Do Online Data Entry Jobs Pay Well? (Best Beginners' Guide)

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The job hunt can be challenging, especially when you want to work from home. Whether you are looking to start a new career or just need something flexible, an online data entry job can seem like the perfect match. But the real question is, do online data entry jobs pay well? Here’s what you should know!

The average entry-level data entry job in the US pays about $14 an hour on average. This means that you can expect to make above minimum wage when starting your new data entry job. Just like with any other job, there will be outliers regarding pay.

In this article, we are going to be talking about finding a data entry job, how much you can expect to make, and why it may or may not be the right choice for you.

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How Much Money Should I Expect to Make Doing Online Data Entry?

How much you can expect to make doing data entry from home will vary based on the company, your experience, and your work. So, let’s break down some things that can change how much you can make doing data entry.

1. Entry Level

If you’re inquiring about how much you can make doing data entry, then there is a good chance that you are just getting started in the data entry field. If so, you may not have experience, and you may need to consider an entry-level position with the company you choose.

If you choose an entry-level data entry position, you may not be making a ton of money to start. As we discussed above, $14 an hour on average is not a lot of money, but it is higher than the minimum wage in most US states. So, it can be a great way to earn money and establish a new career.

2. Skill

As you know, with entry-level jobs, you will need to grow and develop in your new job. Your overall skill is one major factor in how much you will make and how fast you can expect to get a promotion. Later, we will talk more about the skills you need to be successful in data entry, but it is important to know that developing these skills can help you make more money.

While you can train for data entry, having the skills you need already can help you make more money and help make the transition to your new position much easier. So, it is important to be clear about the skills you already have before you start and those you can easily develop from other, similar jobs.

3. Information

Another important factor in how much you make in data entry is the information you are responsible for. You may make more money if companies are willing to trust you with classified information.

For jobs like this, you may also receive your own company laptop from working from home, as companies don’t want their classified information on a device you own.

So, if a company trusts you with more private information, you may also make more money. Consider this when looking for data entry positions that are available.

What Skills Do I Need to Start a Career in Online Data Entry?

So, now that you know what to expect when it comes to compensation, let’s talk about the skills you will need to succeed in data entry. While you can learn these skills on the job, they will help you get the position more easily if you are already familiar with them.

1. Typing

One of the most fundamental parts of data entry is typing. While typing is a common necessity for jobs these days, it is especially relevant in data entry as you will be responsible for entering data at a reasonable rate.

When it comes to typing, expectations will vary based on the individual company. However, you can expect that the average typing expectation will be around 45 words per minute.

Some companies have raised those standards, since many people are more familiar with computers in this day and age, and asked for a higher number.

How to Get Better at Typing

You can do a few things to improve your typing before starting a new data entry job. First, you can practice by simply typing things you have around you. If you have a magazine in reach, that will work just fine. Find something near you that has an article, and type that article out on your computer for practice.

Keep in mind that typing tests will not show you what you are typing ahead of time. So, you need to practice typing what you see in front of you rather than typing your own thoughts or memorized sentences.

To better your typing speed overall, the best thing you can do is type as much as possible. Use basic everyday activities like replying to emails and journaling as a way to practice your typing skills.

There are also online typing tests you can take to practice before applying for the position. So, type as much as possible to better your words per minute.

2. Excel Expertise

Most companies use Microsoft Excel or a similar program for their data entry positions. So, many companies will ask that you have experience with Excel, even if it isn’t the exact program that they use.

While typing speed and accuracy may be seen as more important than knowledge of Excel, having Excel knowledge and experience can help your resume stand out among the other people applying.

If you start a new data entry job and they don’t use Excel, don’t let that worry you. Most data entry programs are similar to Excel. And if the company uses an entirely different and unique program, they will not expect you to be familiar with it before starting.

So, focus on what you do know and get better with well-known programs like Excel before you start.

3. Time Management

Data entry is not only about fast and accurate typing, but you also need time management skills to succeed. In a data entry position, your job is to enter as much information as you can during your work hours.

You may also juggle this with other tasks like researching, replying to emails, and attending meetings. So, time management is vital.

There are so many ways that you can show a potential future employer your skill when it comes to time management. Even if you haven’t worked for a while, you can establish your time management skills through parenting, chores, or other creative ways.

Time management is something most of us do all the time without even thinking about it.

What Do Companies Expect From Data Entry Employees?

Now that we’ve covered the skills you need for the hiring process, let’s talk about the expectation after the company hires you. Of course, some of these will vary based on the company’s preferences, but overall this is what they will expect from you once you start.

1. Meet Your Deadlines

This is one of the most important parts of doing data entry. You need to meet your deadlines to be successful in your new position. Indeed, there will be a training period when you are learning the job and your deadlines won’t be an issue.

