How to Start a Data Entry Side Hustle in 2026

Earn $15-$30+ per hour entering data, managing spreadsheets, and processing information remotely

Startup Cost: $0 Earning: $15-$30+/hour 100% Remote

Data Entry as a Side Hustle: What You Need to Know

Data entry remains one of the most accessible side hustles in 2026 because it requires no specialized skills or expensive equipment - just a computer, internet connection, and attention to detail. While pay rates are modest ($12-25/hour), the flexibility and low barrier to entry make it ideal for beginners.

The key to earning well with data entry is working for reputable companies, improving your typing speed, and specializing in higher-paying niches like medical or legal data entry.

Data Entry Pay Rates:

  • • Basic data entry: $12-18/hour
  • • Specialized (medical/legal): $18-30/hour
  • • Data entry + analysis: $25-40/hour

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Essential Gear for Data Entry Professionals

Why Data Entry in 2026?

Data entry specialist working with spreadsheets and databases

Despite automation advances, businesses still need humans for accurate data entry, especially for handwritten documents, complex forms, and quality verification. Data entry is perfect for those seeking flexible, remote work with minimal startup requirements.

Ideal For

  • Fast, accurate typists (60+ WPM preferred)
  • Detail-oriented individuals
  • Those seeking flexible, remote work
  • Night owls or early birds wanting non-standard hours
  • Anyone needing to work around other commitments

Types of Data Entry Work

Basic Data Entry

Entering information into databases, spreadsheets, or forms. $12-$20/hour.

Transcription

Converting audio to text. General $15-$25/hr; medical/legal $25-$45/hr.

Data Cleaning

Correcting errors, standardizing formats, removing duplicates. $15-$30/hour.

CRM Management

Updating customer records, leads, contacts. $18-$35/hour with experience.

Where to Find Work

FlexJobs

Curated remote job listings. Subscription required but filters out scams.

Upwork / Fiverr

Freelance platforms with data entry gigs. Build reviews to increase rates.

Rev / TranscribeMe

Transcription-focused platforms. Pay per audio minute.

Amazon MTurk

Micro-tasks including data entry. Low pay but easy to start.

Direct Client Outreach

Reach out to small businesses, law firms, medical offices needing data help.

Increasing Your Rates

  • Speed matters: Faster typing = more money per hour
  • Specialize: Medical, legal, or financial data pays premium
  • Learn tools: Excel, Google Sheets, CRM systems expertise commands higher rates
  • Accuracy: Build reputation for error-free work
  • Direct clients: Skip platform fees by finding clients yourself

12 Legitimate Data Entry Companies Hiring in 2026

Vetted platforms with real payment proof and active job listings

Clickworker

Popular
Pay Rate: $8-15/hr

Type: Micro-tasks, surveys, data categorization

Payment: PayPal, weekly

Requirements: 18+, PayPal account, pass assessments

Pros: Quick approval, flexible
Cons: Inconsistent work

TDEC

Professional
Pay Rate: $12-20/hr

Type: Document processing, form entry

Payment: Direct deposit, bi-weekly

Requirements: 45+ WPM, Windows PC, background check

Pros: Steady work, better pay
Cons: Strict requirements

Axion Data Entry

Established
Pay Rate: $10-18/hr

Type: Various data entry projects

Payment: PayPal, monthly

Requirements: 50+ WPM, MS Office, high accuracy

Pros: Long-term contracts
Cons: Monthly payment

DionData Solutions

High-Paying
Pay Rate: $12-22/hr

Type: Medical & legal transcription

Payment: Direct deposit, bi-weekly

Requirements: 60+ WPM, medical/legal knowledge

Pros: Premium rates
Cons: Requires expertise

SigTrack

Seasonal
Pay Rate: $15-25/hr

Type: Voter registration data entry

Payment: Direct deposit, weekly

Requirements: US resident, dual monitors helpful

Pros: High pay, weekly
Cons: Seasonal only

AccuTran Global

Professional
Pay Rate: $15-25/hr

Type: General & legal transcription

Payment: Direct deposit, bi-weekly

Requirements: 60+ WPM, transcription experience

Pros: Good pay, quality clients
Cons: Experience required

Scribie

Beginner-Friendly
Pay Rate: $10-20/hr

Type: Audio transcription (6-min files)

Payment: PayPal, weekly ($1 minimum)

Requirements: Good English, pass test

Pros: Easy to start
Cons: Lower pay per file

GoTranscript

Reliable
Pay Rate: $12-22/hr

Type: Transcription, translation, captioning

Payment: PayPal/Payoneer, weekly

Requirements: English proficiency, pass entry test

Pros: Steady work flow
Cons: Strict guidelines

Capital Typing

Specialized
Pay Rate: $14-24/hr

Type: Captioning & subtitling

Payment: Direct deposit, monthly

Requirements: 70+ WPM, captioning experience

Pros: Above-average pay
Cons: Technical requirements

Microworkers

Global
Pay Rate: $8-15/hr

Type: Micro-tasks, data validation

Payment: Multiple options, weekly

Requirements: 18+, valid ID verification

Pros: Quick tasks, global
Cons: Low pay per task

FlexJobs

Premium
Pay Rate: Varies

Type: Curated job board (subscription)

Payment: Depends on employer

Requirements: $14.95/month subscription

Pros: Scam-free listings
Cons: Monthly fee

Direct Clients

Highest-Paying
Pay Rate: $20-40/hr

Type: Freelance contracts (Upwork, LinkedIn)

Payment: Negotiated terms

Requirements: Strong portfolio, experience

Pros: Maximum earnings
Cons: Requires experience

Essential Skills and Requirements

Typing Speed Requirements

Your typing speed directly correlates with your earning potential:

30-40 WPM

Beginner

Micro-tasks only

$8-12/hr

45-55 WPM

Intermediate

Good opportunities

$12-18/hr

60-75 WPM

Advanced

Premium roles

$18-25/hr

75+ WPM

Expert

Direct clients

$25-40/hr

Free Typing Tests: Test your speed at TypingTest.com, 10FastFingers.com, or Keybr.com. Practice 15-20 minutes daily to increase speed by 10-15 WPM within 30 days.

