Typing has been one of the most common jobs since computers were invented. Some people even do it while they sleep! The question is — can you actually earn money by typing? And if so, what kind of opportunities exist today that allow someone with only their keyboard skills to find income?
We spoke with two experts on this topic to answer our questions about earning via keys. We also looked into several other sources to see if any opportunities currently exist where you could use your typing skills to make some extra cash. Here's everything we found out.
According to Michael Schrage, author of "The Complete Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Typist," there are generally three types of people who would be interested in working through typing applications. These include students looking for internships, freelancers hoping to establish themselves as independent contractors, and full-time employees looking for new positions.
"People tend to think that all typists sit behind desks punching away at keyboards," says Schragge. But he notes that many typists have moved around over time. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, 75 percent of American workers will transition between occupations during their careers. More than half (51 percent) expect to change occupation more than four times throughout their career.
So, why not become part of that statistic? While typing may seem like a simple skill, having the right tools allows anyone to enter multiple fields without ever leaving the chair. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, BLS data shows that those who typed $26-$34 per hour earned higher salaries than others in similar professions. This means anyone considering a career in typing should look into both entry level and professional options.
Schlaghe recommends freelance sites such as Fiverr, Craigslist, Upwork, Indeed, Simply Hired, LinkedIn, etc., but warns against going directly to potential employers because these companies don't usually pay well enough. He advises first becoming familiar with various software programs, then finding relevant gigs.
In addition, Schraghe suggests using apps like Textbroker to connect with clients who need help typing documents, blogs, resumes, etc. Since text message charges apply when sending gig requests, he cautions users to check rates before signing up.
One final note: As a general rule, typing requires less training than coding, although both require knowledge of letters and numbers. So, unless you're aiming for a high demand field, you'll likely spend less time learning basic computer skills than attending classes. However, there are still plenty of ways to learn typing quickly. For instance, try watching YouTube tutorials or taking courses on Udemy.
Yes. Many people choose to go straight into a career after college without securing employment beforehand. If you decide to pursue this path, Schlaghe says the best way to land a job is by networking. You can start doing this immediately after graduation, especially within your major department. Other places to network might be industry trade associations, local chapters of national organizations, alumni groups, social gatherings, and conferences.
Also keep in mind that your resume needs to show experience and ability rather than simply stating that you type. When applying for a position, ask yourself, "Do my experiences reflect my abilities?" Also, always follow proper etiquette rules such as email address format, punctuation usage, and correct grammar. Lastly, remember that recruiters often scan online job descriptions for keywords related to specific roles. Therefore, your resume must accurately describe your qualifications.
Additionally, Schlaghe adds that typing isn't really considered a specialized profession. Even though typing was once exclusively done by women, nowadays men and women alike engage in typing duties. Thus, regardless of gender, applicants should know how to effectively communicate verbally, write clearly, and present ideas coherently.
To further bolster your chances of landing a job, consider getting certification in certain areas. There are certifications available for medical transcription, legal translation, business writing, scientific writing, web content management systems, among others. Certifications typically take six months to complete and cost anywhere from $50-$300 depending on the organization offering them. Certification programs are offered by universities, colleges, community education centers, and private businesses.
Lastly, don't forget to build relationships with former professors and coworkers. They can recommend you for future openings.
While most people view typing as a low wage job, it doesn't have to be. If you already possess strong communication skills, you can easily turn this hobby into a profitable side hustle. To begin, search popular websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Elance, Toptal Workplace, Freelancer, People Per Hour Jobs, Scriptlance, and Guru. Once you've secured a few projects, set your own hours and rate. Then, add additional services and products to offer potential customers.
For example, instead of providing transcribing services, you could create articles for hire. Or, perhaps you'd prefer to proofread emails and blog posts for entrepreneurs. Another idea is creating custom graphics for marketing purposes. With the growing popularity of video editing, graphic design, photography, website development, animation, audio production, podcast production, and videography, you could provide services relating to these sectors.
When deciding which direction to head toward, consider researching your target market's preferences and requirements. Afterward, research pricing models and figure out exactly what you charge. Finally, stick to the quality standards required for each project.
