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The Best Places to Find Data Entry Work-from-Home Jobs [2024]

Here’s how to find legit data entry jobs plus scams to watch out for.

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Updated Oct. 25, 2024
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The best data entry jobs are work-from-home opportunities that may require little to no data entry experience, offer flexible schedules, and let you take on only the amount of work you can handle. Keep in mind that as AI becomes more popular with businesses and more people compete for remote work, it can sometimes be tough to find legit data entry jobs. However, as your skills improve, you can work your way up to more specialized (and higher-paying) gigs that require specialized work experience while still letting you work from home. I recommend finding a way to learn from each data entry job you take so you can build your experience for your next position, even if it’s just a way to earn money online.

Below, we’ll walk you through the best places to find data entry jobs, how this kind of remote job works, and some data entry job scams to look out for.

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Best places to find data entry work-from-home jobs

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Young woman working on a computer
  • Upwork
  • Indeed
  • Oneforma
  • Flexjobs
  • Conduent

Comparison of the best data entry job sites

Timon/Adobe Upwork job search app and webpage
Site Best for
Upwork Freelancers
Indeed Largest pool of jobs
Oneforma AI-related gigs
Flexjobs Finding flexible jobs
Conduent Full-time jobs

Upwork

wavemovies/Adobe Cellphone app Fiverr

Best for: Freelancers

Upwork is a platform that connects businesses with freelancers for various projects, including data entry. It has nearly 2,000 job listings for data entry as of October 2024, with each listing providing a description of the job, the skills required, and the pay. Some are hourly, while others are advertised at a fixed price. If you speak a language other than English, you might find additional opportunities, since some clients need help in other languages.

To apply for a job on Upwork, you’ll need to create an account first by providing your name, email, and the country you’re living or working in. Upwork takes a cut of your fee, but in exchange offers a relatively secure way to ensure you’ll be paid by clients.

Pros
  • Only apply for jobs you want
  • Work as needed
  • Secure payment
Cons
  • Must create an account to apply
  • Need to complete several jobs to earn a star rating

Indeed

sharafmaksumov/Adobe Webpage Indeed job search

Best for: Full-time job seekers

Indeed pulls job listings from websites all over the internet, including remote, work-from-home data entry jobs. You can use Indeed to find both full-time and part-time data entry jobs. Companies will list the pay, skills required, and job description in Indeed. You don’t have to create an Indeed account to view jobs on the platform.

Warning
Avoid scams by always applying for a job directly through the company’s website, rather than going through social media, email, or unsolicited phone call

Pros
  • Collects data entry jobs from all over
  • You can apply directly to the company
  • You can see the job requirements before applying
Cons
  • May not be ideal if you’re just looking to pick up a few hours here and there

Oneforma

dennizn/Adobe Webpage for Glassdoor job search

Best for: AI-related gigs

Oneforma is a gig platform that uses freelance workers to refine AI data and other tasks. Jobs are paid both hourly and by the piece, and you’ll need to make sure you can complete the expected number of tasks. There are jobs that include rating, annotating, and other tasks, including entering data from home. If you know another language, you have an edge in competing for some tasks.

To work with Oneforma, you’ll need to sign up for an account. Then you can apply for jobs that sound like a good fit on the Oneforma job platform.

Pros
  • Both hourly and per-piece work
  • Apply for the jobs you like
  • Variety of interesting tasks
Cons
  • Detailed application review process could block your access to some jobs

FlexJobs

Postmodern Studio/Adobe website page for Flexjobs

Best for: Finding flexible jobs

FlexJobs is a job search website specializing in finding flexible jobs, including part-time, freelance, and work-from-home positions. There are data entry jobs available on FlexJobs, including part-time and full-time work with hourly wages.

FlexJobs is highly rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau, featuring hand-selected jobs with flexible schedules. However, you need to pay to use FlexJobs, which can eat into your earnings, but does ensure all the listings are legitimate.

Pros
  • Find companies to apply to directly
  • Specializes in access to remote jobs
  • Higher quality listings than other remote job boards
Cons
  • Requires a subscription

Conduent

Courtesy of Scribie Image of keyboard hands typing and Scribie on screen

Best for: Full-time jobs

Conduent provides business services to enterprises and governments, including data entry. An intuitive job search engine lets you click a check box indicating that you’re interested in remote opportunities and populates a list of data entry jobs from home. There are full-time and part-time jobs available on Conduent’s job platform, and postings spell out the shift schedules, expected duties, and requirements, such as being able to type at least 30 words per minute.

To apply for a job on Conduent, you’ll need to fill out a form and either upload a resume or connect you LinkedIn account.

Pros
  • Numerous data entry jobs available
  • Both full-time and part-time job options
  • Company provides specifics about each job
Cons
  • Some jobs exclude particular states or metropolitan areas

How to do data entry from home

Courtesy of mtruk Mtruk logo

Data entry work is relatively simple and requires little more than typing and basic data entry skills. That’s why online data entry jobs are an excellent option for people wondering how to make extra money from home.

Here are some skills you need in order to be a successful data entry operator.