Once the training process is over, however, you will be responsible for meeting deadlines.

The amount of time you get to work on each project will depend on the goals that the company has set and the overall length and difficulty of the project.

The job will challenge your skill as you progress in the data entry position because you will be responsible for hitting deadlines. So, keep this in mind when applying and determining if it’s right for you.

2. Training

When you first start your new position, you will have a training period where you learn the system and expectations of your new job.

While this is customary for any new position, it is important to discuss because the company will not expect you to just start without showing you how everything works first.

Use the training time to your advantage and familiarize yourself with the job before jumping in. Because you will be working online, you won’t be able to lean on coworkers for helpful tips and support throughout the day as much as you could for in-person positions.

So, take as many notes during training as you can to help you stay productive.

3. Improvement

One major thing that your employer will look for as you progress in your new position is showing signs of improvement. You will begin your job with training and begin working from there. But your boss will be expecting you to improve as you go.

This means that over time you will need to improve your typing speed and accuracy. You will also need to absorb as much information as you can to develop your skills and familiarity with the company procedures.

This is also the best way to ensure your boss considers you for any potential promotions that may come up in the future.

What Can Help Me Make More Money in the Data Entry Field?

There are a few ways that you can ensure you make more than the average $14 per hour that most people do when it comes to working in the data entry field. So, let’s go over how you can help yourself make more money before you even start.

1. Certification

One of the best ways you can prepare for a position in data entry is to be certified. There are plenty of online courses for you to take to receive a data entry certification. This will help employers understand that you are serious about data entry and are already familiar with what they may expect of you.

The certification process can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on how much time you can put into it and what the school sets as an expectation.

Though this may seem like a lot of time, it can show potential future employers that you are serious and have already put effort into learning and understanding the position. This is a great way to show that and negotiate better pay from a company based on experience gained in the class.

2. Previous Experience

Another way to ensure you can make more money starting your data entry position is to have previous experience. This may seem obvious, but there are actually many other jobs that are similar enough to data entry that can help a future employer take you more seriously.

On your resume, focus on positions that include major aspects of data entry as previous experience. If possible, talk about fast-paced work environments and your attention to detail, even when working with difficult deadlines.

This will show that you already have experience in the data entry environment, even if you haven’t done that exact job before.

If you have previous experience in data entry at all, make sure you note this when applying for jobs. Some of the higher-paying data entry positions require a certain amount of experience. So, if you have that experience already, apply to positions asking for experience and are willing to pay more for those with it.

3. Promotions

Promotions are another way that you can make more money in the data entry field. Being brand new at a company doesn’t offer much hope for immediate promotion, but make sure you establish yourself as reliable, accurate, and overall good at your job. This will allow you to stand out and help your bosses consider you for upcoming promotions.

There will always be a learning curve with any new position, but excelling faster than a company anticipates can be a great way to stand out among your peers.

So, help yourself stand out by getting better at your position and taking it seriously. Then, you will put yourself in a position for bosses to notice you and keep you in mind for promotions.

4. Keep Options Open

One of the best things you can do while in the data entry field is to keep your options open. Some companies pay a lot more for those with experience.

So, as you gain experience in an entry-level role, keep your eyes open for new openings that match your experience. Jobs are competitive. So, watch for new positions posted that may offer you more money based on your experience level.

5. Leave Your Resume on Different Job Boards

The cool thing about job boards is that they allow you to get in front of tens of thousands of companies and employers without the need to insanely pitch them one by one.

Companies like ZipRecruiter allow you to create an account for free, complete your profile with the most updated resume, and just wait for companies to pitch you their offers!

Alternatively, you can pay a premium job board like FlexJobs a small monthly fee and get access to hundreds of thousands of jobs in all niches and industries.

Conclusion

Data entry positions that allow you to work from home are a popular way for companies to hire talent from all across the country. So, use this to your advantage by applying to these positions with companies that may not otherwise be an option based on where you live.

Remember, data entry may not pay a huge amount to start, but it is a good way to make decent money without having to drive into an office every day. And sometimes, by working an online data entry job, you can even make your own schedule.

In this article, we’ve discussed how you can find a data entry job, how much you can expect to make, and all the things that can affect how much money you can be making from this side hustle!

Although data entry jobs allow you to make a good income from the comfort of your home, at the end of the day, it will remain a job, and it won’t make you a millionaire!

Alternatively, if you want to make money online passively, while you’re sleeping, at the gym, or even traveling… check out the free training below to learn how you can start your own profitable business and reap the rewards of being your own boss!

Thanks for going this far! If you found this post inspiring and useful, share it with your friends, please! (Virtual high fives and hugs to all my sharers out there!)

Cheers,
Odeh Ahwal