As mentioned earlier, Schlaghe advises aspiring typists to concentrate on building a portfolio and cultivating relationships. A great place to start is by volunteering for free projects with large firms to gain valuable feedback. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to individuals seeking assistance via Twitter or Facebook. Most importantly, be honest and transparent about your capabilities. Be ready to explain the nuances of your craft.
On average, the hourly wages of commercial typists range from $21.94 -$37.18 depending on location, years of experience, and educational background. Those who hold bachelor degrees in information sciences, journalism, communications, and public relations earn the highest yearly incomes ($67,590 – $103,900). Meanwhile, typists with master degrees enjoy an annual salary ranging from $53,000 – $72,200 annually.
However, if you're planning to stay busy typing longterm, you should focus on gaining certified credentials. Although this won't necessarily guarantee a raise, it will ensure consistent work and greater security. On average, professionals with certificates in secretarial science, administrative support, word processing, database administration, customer service, and personal/medical care receive the following yearly earnings: $43,210 – $66,100.
Still confused? Contact an agency like CareerBuilder or Glassdoor to find out current job listings in your area. Use the Salary.com tool to compare typical salaries with the title of whatever you plan to do next.
A big thanks goes out to Dr. William Liao, M.Ed. and Steven Dopita, Ph.D. for helping us compile this article.
Are you always looking for a way to make extra cash on the side? If so, why not try making some money with your keyboard? Whether it's through apps like WhatsApp and Google Hangouts or by working as a typist in an office setting — there are ways that you can use your skills to earn more than just pocket change.
Here’s what you need to know about using keyboards to make money online.
You don't have to be a professional writer to type faster than most people on this planet combined (although if you're really fast, we'd love to hear). You only need to learn how to properly hold down keys and hit certain combinations of buttons to quickly input text into platforms like chat services such as WhatsApp and messaging applications like Facebook Messenger.
This skill set has many potential uses beyond sending messages. In fact, there are several websites where you can sign up to become a freelancer who types words. Some examples include Typetester.com, which offers opportunities to test products and other companies' software, and MicroWorkers.com, which connects small businesses with freelance workers. These sites allow users to post their availability as well as specific rates they will charge per word typed. Users also choose their own hours. Once logged onto these sites, users can submit bids for projects based upon their typing speed and experience. The difference between bid prices depends on factors including time needed to complete the task, project length, complexity, etc.
In addition to these two sites mentioned above, there are dozens of others out there offering similar opportunities. However, the key takeaway is that while you cannot write novels using your keyboard, you may enjoy increasing your earnings with little effort. With practice, anyone can learn how to type accurately and rapidly. This translates directly to increased income because those who can type quickly tend to command higher hourly wages.
The bottom line is that you should never feel bad about having slower typing speeds compared to someone else. While you might not be able to land gigs requiring lightning-fast accuracy, there are plenty of jobs available that would benefit from your ability to type quickly without much error. As long as you provide high quality service, employers will appreciate the added value you bring.
There are lots of places you can go when trying to find additional sources of income besides what you receive from your regular job. One avenue worth exploring is joining affiliate marketing programs offered by various digital marketers and advertisers. Affiliate marketing involves promoting brands and advertisements via social media channels, blogs, forums, website links, emails, etc., all under the guise of being an independent contractor. Companies pay affiliates a commission each time one of their customers clicks on an ad or makes a purchase after visiting any affiliated site.
For example, let's say you've discovered a great new product and think others will benefit from knowing about it. Instead of writing blog posts about it yourself, you could join an affiliate program whereby you receive payment each month for referring interested readers. It's a win-win scenario for both parties involved, especially since you'll likely generate more sales and commissions.
Another option is becoming a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants perform tasks related to customer relations, bookkeeping, data entry, administrative support, scheduling meetings, providing general assistance, etc. They typically offer their services remotely rather than physically. There are tons of providers willing to hire VAs to help them streamline their workload. According to Business Insider, roughly 3 million Americans currently work as VAs. Depending on your area of expertise, they can often start for less than $10/hour.
