Data Entry Job Listings

A data entry job might be just what you’re looking for if you prefer a work from home position and you’re no stranger to data entry. You’ll need a computer, high-speed internet and the ability to input data, plus other soft skills necessary for a data entry job. 

Where can you find non-scam data entry jobs? Read on to learn about how to find data entry jobs that are the real deal.

Main Takeaways: How to Find a Data Entry Job

• Determine that the job listing is legitimate. Make sure to fully analyze the job posting and only look on reputable sites that you trust.
• The base salary expectation is $12.90 per hour. However, depending on the experience you bring to the job, the pay may vary.
• There are many ways to find data entry job listings. Read on to explore the ways to find these jobs that best fit your skill set.

What is Data Entry?

Data entry workers enter or update data into a computer system. Any business that has large amounts of information often needs to electronically store and continually update its information. You must be fast and accurate and some employers pay data entry workers based on speed.

A data entry worker can be called a typist, data entry clerk, word processor, coder, electronic data processor, data input operator and transcriptionist. A data entry job can be done at home or in an office and is essential to many types of industries.

Some companies have entire departments dedicated to data entry because they may have thousands of records to maintain. These records are subject to the scrutiny of auditing firms, the Internal Revenue Service, shareholders and company executives, so it’s imperative that the data maintained is kept current and accurate.

Do I Need a Degree for a Data Entry Job?

A data entry job doesn’t require a college education but you’ll need to have a high school diploma. Some business schools offer data entry and office assistant certifications, but these certificates can cost several thousand dollars.

You might be better off taking a local or online statistics or data analytics course, which can show prospective employers you’re a cut above the competition. Check with your local community college for any courses that relate to data entry, statistics or office skills. If you have any work experience in an office, highlight that on your resume, because most offices require some sort of data entry task as part of the job.

How to Determine if a Data Entry Job is Legitimate

You’ll find thousands of data entry jobs on online job boards but they’re not all legitimate. Some advertise work-at-home jobs that pay thousands of dollars per month.

There are people who place these scams every day and prey on job seekers looking for data entry work. How can you determine if a job posting is on the up-and-up? Here are a few characteristics you should look for to avoid being taken by a fake ad. 

Do Your Research

Google the company name and phone number listed in the ad, and do some research to make sure it’s legitimate. If no company name is listed, steer clear. Check the company reviews and also enter the company name with the word “scam” in your search engine to see if any negative information pops up. Do some digging on the company’s website and also see if they’re listed with the Better Business Bureau. 

Use Legitimate Job Boards

When searching for data entry jobs, use established job search and networking websites such as LinkedIn and Indeed.com. Avoid using sites like Craigslist, which are notorious for work-at-home ad scams. Many of these fake ads count on you to click on an URL and steal your financial and personal information. Don’t fill out any job application until you’re sure it’s from a legitimate source.

Scrutinize the Ad

If an ad is very general and contains misspellings, it’s not legitimate. Many fake job ads aim to lure job seekers who are desperate to make a buck. Look for ads that spell out the job title, duties and other details, as those are more likely to be genuine.

Avoid Certain Words or Phrases

Ads that use phrases such as “get in on the ground floor,” “unlimited earning potential” and “choose your own hours” are likely fakes. Ad posters use these types of phrases to entice people into thinking the job will be easy money but they’re too good to be true.

Never Pay Money 

Any ad that asks you to pay a fee in exchange for a job or job posting is not legitimate. You should never pay money to get a job. You also shouldn’t have to pay for a membership or subscription. No reputable company will ask you for money in order to be hired.

Go with your gut feeling. If an ad doesn’t sound right or something is off, don’t respond. Maybe the URL or job link looks suspicious or there are many errors in the ad. If so, it’s not worth being scammed. Only respond to ads that sound legitimate, and if there’s any hint of deception, move on.

Salary Ranges and Expectations for Data Entry Jobs

The average salary for a data entry worker is $12.90 an hour, according to Payscale.com, but that rate can vary depending on the company you’re working for and the type of job you’re doing.

If you’re an independent contractor, you can charge any hourly rate you want to, however, you probably won’t be able to make $50 an hour unless you specialize in a specific area or have many years of experience.

Projected Growth Rate of the Data Entry Field

A data entry job may be great for a part-time gig or temporary job, but it might not be the best long-term career goal. Data entry jobs are on the decline and are expected to be reduced by 33.1% by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That doesn’t mean data entry operators aren’t essential or that jobs will disappear. It depends a lot on the needs of certain industries. No matter what the projected numbers are, there will always be a need for data entry. 

How to Get a Data Entry Job

How do you get a data entry job? Here’s a to-do list that can help you land the perfect data entry position:

1. Register with a staffing agency. Employers will have ready access to your resume when you sign up with an employment agency. You may be tested on typing speed or other basic computer knowledge. Agency recruiters will do the legwork for you; it’s a great way to find work.
2. Brush up on your software skills. Make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Office and search for online tutorials to learn more about how to best input large amounts of data into a computer database. Want to save money on software? Learn how to save money by searching for 30-day free trials on software programs before you purchase to find out if they’re right for your needs.
3. Boost your typing speed. Practice entering information and time yourself or look for free online programs that will test your typing speed. The faster you can type, the more appealing you’ll be to an employer.
4. Tweak your resume. Highlight any office experience you have on your resume as well as proficiency in software programs and typing speed. Have a friend or professional resume writer look at your resume for errors and look for sample data entry resumes online for comparison.
5. Network. Connect your LinkedIn profile and connect with as many people as you can. Attend local business networking events so you can meet employers and fellow job seekers. Spread the word to family members and friends that you’re looking for a data entry job. Chances are, someone in your circle knows a company that’s hiring.
6. Apply for jobs often. Establish a routine of looking for and applying for jobs. Apply to at least 5 jobs every day on legitimate online job search boards and make sure your resume is posted on as many job search engines as possible.

Top 4 Skills to Be Successful in Data Entry

Do you have what it takes to be successful as a data entry clerk? Here are the top 4 skills you’ll need.

1. Computer Literacy

You need to be able to work with many different types of computer programs and not require a lot of extra training. You probably won’t succeed at a data entry job if you don’t use a computer very often or don’t know much about basic programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. 

2. Speed Counts

You have to be able to enter a lot of data quickly because companies pay you by the hour. If you’re too slow, employers will have to pay you more and that will reduce their bottom line. You may be tested by an employer for your keystroke or typing speed, so know your speed so you can keep up with your employer’s demands.

3. Detail-Oriented

A data entry clerk that isn’t accurate won’t last long in the industry. You need to check and double-check your work and make sure it’s error-free. Being detail-oriented is a must-have skill for successful data entry workers.

4. Good Communication Skills

Whether you choose a work-at-home or on-site data entry job, you’ll need exceptional communication skills. Employers are looking for personable, articulate people to represent their companies.

Even though some companies use artificial intelligence (AI) programs to automate certain jobs, they still need people to do the majority of tasks within their organization and those people need to be good communicators.

Find the Right Fit: Data Entry Jobs

A data entry job is a great option that provides a decent wage and doesn’t require a college degree. It also offers a lot of flexibility as long as you have the right skill set. If you own a good computer with high-speed internet and have excellent typing skills, you might have all you need to land a data entry gig. 

Working to save towards retirement? Check out Benzinga's guide on the best retirement planning apps to save for your future. Or, if you're looking for more careers like this one, check out our live listings for IT jobs, data analysis jobs, work from home jobs, or mechanical engineering jobs.