If you have great keyboarding skills, a penchant for accuracy, and the ability to work under deadline, data entry may be a solid career to consider. A job in data entry can take you into a variety of industries, since employers across many sectors hire for these positions.
Wondering how to get a data entry job? First, it’s worth noting that these positions are commonly available in an independent consultant structure, but they are also available as full-time, part-time, or freelance positions.
Introduction
What is a Data Entry Job?
Data entry professionals use computers and data processing programs to enter information into a database or documentation platform. Data entry job descriptions may also include transcribing data from recordings or phone conversations. While most data entry professionals work electronically, paper documentation may be used as well, depending on the employer.
Data Entry Skills and Job Requirements
Typically, many employers require only a high school diploma or GED equivalent for job applicants seeking to start a data entry career. However, in some cases (often depending on the industry) a bachelor’s degree may be required. Academic qualifications will be made clear prior to a potential data entry job interview. Using data processing software is often a prerequisite as well, so many employers look for candidates who are proficient with platforms like Microsoft Office or the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program.
Outside of technology, candidates with the following characteristics can put themselves ahead of the pack. These should be noted in your cover letter:
- Organization
- Self motivation
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Polite and courteous
- Deadline-oriented
If you’re wondering how to get a data entry job, the good news is that there are many employers that hire for entry-level data entry jobs, making it a great way to get on-the-job training. As for the job outlook for data entry, figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics project a growth rate of 3% over a 10-year period ending in 2026.
Data Entry Salary
According to PayScale, hourly wages for data entry jobs range from $11 to about $17 per hour, with the higher pay rates going to candidates with the most skills and experience. On average, the pay is $14.41 per hour.
Other factors that may determine pay for data entry professionals include whether the job requires other tasks like customer service or administrative office duties. In the hospitality and travel sectors, for example, a data processor may also be required to keep track of client bookings and reservations, including schedule changes and cancellations.
Finding Legitimate Data Entry Jobs
Valid data entry jobs do indeed exist but know that you shouldn’t have to pay for them. FlexJobs posts legitimate data entry jobs nearly every day. Every data entry position found at FlexJobs has been thoroughly vetted by a FlexJobs researcher and is offered by a reputable employer.
To spot a potential data entry scam, be wary of listings that involve:
- Paying an administrative fee or for training
- Processing rebates
- Purchasing business kits
- Promoting affiliate marketing
Companies That Hire for Data Entry Jobs
Data entry can be an ideal role for people who want work flexibility. Since most data can be entered on a personal computer, many employers hiring for data entry jobs seek work-from-home professionals. Data entry jobs can also offer work flexibility in the form of part-time, temporary, or freelance opportunities.
FlexJobs has data entry jobs posted from a broad range of companies, including:
Types of Data Entry Jobs
There are a few different types of roles for data entry jobs. The duties can vary from one industry to another, and employers may add other (related or non-related) general office responsibilities to the job. Some of the types of data entry jobs are:
Data Entry Clerk
This job involves basic inputting of information, either numeric or alphabetic, from one format to another, usually via keyboarding.
Data Entry Keyer
This role enters or scans figures or data into computer software systems, often from other documents such as hard copies or paper documents.
Transcriptionist
This is usually a word-based (versus numbers-driven) job that involves listening to recordings and transcribing the information into reports or other word documents.
Word Processor/Typist
Basic typing is a key duty in this job, including entering information for text documents, correspondence, and reports.
Industries that Hire Data Entry Jobs
Medical and Health
These employers can include hospitals, medical centers, and diagnostic labs and clinics.
Administrative
An office setting (or a home office) is a typical setting for many data entry professionals. For some positions, answering the phone or performing general receptionist duties may be part of the job.
Accounting and Finance
Financial institutions hire for data entry jobs that deal with tax preparation, auditing, corporate finances, payroll, and accounts payable.
Government and Politics
From public record-keeping to elections, local and state governments, as well as the federal government, often hire accurate data entry professionals.
Retail and Sales
Inventory, online sales, collection, and logistics can play major roles in retail and sales, and employers in these industries hire for flexible data entry jobs.
Moving Forward on the Data Entry Career Path
Once you’ve established a good understanding of how to land a data entry job, and decided it’s a career you’d like to stick with, there are a few strategies for moving forward—and up the career ladder.
If you’re at the entry level and have only a high school degree, continue your education with a focus on subjects like information technology, data science, or business or office technology. Consider earning an associate’s degree or racking up academic credits in an online study course that dovetails with your career aspirations as a data entry professional.
As you progress in your data entry career, consider advancing to a supervisory position, or transitioning to a position as a data entry analyst or data analyst. Both jobs usually require a college degree; excellent analytical skills; the ability to establish and maintain databases; oversight of quarterly or annual data reporting; and great communication skills.
In conclusion
If you’re ready to start searching for data entry jobs, careerkeg can help! Data entry is one of the most flexible careers in today’s job market, and that’s why we constantly add new ones to our database. Check them out and connect with your next opportunity.
