Data entry jobs have become the most in-demand jobs in the last few years as more people deal with unemployment or want to start their own home-based administrative business. The number of online job opportunities is growing rapidly as more businesses and entrepreneurs outsource work to cut costs and to hire specialists for deadline-driven projects.

Every company needs a data entry worker--one who handles important, time-sensitive information to help the company function properly. Many companies outsource this work, allowing you to work virtually or remotely. Data entry services cover a broad array of tasks and skills, such as keying in data, documenting data, editing and proofing data, converting data, manipulating day, and calculating data.

For example, a company may hire you to keep track of their documents. This tasks involves you entering data into forms or spreadsheets that the company supplies you. You may need to arrange this data from numbers, names, addresses, purchase history, and so on and then prepare prewritten letters or documents.

Companies produce an incalculable amount of data in many formats, such as paper, files, videos, receipts, letters, e-mails...you name it! Companies need to keep track of all this data, organize and categorize it, and process it. Because most data in print form is more useful in digital form, companies have an endless need to hire outside workers to convert print data into digital data and then process it into a database, spreadsheet, Intranet servers, or other types of data storage methods. Companies remain more competitive if they can successfully "mine" all of their data, and use it for their business activities.

Data entry jobs can provide a steady part-time or full-time income. Because you are working for yourself, you can decide how much or how little you want to work. You can pick up one or two projects a week, or offer your availability to work on several projects during the week. You can establish what you'd like to earn hourly according to how much you work, the skills you need to finish a project, and the type of work that the employer wants you to do. It's all up to you. Typically, the average hourly rate that you can bill the client is between $9 to $15 for basic jobs.

You can choose what type of data entry services that interest you the most. You should base your choice on your existing skill-set. For example, if you have a nursing or healthcare background, an excellent choice is medical coding or medical billing. Both of these data entry jobs will pay you a higher rate for your specialized skills and knowledge.

A few common data entry tasks may include writing and submitting articles, extracting information from annual reports, keying in financial figures into a spreadsheet, or transcribing radio programs, teleconference calls and interviews. A component to data entry is having secretarial or clerical skills because you must be able to type fast and accurately, use different technologies proficiently (such a software and social media), and multi-task from one project to another for the same employer. You also must have excellent communications skills in writing, reading, and speaking.

Before you accept a data entry job with a company, always make sure the company is a real company. Use the Better Business Bureau's website to research the company for any complaints. If you cannot establish the legitimacy of the company, do not accept any work unless the company is willing to pay half up front for your services. If a company requires you to pay any fee up front for a membership fee or to purchase equipment from them, then do not accept the job offer because it is likely a scam. In many cases it is common business practice if the company asks you to pay a small fee to conduct a criminal background or credit history check; however, be cautious about any company that asks you to pay money up front.

This section of our website lists new data entry jobs that allow you to work from home. We have researched and reviewed these jobs to make sure they are legitimate job offers.