Is Freelance Data Entry Right for You?

Nearly a third of all Americans are freelancers, and that number only continues to rise as more and more people want to take ownership of their careers.

Perhaps you’re one of the people considering the leap from a traditional job to self-employment. If so, you may have come across the idea of freelance data entry as your new role.

Is a leap into working as a freelancer right for you? Here’s all you should know about choosing the path of data entry.

First, let’s look at the skills required for a freelance data entry job. Don’t worry: even if your resume is a bit sparse, you can still get freelance work. This is especially true in the data entry field, where most newbies have little to no experience.

In most cases, data entry will require a pretty basic skillset. You should have:

• Proficient to great typing skills
• Familiarity with computer software, especially the Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Excellent time-management capabilities
• Good spelling and grammar
• Great attention to detail
• Expertise in database management is great, too, but not always required

Depending on the industry in which you get your data entry job, more skills may be needed. However, these are the base level must-haves — and, chances are, if you have had an office role in the past, you have most of these down pat.

One of the best things about being a freelancer is that you get to choose where you work. Your employer might require that you live in the same country or even in the same time zone. But, other than that, the mass majority of freelancers can live and work wherever they want.

As a freelance data entry specialist, you’ll probably just need access to a computer and the internet. Your company may provide you with software if you don’t have the programs required to do the job at hand.

Because freelance data entry jobs don’t require a particularly special skill set, the pay isn’t as high as some other careers. However, the hourly rate has increased over the years and, as of 2019, the mean rate for freelance data entry specialists was just over $15.50.

As time goes on and you gain experience, you can expect that figure to increase. The more skilled workers in this field can rake in upwards of $22 an hour.

If a freelance data entry job sounds right for you, then all there’s left to do is start your job search. You might also want to brush up on your typing skills — you can easily find games online to help you amp up your speed.

We can help you prepare for this or any other freelancing role. Click here to apply to join our next cohort, through which you’ll get the training you need to succeed as you leap into self-employment.