Work at Home Job Facts: Data Entry

Do you enjoy helping others? Do you type at least 60 words per minute? Do you have pockets of quiet time available to focus on a project? Then, you may want to consider employment with a data entry service.

This growing field of opportunity for the at-home worker typically involves entering form information into a database or transcribing documents for clients. Data entry companies offer a range of flexible opportunities allowing you to work as little as an hour a day to full-time-plus hours each week.

Requirements: These jobs require you have motivation, excellent writing skills, basic computer knowledge, the ability to type quickly (the faster you type, the quicker you finish assignment, the more you earn!) and the ability to focus on details.

Equipment: Data Entry equipment needs will include having access to a computer with Internet access. General computer essentials (such as room on your hard drive, or a fast processor speed) that will be specific to the client's software requirements. Speed of Internet access is also helpful as many assignments will be uploaded to the company using online access, so investing in cable or DSL access may be a necessity.

Pay: Typical pay for an at-home Data Entry ranges from $5-$10 per hour. With incentive programs, $11-$20, and upwards, may be possible.

Many assignments are paid out on per-entry fee. For example, entries may pay 5 cents each. 1000 entries would then pay $50.

Data Entry work is very competitive as some companies outsource outside the United States where accepted wages may be lower. Be sure to sign up with a number of companies and explore all opportunities before committing to a pay rate.

Benefits: Key benefits to the position are flexible hours, convenience of working at home, and free training programs offered by data entry companies. Drawbacks may include no benefits (ie: health insurance, holiday pay, overtime) and the repetitive nature of the job.

Job Opportunities: If the above information suits your needs and you are interested in beginning an at-home career in Data Entry, you may wish to consult the following list of employers for job listings:

Affiliated Computer Services http://www.acs-inc.com/

Search under the Career Section for Virtual Data Entry jobs

DionData Solutions http://www.diondatasolutions.net/opportunities.htm

Driver Guide http://members.driverguide.com/index.php?action=doc&page=home__docs__hiring

ODesk http://www.odesk.com/w/

Team Double Click http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/

The Virtual Professionals http://www.thevirtualprofessionals.com/

Other routes to pursuing job openings in the data entry field are:

1) Tune into your local employment ads, call your local centers (consult your Yellow Pages "Data Entry" or "Office Assistant" sections) to inquire about available work-at-home positions

2) Ask around, especially on Work-At-Home forums, such as the one found at ClubMom® http://www.clubmom.com/jforum/forums/show/16.page?lastMid=204115

Lastly, when you are applying for an at-home Data Entry position, be cautious of companies or individuals who require an upfront fee for information or investment money for software or training.

Remember, this is a job, and like any viable form of employment through a reputable company, you should expect to receive a paycheck from the company for your work. You should not be giving the company your money in order to procure work.

Additional Resources: Telework.gov http://www.telework.gov/