Data entry jobs are one of the easiest and most sought-after work-from-home opportunities. Whether you want to work for a company or offer data entry as a service, it’s super easy to get started! This post will give you the “quick and dirty” tips to safely landing data entry work.

What Is Data Entry?


The easiest explanation is that you get paid to enter data (or information) into a database. The “data” could be text, audio, video, and/or images. It could be anything from adding names into a spreadsheet to organizing a GoogleDrive. Data entry really is a broad umbrella term that covers a wide range of tasks such as:

  • Copy And Paste
  • Filling Forms
  • Data Conversion
  • Collecting Data
  • Web Scraping
  • Internet Research

free online data entry jobs

What are the requirements you need?

Many of these jobs require applicants to be fast typists but not all types of data entry need it. For some tasks, accuracy or volume are more important than your speed. Regardless of the job, there are a few basic things you will need: 

  • Computer (desktop or laptop)
  • Highspeed Internet
  • Typing software like MS Office

What are the legit data entry jobs without investment you could try?

It’s important to note that one main indicator that a job is legitimate is that it doesn’t ask for any fees up front. They should pay you and not the other way around. 

1. Working Solutions

Working Solutions has been around since 1996. This company hires remote workers per project and allows applicants to choose a flexible work schedule. Aside from data entry workers, they also hire travel consultants and call center agents. If you’re hired they will even provide training! 

2. Dion Data Solutions

This company has been around for so many years, so you don’t need to question its legitimacy. They accept applicants worldwide. You just need to be a fast typist with fast internet. It is worth mentioning that due to the large volume of applicants the hiring process can be lengthy. It may be wise to apply to other companies while waiting to hear from them.  

3. Lionbridge

Lionbridge has been around for about 20 years and also hires data entry workers from around the globe. You will need to take their evaluation test to determine which tasks would best fit you. After you are evaluated, you’ll have the chance to select data entry jobs that have flexible schedules. This makes Lionbridge a great option for anyone wanting a side income.

4. Clickworker

Clickworker comes really highly recommended from a good friend. They offer micro-jobs and task opportunities (including data entry) and pay timely. If you enjoy filling out forms and web searching, you should check them out.

5. Xerox

Nearly every person in the western hemisphere has heard of Xerox. Most don’t realize that they hire remote workers for positions like data entry/verification, image processors, tech support and customer care. They even hire military spouses with their heroes@home program.

data entry jobs from home without investment

6. Rev Transcription

Rev is a transcription service that is always hiring transcription workers. Their top transcriptionists earn up to $1000+ per month.

7. Atheron

Athreon provides transcription and dictation services to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, law enforcement, legal, business, media, and academia. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Athreon offers its dedicated transcriptionists various benefits, including continuous support and constructive feedback, flexible work schedules, a steady stream of assignments, and easy-to-use technology.

8. Audio Transcription Center

Audio Transcription Center is a 57-year old company that specializes in online transcription services. Their jobs include gigs such as oral history interviews, focus groups, tech webinars, TV shows and more. They offer flexibility and weekly pay for transcriptionists who meet their requirements. Their registration process is a little more involved then some of the others and requires a test. It’s also a bonus if you are multilingual.

9. Speakwrite

Speakwrite is another great company if you are looking for transcription work. Their typists are paid one-half cent per word plus occasional bonuses. Payment is made twice a month by direct deposit (U.S. only) or by check.

10. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is an online community where users can accept short 2-4 minute transcription jobs. The pay ranges on average between $15-22 per audio hour and is paid via PayPal. This flexible company is great for anyone wanting to give transcription a try! 

11. Scribie

Scribie is a great beginner option for transcription jobs that pays between $5-20 per audio hour. They also use AI to assist with transcription, saving their typists a ton of time. Like many other companies, they pay via PayPal.

12. Rev

Rev is a company that comes highly recommended by entrepreneurs in the online industry. The sign up process is quick and they offer a wide range of project types to choose from. They also pay weekly via PayPal which makes them a great option if you need paid quickly.

13. Quicktate

Quicktate (and iDictate) are another really flexible company that offers remote transcription jobs. Contractors are able to work as many or as few hours as they want which makes this a great side hustle company.

14. Sigtrack

Sigtrack is a unique company that deals with political transcriptions. Typists must prove U.S. residency but cannot reside in California or Massachusetts. Their software is also compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, a feature several other companies do not offer. Their pay structure is also unique in that pay is shared between the original typist and the person who reviews it for accuracy. 

How can I tell if an online data entry job is real or fake?

There are many scam sites that advertise data entry jobs promising a high salary but ask for a fee upfront. Remember that real data entry online jobs will not require registration fees or ask for money upfront. Do your homework before accepting a job to ensure you are applying for a legitimate company. 

While some people need the security of a job, others love the flexibility of freelance work or virtual assistance and may choose to offer data entry as a service.

How to start working as a freelance data entry clerk?

If you would prefer to be your own boss and offer data entry as a service instead of being an employee of a large company, there are lots of freelance websites and job portals that offer data entry gigs; many do not require experience or a degree. 

While data entry doesn’t have the highest-paid work-from-home rate it can be a good way to earn some extra cash from home. Many beginners start by registering on freelancing sites, job portals, and online virtual assistant communities.

We will conclude our list of places to find data entry jobs by listing out our favorite freelance marketplaces. There are often data entry jobs listed on each of these sites.

15. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most well known remote work marketplaces on the planet. The more specific you are in creating your profile and in listing your skills, they better your chances are of being approved to join the community. 

16. Freeup

Freeup is an employer favorite because they offer a “no turnover” guarantee. If for some reason you couldn’t finish a job, they will replace you quickly and cover the cost to do so. While this is great for employers, it could be tricky for freelancers. You need to be sure to honor your deadlines and provide a high quality service.

17. Freelancer

Freelancer is a much more relaxed remote work marketplace compared to Upwork offering more than 1800 job categories to choose from. 

18. Fiverr

Fiverr is another extremely popular remote job board across the globe. The really cool thing about this marketplace is that payments from gigs are available for withdrawal as soon as they clear.

19. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is another online marketplace for remote work. While it is a paid job board, they offer coaching and high level support for members looking to level up their skills. 

20. Virtual Assistant Savvies

The Virtual Assistant Savvies is a free Facebook community that educates and connects over 112k virtual assistants and virtual assistant agency owners. It is the best place for a beginner to learn how to safely start offering virtual assistant services.

Here are 5 steps to getting started as a freelancer on most job boards:

  1. Create an account/profile for each of the freelancing sites. This can help you maximize your earnings as it increases your chances of getting the job.  
  2. Once you have created an account, you can start searching for data entry jobs. Most of these jobs are just like the type of data entry jobs mentioned earlier in the post.  
  3. If you’re a beginner with no experience, make sure to double-check the job description so you’ll know if it will fit your experience level, then bid for the job. 
  4. Once you get accepted for your first job, make sure to be able to finish the task on time. Many clients will rehire and/or recommend freelancers they have a good experience with.  
  5. Try to make sure to carefully select the job offers you bid for. You do not want to overcommit to tasks that you will not have time to complete. Organization and attention to detail will be key to your success as a freelancer.

How to offer data entry as a general virtual assistant

One of the best ways to make money by offering data entry is by starting your own virtual assistant business. A virtual assistant handles general administrative tasks for small business owners. These services often include data entry, but may also include writing blog posts, creating social media graphics, calendar management, research, answering customer service emails and more. 


If you’re interested in starting your own virtual assistant business, check out this free training offered by The Virtual Savvy. It’s 60 minutes jammed packed with information all on how to start working at home by starting your own virtual assistant business.

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