  • Accuracy: This is an essential skill for a data entry worker, as even a tiny mistake could mean that the entire project has to be redone.
  • Typing speed: data entry jobs often require you to input a large amount of data in a short period. Some typing jobs even require you to be able to type a certain amount of words per minute (WPM).
  • Attention to detail: As with accuracy, attention to detail is also critical in data entry. This is because you’ll often be working with a variety of data and information that must be entered into a computer system precisely.
  • Patience: Data entry can be repetitive and boring. You must be able to sit in front of a computer for long periods while doing tedious work.

Along with these skills, you’ll also need some home office equipment for most data entry jobs.

This could include a computer with a fast internet connection, a word processing program such as Microsoft Office (Word) or Google Docs, and software that can edit spreadsheets. Be sure to check the requirements before applying for a job.

Tip
Although the work may be easy, it can be pretty tedious and time-consuming. You’ll need to be able to stay focused and concentrate on a computer screen for long periods.

Types of data entry jobs

Courtesy of Clickworker Clickworker logo

Because all you need are basic typing and computer skills, data entry can be one of the best side hustles. There are many types of remote entry-level data entry jobs you can do from home. Here are some of the most common ones you'll see on job boards:

  • Data entry clerk: A data entry clerk is responsible for inputting data into a computer system. This can include transcribing data from paper documents, entering data from scanned images, or typing in data from audio files.
  • Data entry keyer: A data entry keyer is a type of clerk who specializes in inputting alphanumeric data into a database. This job is data and numbers focused, and often involves transcribing information from paper or hard copies into a computer.
  • Transcriptionist: A transcriptionist is responsible for transcribing audio or video files into written text. This can be anything from transcribing a meeting or interview to transcribing a podcast or lecture.
  • Typist: A typist is responsible for inputting text into a word processor. Being able to type quickly is a helpful skill in this job, which often involves typing up reports and correspondence.

Data entry job scams

chinnarach/Adobe young man typing on keyboard

Although there are definitely legitimate data entry jobs out there, data entry job scams are prevalent. Be sure to do your research and only apply for jobs with reputable companies.

Some data entry job scams might try to get you to sign up for a fee-based directory of companies that offer data entry jobs or promise access to high-paying data entry jobs.

Remember that though some fee-based job boards are legitimate, such as FlexJobs, and do provide useful pre-screening services, paying a fee to access job postings does not guarantee you'll get a job.

Warning
If a remote data entry job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of any data entry job that requires you to pay a fee to apply or access the job as well as data entry jobs that pay unbelievable salaries.

When searching for data entry jobs, be wary of any that require you to do the following:

  • Pay an upfront fee or deposit before you start working.
  • Give details about your credit card or bank account.
  • Sign a contract without reading it first.
  • Agree to have money deducted from your pay for training, equipment, or other costs.
  • Promise high compensation for little effort.

If you're interested in data entry jobs, the best way to find legitimate opportunities is to look for job postings that don't require fees and avoid most companies or websites that do.

Tip
To find out if there have been any complaints about the business, you can research a company’s reviews or search for complaints at the Better Business Bureau.

FAQs

Courtesy of Axion Data Service Light data

How do data entry jobs work?

Data entry basically involves transcribing or inputting information into a digital format. This can be done through different methods, including typing on a keyboard, using voice-recognition software, or handwriting with a digital pen.

Is work-at-home data entry legitimate?

Most work-from-home data entry jobs are legitimate, but there are also many scams you need to look out for. Be sure to study any company you're considering to ensure that they’re reputable, and stay away from those that charge a fee to apply for a position.

Apply directly through the company website whenever possible to make sure your personal information is going directly to the company.

Can you make good money doing data entry?

In general, data entry jobs are not known for paying much more than minimum wage. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly pay for data entry keyers is $18.17, below the U.S. average hourly wage of 19.29.

However, you may be able to earn more if you’re a fast typer or have a particular specialization, like legal or medical transcription.

Sites that didn't make our list

nenetus/Adobe Woman working consulting documents in the kitchen at home

There are other places where you may be able to find legit data entry jobs as well. Below are two options that didn’t make our list, but may still offer leads to jobs that suit your situation.

Fiverr: Fiverr is a freelancer marketplace that allows data entry specialists to create "gigs" that businesses can purchase. This is a good place to start if you're still building your data entry skills. Personally, I prefer Upwork over Fiverr because I think you’ll be more likely to find higher paying work, but Fiverr is a great option for just starting out.

Clickworker: While Clickworker used to be a great platform for finding one-off gigs you can do in your spare time, the site has gotten much more competitive for workers. You may still be able to find projects that pay decently and work with your schedule, but the increased competition from other data entry workers and so-so customer service means it’s no longer my go-to recommendation.

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Bottom line

Monkey Business/Adobe senior hispanic woman working on computer at home

Data entry can be a great opportunity if you’re looking to work from home and have more flexibility with your time. Many large companies, charities, and even governments need data entry to keep their operations running.

If you’re fast at typing and have strong attention to detail, there are many options for data entry jobs from home that would be a great side hustle.

If you’re simply searching for a new job you can do remotely and aren’t sure that data entry is right for you, check out the best sites for remote work. There are plenty of options for less tedious and higher-paying work you can do from home.

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