word processing experience, and quick typing.
13. AccuTran Global
AccuTran Global provides transcription and similar services. They mostly offer transcription jobs but sometimes have data entry positions available, too.
To secure a role, you must score well on the assessment and have a typing speed of at least 60-70 wpm. They also only hire workers from the UK and Canada.
You may be offered work in a different department if you have a good track record and additional competencies. Therefore, you could start by doing transcription or data entry but later move to something more intellectually stimulating.
14. Kendall Creek Communications
Kendall Creek Communications specializes in legal transcription. This company has a long list of clients, including U.S. government agencies, and is a big employer of remote workers for transcription, data processing, and market research roles.
However, make sure that you apply through the official website as there are sometimes scams where people pretend to be from this company.
15. GoTranscript
GoTranscript is an audio and video transcription services company. It offers the most positions in transcription and video captioning but also has data entry jobs available.
If your application is accepted, you must undergo training and certification before you can get started.
16. Quicktate
Quicktate specializes in the transcription of voicemails and other audio content. You’ll struggle to earn a living wage unless you can type faster than 50 wpm.
However, if you speak more languages, you can earn more. You must pay for a background check yourself. Despite this requirement, Quicktate isn’t a scam.
17. Scribie
Scribie is another audio transcription company, but it also offers data entry positions. Once a job is selected, you must complete it in two hours, and you’ll be assigned a score depending on your accuracy.
Scribie hires beginners, but you’ll likely be put on a waiting list until they have a slot available.
Once selected, you must take a test; if you pass, they’ll hire you immediately. If you fail, they’ll point out where you went wrong and give you a chance to take a retest up to 10 times.
There’s also the chance to get promoted to ‘reviewer’ status if you consistently produce high-quality work.
Other Top Data Entry Employers
Although there aren’t many companies left that hire solely for data entry services, there are considerably more companies regularly looking for people to do their data entry work.
Here are a few of them, but you might be able to find more jobs by searching for data entry work on websites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn.
18. Cass Information Systems
Cass Information Systems is a huge multinational financial services firm.
They sometimes offer remote data entry positions, but you must first attend in-person training in Missouri or Ohio to secure the role.
19. Capital Typing
Capital Typing calls itself the ‘world’s smartest office.’ Capital provides various virtual office services, including data entry, transcription, translation, and secretarial services.
With data entry, you can expect to do work such as data extraction, research, database development and management, direct mail, and marketing services. If you apply for a position and the firm is interested in your application, a recruiter will invite you to a Skype interview.
If you prove yourself to be a reliable and capable worker, you can be promoted to a higher position.
20. GorgeWarehouse
GorgeWarehouse is an online retailer – not an obvious data entry employer. However, it often advertises for data entry positions on the employment section of the website.
To apply, you must be able to type at a speed of at least 30 wpm. GorgeWarehouse offers telecommuting as a perk, meaning this position is technically an online job.
Pay is also higher than most data entry positions.
21. Working Solutions
Working Solutions is a call center that offers many work-at-home positions, including data entry clerk jobs.
You must fill out your application and take online assessments, and it can take two weeks to get your application approved after passing the test.
A knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage as Working Solutions operates worldwide, and these languages are in demand.
Working Solutions is a woman-owned company that hires independent contractors for data entry work. (It does not do business in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.)
To apply, you must buy your own background check, but Working Solutions is a legitimate community — not a scam.
22. Xerox from Home
Xerox from Home – Xerox is a printing supplies company with an entire work-at-home division. It regularly hires for lots of positions, including data entry.
You can go on to the employment section of their website; be sure to filter by virtual working options.
23. Lionbridge
Lionbridge isn’t exclusively a work-from-home company, but work-at-home data entry jobs have appeared on its job board.
The company does a wide variety of creative work for a diverse client base. You’d be a good applicant if you speak multiple languages since Lionbridge does multilingual video transcriptions.
In most cases, this is more sophisticated work than simple data entry. You could work with AI to caption videos, for example. If you’re looking for simple entry-level work this isn’t for you.
How to Avoid Data Entry Job Scams
As I already mentioned, be wary of scams. Here are some tips on how:
- Never agree to pay for any equipment
- Be skeptical of any data entry jobs that seem particularly high-paying
- Do a quick background check on Glassdoor and TrustPilot for sites not listed here
There’s so much info available on the internet these days. There’s really no reason to get scammed as long as you’re thorough about your research and don’t rush into any snap decisions.
How Much Can You Make Doing Data Entry from Home?
The exact amount you can make from data entry depends on two factors: your performance and the type of data entry you’re doing.
Performance
Data entry work is usually paid on a piece-by-piece basis – or by audio minute if you’re doing transcriptions. You’ll rarely earn an hourly wage. This means your earning potential depends heavily on your ability to type quickly and accurately.
The faster you work, the more work you’ll have time to do.
If you’re consistently producing good work, there’s also more chance of a promotion to a reviewer or a better-paying department.
Type of Data Entry
The type of data entry you’re doing dictates your pay, too.
- Microtasks: The least lucrative option is microtasks, where the average pay is just $2 to 3 an hour.
- Traditional Data Entry Websites: On the other end of the spectrum is working with traditional data entry websites; for instance, Axion pays $15 to 19 an hour. Unfortunately, you could spend an entire year on a waiting list before getting a chance.
- Transcription Jobs: Transcription jobs fall somewhere in the middle. A typical wage to transcribe content is around $10 an hour, which is fair, but not life-changing. However, your earning potential could be much higher if you increase your typing speed or if you’re prepared to specialize – legal and medical transcription is a lot more lucrative.
- Data Entry for Large Companies: The ‘other’ section of the data entry jobs is a lot more variable. GorgeWarehouse offers $10.50 an hour, but other companies may offer less. In general, you can assume that large companies looking for remote employees will offer a decent wage, but some FlexJobs postings may be lower.
Start Your Data Entry Career
The biggest pull of data entry is the lack of requirements and low startup costs. However, as we’ve seen, most high-paying data entry employers hire irregularly and require you to stay on their waiting list for an extended period.
Clearly, the idea of being able to make easy money straight away just by becoming a data entry clerk isn’t quite true. You can choose between starting immediately and accepting a minimal salary or waiting for a while and securing a higher salary.
There’s also a third choice – to consider a different online job. As we’ve seen, data entry is closely linked with transcription; specializing can future-proof your job and help you earn more money. There are also many other online jobs available, from online proofreading jobs to website testing to English teaching.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you want a stress-free online job, data entry work could be ideal – but make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into first.
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