Software Proficiency Requirements

Microsoft Excel

Industry standard for data entry

  • • Data entry in cells
  • • Basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE)
  • • Sorting and filtering
Required: 80% of jobs

Google Sheets

Cloud-based alternative

  • • Online collaboration
  • • Sheet sharing permissions
  • • Import/export data
Required: 60% of jobs

CRM Systems

Customer data platforms

  • • Salesforce (most common)
  • • HubSpot
  • • Zoho CRM
Bonus skill: +$3-5/hr

Essential Equipment and Setup

Minimum Basic Setup

  • Computer: Laptop/desktop, 4GB RAM minimum ($300-500)
  • Internet: 10 Mbps download, stable connection
  • Keyboard & Mouse: Any functional keyboard
  • Workspace: Quiet, dedicated area

Total Investment: $300-600

Recommended Professional Setup

  • Dual Monitors: 20-30% productivity increase ($100-300)
  • Ergonomic Keyboard: Prevents RSI ($30-100)
  • Headphones: For transcription work ($30-80)
  • Comfortable Chair: Prevents back pain ($100-300)

Total Investment: $800-1,500

ROI: 2-4 weeks at higher-paying roles

Certifications That Increase Pay

+$5-10/hr

Medical Transcription

HIPAA compliance & medical terminology

Cost: $200-400 | Duration: 3-6 months

+$4-8/hr

Microsoft Excel (MOS)

Advanced spreadsheet skills verification

Cost: $100-150 | Duration: 1-2 months

+$3-6/hr

Certified Data Entry Specialist

Professional data entry credential

Cost: $150-250 | Duration: 1-3 months

Worth it? Certifications are optional but can open doors to higher-paying positions. Start earning first, then invest in certifications once you're making steady income.

6-Step Getting Started Guide

Your complete roadmap from beginner to earning your first income

Estimated Timeline: 1-2 Weeks To First Earnings
1
Day 1-2
2
Day 2-3
3
Day 3-5
4
Day 5-7
5
Day 7-10
6
Ongoing
01

Assess Your Current Skills

Understand your baseline and set realistic goals

Action Items:

  • • Take 3 typing tests at TypingTest.com or 10FastFingers.com
  • • Aim for 95%+ accuracy minimum
  • • Rate yourself on Excel, Google Sheets, Word
  • • Calculate available hours (5-10 hrs/week minimum)

Based on your results:

30-40 WPM: Start with micro-tasks

45-55 WPM: Apply to entry platforms

60+ WPM: Target premium positions

02

Set Up Your Home Office

Create a productive workspace that minimizes distractions

Checklist:

  • • Dedicated desk or table
  • • Comfortable, adjustable chair
  • • Good lighting (natural + desk lamp)
  • • Clean up desktop, install essential software
  • • Test internet speed (minimum 10 Mbps)
  • • Create PayPal/Payoneer account

Cost Breakdown:

Desk lamp: $20-40

Office supplies: $15-30

Software (if needed): $0-100

Minimal Total: $35-170

03

Create Professional Profiles

Build credibility to win your first clients

Profile Optimization:

  • • Professional headshot (clear, well-lit)
  • • Specific, results-focused headline
  • • Bio with expertise, tools, and call to action

Good headline:

"Accurate Data Entry Specialist | 60 WPM | Excel Expert | 99.8% Accuracy"

Platforms to Join:

Upwork High Priority
Fiverr High Priority
LinkedIn Medium Priority
04

Apply to Platforms Strategically

Maximize approval rates with targeted applications

30-40 WPM
Beginner Track
  1. 1. Clickworker (easiest)
  2. 2. Microworkers
  3. 3. Scribie
45-55 WPM
Intermediate Track
  1. 1. TDEC
  2. 2. Axion Data Entry
  3. 3. GoTranscript
60+ WPM
Advanced Track
  1. 1. DionData, AccuTran
  2. 2. Capital Typing
  3. 3. Direct clients
05

Complete Your First Tasks

Focus on accuracy and building your reputation

First Week Strategy:

  • • Accept smaller, easier tasks first
  • • Double-check all work before submitting
  • • Meet deadlines early when possible
  • • Ask questions if anything is unclear
  • • Request feedback and reviews

Expected First Week Earnings:

Micro-tasks (10 hrs): $80-150

Entry platforms (10 hrs): $120-180

Premium roles (10 hrs): $180-250

06

Scale and Specialize

Increase rates and build long-term income

Growth Strategies:

  • • Improve typing speed by 10-15 WPM monthly
  • • Specialize in medical, legal, or financial
  • • Build direct client relationships
  • • Create portfolio of best work
  • • Consider certifications for premium rates

90-Day Income Goals:

Month 1: $400-800 (learning phase)

Month 2: $600-1,200 (efficiency gains)

Month 3: $800-1,500+ (optimized)

Income Calculator

Avoid Scams

Red Flags

  • Requests for upfront payment or "training fees"
  • Promises of unrealistic pay ($50+/hour for basic data entry)
  • Vague job descriptions
  • Communication only via text/personal email
  • Pressure to start immediately without interview

Ready to Start Data Entry?

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Written by

Glen Meade

Side hustle expert who has personally tested 50+ platforms since 2019.

Last updated: January 2026