Data Entry Worker

Data entry is a simple and very remote-friendly side hustle that consists of converting information into a digital format. In plain English, that often means entering it into a spreadsheet or database, although an increasing number of companies are also looking for data entry workers to perform tasks like tagging and labeling images to train AI models.

You don’t need a degree (or any formal credentials at all) to pick up a side hustle in data entry. However, it helps to be a reasonably quick typist, and you’ll need to be familiar with popular office software, such as Microsoft Excel. You’ll also need to have strong attention to detail.

Many people find data entry work on freelancing marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr, as well as job boards like FlexJobs and small-scale gig (“microtasking”) platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Data entry isn’t the hardest side hustle out there, but it isn’t the easiest, either. Use these strategies to succeed:

Invest in a comfortable setup

Your workstation matters a lot as a data entry worker. You’re going to spend a lot of time in front of the computer, so make sure you have a comfortable chair and an ergonomic keyboard you can type on for prolonged stretches (nothing will cut your side hustle short like carpal tunnel syndrome).

Learn how to automate small tasks

Not all data entry tasks have to be completed manually. If you spend a few weeks familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of programs like Excel, especially by learning how to write simple scripts, it could save you hundreds of hours of work over the course of your data entry career.

The more efficient you are, the more jobs you’ll be able to complete, and the more money you’ll make.

Develop strategies to stay focused

Data entry is usually easy, but it can be fairly mind-numbing. Figure out what you need to do to stay attentive and avoid making careless errors (or simply taking too many breaks).

For many people, this involves working in focused “sprints” punctuated by 5-to-10-minute breaks, but over time, you’ll get a sense for what workflow is best for you.

Pros

• Simple and accessible: Virtually anyone can do this side hustle. All you need to begin is a computer, a keyboard, and an internet connection.
• Extremely flexible: Most data entry jobs are remote, and you can do many of them on your own schedule. If you have to work odd hours to fit data entry around your full-time job, that’s no problem.
• Fairly low-stress: Some people find data entry surprisingly relaxing, and you can usually work while listening to music or even a podcast (as long as it doesn’t break your focus).

Cons

• Potentially tedious: Despite its simplicity, data entry isn’t idyllic. It can get very repetitive, and as mentioned, it can be hard to stay on track.
• Modestly paid: Because data entry is a job most people can do, it isn’t usually a particularly lucrative one. It’s rare to find gigs that pay more than $20 per hour, and some pay much less.
• Limited advancement: Similarly, data entry isn’t usually a job with much future potential. It’s a good gig if you just want to boost your income in the here and now, but not one you can realistically convert into a new career.