Virtual assistants can handle everything from answering calls and texts to responding to email inquiries and managing calendars. And yes, you can even apply to join the ranks of VAs! Even though it sounds daunting, there are numerous resources available to guide you along the process. For instance, take advantage of LinkedIn Learning, a platform dedicated solely to training professionals. Here, you'll discover courses designed specifically to teach aspiring VA candidates valuable information on topics ranging from business fundamentals to industry trends.
Chatters earn money every day simply by talking. On popular platforms like Discord and Slack, users can participate in chats among friends and family members. Since conversations happen virtually, chatters aren't limited to communicating over phone lines or computer screens. A lot of folks prefer this method due to its low cost and accessibility. Additionally, these platforms usually require no special equipment, unlike video conferencing systems.
Slack alone boasts nearly 2 million daily active employees around the globe, according to research firm CB Insights. Of course, this figure doesn't account for millions of individual accounts created on Slack's competitor Discord. Regardless of which chat apps you decide to utilize, the goal remains the same: engage clients and build relationships. What better way to do that than sitting next to them while they communicate via voice or text?
While it seems simple enough, earning money from chatting isn't easy. To successfully transition into a career as a conversationalist, you must first determine what kind of content you wish to produce. Then, determine your strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, passions, goals, and objectives. After determining your unique profile, you can begin building your brand within your chosen niche. From there, you can create engaging discussions that resonate with followers. Naturally, your reputation grows with each conversation. When you grow loyal fans, they eventually turn into raving supporters. That means repeat orders for future engagements!
Depending on your niche, you can potentially earn anywhere from a few cents to hundreds of dollars per hour. But remember, this amount varies depending on your location, level of professionalism, and overall popularity. For instance, local influencers and celebrities generally earn far more than average individuals. Moreover, if you plan to pursue this path full-time, expect to invest considerable amounts of time and energy into developing a solid following before seeing steady profits.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't quit your current gig just to explore newfound opportunities. Before embarking on any endeavor, it's important to consider the feasibility factor. Is this something that you truly want to commit to doing long-term? Are you ready to sacrifice personal time now in order to reap greater rewards later? Will this venture fit comfortably into your lifestyle? Having answers to questions like these beforehand will save you time, stress, and money.
Luckily, there are multiple mobile devices readily accessible today that entrepreneurs can leverage to tap into lucrative markets. Smartphones enable us to work anytime, anywhere, thus opening doors to countless revenue streams. Furthermore, smartphones come equipped with features that simplify our workflow and improve productivity. Using cloud technology, apps like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce connect co-workers, partners, and clients throughout the world. Nowadays, it takes mere minutes to send documents, photos, videos, audio clips, and files via mobile devices. Allowing us to maximize efficiency and minimize wasted time.
Additionally, you can easily reach a larger audience by tapping into emerging technologies. Chatting, texting, and calling via smartphone empowers people worldwide to stay connected. For starters, look for apps made specifically for live streaming events. Such tools facilitate remote viewing via webcams, microphones, and speakers. Apps like YouTube Live enable viewers to watch livestreamed broadcasts straight from their phones. Another category includes communication apps that allow group members to talk via voice, video, or text simultaneously. Popular options include Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, Apple FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger.
You know what they say about dogs and cats — a man’s best friend doesn't necessarily have to be his cat. Or your dog!
Or even a pet bird. You can also use these animals as inspiration for making some extra cash on the side of your regular 9-to-5 gig. The same goes with typists who take advantage of their skills while working remotely. So if you're one such person looking for ways to squeeze more income out of your talent, keep reading. We've got several ideas that may surprise you.
First, let's talk about why anyone would pay someone else to type up documents or articles when there are plenty of free options available online (like Google Docs) and offline (free apps like Word). For starters, it saves time and energy because professional writers often write multiple drafts before settling on the final version. And since most people today spend more hours online than offline, this makes remote jobs seem alluring. But here's another reason why paying others to type might not always be a bad idea.
