7 Data Entry Jobs from Home (With Duties and Salaries)

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A woman works on a spreadsheet using a desktop computer next to a list with the title "Useful skills for
data entry jobs" and these skills:

• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Basic computer knowledge
• Typing proficiency

Data management is an important part of business operations that's present in almost all industries. Companies often employ professionals to help them maintain accurate records and compile necessary information. Learning more about the kinds of data entry jobs you can do from home can help you determine the ones that are suitable for you and those that align with your goals.

In this article, we provide a list of data entry jobs from home, including the primary responsibilities and national average salary for each position, and present a list of useful skills you can review and consider developing for this type of work.

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7 data entry jobs from home

If you're unsure where to start looking for data entry jobs from home, it can help to explore the different kinds of positions available. Data entry refers to the inputting of any kind of data into a computer system. This can include various kinds of information, such as written text, audio, statistics, or order numbers. The primary responsibility of anyone working in this field is to ensure the accuracy of the information entered. Data entry positions exist in many different industries, including health care, retail, finance, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing.

The type of data you might process in this role can also vary widely. For example, data entry positions in sales may involve transferring information for each sale into the company system to ensure the available inventory is always up to date and accurate. Data entry tasks in an office setting may include transcribing notes from a meeting. In other industries, it may be necessary to input raw data, such as statistics, into a database for further analysis. Here's a list of data entry jobs you may be able to do from home to help you learn more about your options for doing so:

1. Data entry clerk

National average salary: $18.66 per hour

Primary duties: Data entry clerks input and update information into databases. They perform data searches, file digital documents, verify data accuracy by consulting source documents, and create data backups. This is often an entry-level position, and you may be able to obtain training on the job. Positions exist in many different industries, and some may have more stringent security requirements depending on the sensitivity of the information being compiled.

Related: Data Entry Skills and How to Improve Them

2. Enumerator

National average salary: $19.76 per hour

Primary duties: Enumerators work on behalf of an agency, government, or organization to gather data related to population and demographics. While they traditionally accomplish this by visiting people's homes and recording information on the number, age, and occupation of the residents, the use of virtual methods is increasing. Virtual enumerators may conduct telephone or online surveys to compile basic demographic information on local populations. This type of work is usually available during official census periods.

Related: How to Write a Data Analyst Entry-Level Resume (With Tips)

3. Transcriptionist

National average salary: $21.34 per hour

Primary duties: Transcriptionists convert verbal or recorded speech into written form. This can sometimes take place live, but transcribers usually work from recordings and type what they hear into a computer. They may use word processing software, or more specialized equipment, such as stenotype machines and pedals to accomplish this. Higher-paying transcription jobs may be available for those with specialized technical or medical knowledge. Certification or security clearance is often necessary in cases where a transcriber works with confidential data, such as in medical or legal settings. Attention to detail, fast typing speed, and accuracy are essential for this role.

Related: How to Learn Data Entry and Available Career Options

4. Virtual assistant

National average salary: $21.72 per hour

Primary duties: A virtual assistant, or VA, performs administrative tasks to support business operations outside of a traditional office setting. They usually work from a home office setup, and require reliable access to the internet and a telephone. Virtual assistants may perform tasks like answering customer calls, replying to e-mails, scheduling appointments, managing a calendar, and making travel arrangements. Depending on the position, they may also draft reports, create presentations, perform market research, and maintain customer records. Good organizational and communication skills are key, as VAs manage their own office setup and usually work independently.

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5. Data technician

National average salary: $23.26 per hour

Primary duties: Data technicians oversee the accuracy and security of an organization's data architecture. They may use a variety of tools, including spreadsheets, word processing software, and content management systems (CMS) to organize the data they compile. Knowledge of basic office applications, a fast typing speed, attention to detail, ability to concentrate for prolonged periods, and organizational skills are all important for this position. Depending on the role, a data technician might require specialized knowledge in areas such as medical terminology, statistical analysis, cybersecurity, or legal terminology.

Related: How to Write a Data Entry Resume (With Tips and Examples)

6. Payroll clerk

National average salary: $23.28 per hour

Primary duties: Payroll clerks, also known as payroll administrators, manage the payroll of a company or organization. They usually require a minimum of a degree and some previous experience, although many entry-level positions also exist. A payroll clerk maintains records of employee information, hours worked, and absence and attendance data. They may issue paycheques, prepare quarterly and year-end reports, remit payroll taxes, and submit government reports. Opportunities also exist to advance to managerial or supervisory roles, although these often require a minimum level of experience and a degree in subjects like accounting or finance.

Related: What Does a Payroll Clerk Do? (With FAQs and How-to Guide)

7. Data administrator

National average salary: $24.83 per hour

Primary duties: Data administrators, or database administrators, typically design and implement data administration policies, standards, and models on behalf of organizations or businesses. They may use specialized software to store, organize, and update company data. They also help maintain the integrity of the data they administer by ensuring compliance with internal security policies, limiting access to the data, and creating backups to guard against accidental data loss or security breaches. A data administrator may also provide training and support to other team members in the correct protocol for accessing company data.

Data administrator jobs are available in a wide variety of industries, including technology consulting, supply chain management, engineering, health care, manufacturing, retail, and pharmaceutical. Administrators may also work in other settings, like government and non-governmental agencies, research institutes, or universities. Strong math skills, attention to detail, aptitude for data analysis, and prior experience with database coding can be useful in this role. For positions which require handling sensitive data, specific security clearance or certifications may be a requirement.

Related: Understanding Entry-Level Jobs

Useful skills for data entry jobs

Although the requirements for data entry jobs can vary widely in content and skill level, there are some common skills that generally apply to all jobs in this field. Considering your own aptitudes, interests, and professional experience can help you decide what to focus on when looking for a data entry job. Here's a list of some useful skills for data entry jobs, particularly if you're working from home:

• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time

• Attention to detail, particularly when processing a large volume of potentially repetitive information

• Fast and accurate typing skills

• Mathematical or analytical aptitude

• Consistency and reliability

• Familiarity with computer databases

• Some knowledge of information processing theory

• Ability to multitask and prioritize work according to changing requirements

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with working independently

• Time management

• Familiarity with word processing software

• Ability to use and update spreadsheets

Related: What Does a Data Entry Clerk Do? (With Duties and Skills)

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.