According to a study conducted by Career Builder, nearly 40% of Americans use services offered via mobile devices. In other words, we now live our lives through our phones. As such, many companies prefer hiring freelancers via platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, etc., rather than spending precious resources training employees to handle sensitive information.
So yes, you can certainly make money typing without having to learn anything new. However, it won’t come easy unless you invest some serious effort into growing your freelance business beyond just getting gigs. Here are some tips on how to start earning money by typing...
Yes, but only if you’re willing to break away from the rest of us normies. There are two types of book publishers: traditional ones that print copies of books and self-publishers. The latter group usually has very little overhead costs associated with printing physical copies of books. Instead, these businesses turn to digital sales to generate revenue. This means that they don't need to print millions upon millions of copies of its titles. They simply need enough books sold so that they cover operating expenses.
The downside of this approach is that although eBooks sell well nowadays, it still takes time to build up momentum. That said, once you establish yourself within a certain niche market, it becomes easier to gain traction. Some examples include publishing textbooks, selling cookbooks, or offering writing services. If you choose to go down this road, you'll probably want to focus on developing your own content first and then pitch potential clients directly.
As far as earnings go, according to Self Publishing Magazine writer Sarah Birdy, "the average rate per hour for copywriting varies between $20-$50." While these rates aren't too shabby, it will definitely require consistent growth over time to become sustainable.
That depends on which part of the world you live in. Typing jobs can vary significantly depending on where you call home. For example, U.S.-based workers tend to receive higher hourly wages compared to those living elsewhere. According to Indeed data, the median hourly wage for American typist was around $23/hr whereas the global figure stands at roughly $17.8/ hr.
This discrepancy largely stems from the fact that U.S. employers typically offer better benefits packages compared to international counterparts. Also, due to lower competition levels experienced globally, finding quality typing jobs tends to be much harder abroad. It should be noted though that these figures are based on national averages. Your mileage may vary when searching for similar opportunities locally.
In terms of compensation, the following table shows typical monthly salaries earned by the top 10 highest compensated U.S. typists, broken down by industry. Keep in mind that these numbers reflect annualized amounts.
Unfortunately, this process isn't straightforward. Since there are tons of scam artists trying to lure unsuspecting individuals into signing contracts promising them big bucks, it's important to follow general guidelines. First off, look for reputable sources that regularly post legit openings. Second, avoid joining any project that requires upfront payments. Third, vet each opportunity carefully by checking references provided by prospective hires. Finally, ask questions regarding company background and history.
One way to save time and energy is to join outsourcing sites like Toptal Pro, oDesk, VWorker, Elance, Guru, etc. These websites allow users to search for relevant projects posted by various recruiters. Once you submit your application, you'll likely hear back from interested parties within days or weeks.
However, it's worth noting that using these platforms comes with risks. For instance, scammers sometimes pose as legitimate clients and try to trick applicants into surrendering personal details such as bank account credentials and social security number. Therefore, it's advisable to exercise caution whenever dealing with unknown entities.
Another option is to create your own website and sign up with popular freelance marketplace platforms including PeoplePerHour, Worknary, Amazon Mechanical Turk, Flexjobs, Scriptlance, etc. To help ensure safety, check reviews left by previous customers. Meanwhile, you can also advertise your availability by creating a profile on LinkedIn, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc.
Keep in mind that regardless of which platform you decide to utilize, the key lies in building relationships with your peers. By doing this, you'll develop trustworthiness among prospective clients.
Finally, remember that learning everything you possibly can about proper etiquette and professionalism is crucial. After all, this skill set could prove vital during negotiations.
While you can indeed make decent money typing online, it's tough to guarantee success. On the bright side, some things never change. When it comes to finding reliable gigs, consistency remains king. Moreover, it pays to grow your reputation as a trustworthy individual. Eventually, this will attract high-quality leads.
For starters, consider crafting compelling title pages for every document you send out. A catchy title page can increase response rates and improve conversion rates. Another thing to note is that being prompt matters. Respond quickly to messages sent by potential clients. Although this practice is common courtesy, it could translate into additional savings for both sides. Lastly, treat your clientele fairly and respectfully.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.