Can you really get paid for typing?

Typing skills are highly valuable in today's digital economy, opening a gateway to numerous career paths. Industries such as legal and medical transcription, data entry, coding, and content writing all prioritize typing speed and accuracy. Here’s a comprehensive look at the opportunities available, their requirements, potential drawbacks, and tips for landing a job in these fields.

Job opportunities that reward typing skills

1. Legal and medical transcription: This involves transcribing recordings from legal and medical professionals into written documents. These fields require fast typing speeds but also familiarity with legal or medical terminology.

2. Data entry: Data entry clerks input information into databases or documentation platforms. Accuracy is crucial here to ensure data integrity.

3. Coding: Programmers and developers create and maintain software using coding languages. While this requires learning specific languages (e.g., Python, Java), typing speed can streamline work significantly.

4. Content writing: This includes creating or editing articles, blog posts, and other written content. Efficiency and the ability to meet tight deadlines are key, making fast typing a valuable skill.

Pay scales and working conditions

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• Medical transcriptionists: The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $37,060 in May 2023​. The wages can be higher in states with the most medical transcriptionists. In California, for example, the annual mean wage was $43,610. But according to Salary.com, those national wages went up in 2024 to an average of $52,000.

• Data entry clerks: Data entry clerks' salaries are generally on the lower end of the pay scale in clerical jobs. But according to the job website Indeed, the average data entry clerk wage is more than $18 an hour​.

• Programmers and developers: The salary range is broad for the tech industry. Starting salaries of $50,000 to more than $100,000 are typical for the field, depending on factors such as geographical location, specific technical skills, and the complexity of the role. This is well-supported by data showing wide variations in pay across different sectors and levels of expertise.

• Content writers: The salary range for content writers can also vary widely based on the type of employment (freelance or full-time), experience, and the industry they write for. Compensation averages $34,000 to $85,000, reflecting entry-level positions on the lower end and more lucrative opportunities for experienced writers or those with specialized knowledge. They can command higher for tech and other in-demand industries. 

Requisite skills & qualifications

• A high school diploma is often the minimum requirement, but specific fields like legal and medical transcription might require certification or specialized training.

• Proficiency in typing, with a speed of at least 50-60 words per minute (WPM) for starters, is often essential.

• Familiarity with specific software or coding languages may be necessary, depending on the job.

Potential health hazards

Prolonged periods of typing can lead to repetitive strain injuries, eye strain, and back problems. To mitigate these risks:

• Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

• Invest in an ergonomic workspace setup.

• Practice proper typing techniques to reduce strain.

Finding legitimate job listings

Don't fall for fake job offers: Tips for avoiding job scams

Job scams are a prevalent form of fraud. These scams can be financially and emotionally damaging, so job seekers need to know how to spot and avoid them. Here's what you need to know about job scams and how to protect yourself from falling prey.

Types of job scams

1. Fake job postings: These scams involve fake job postings or listings that lure individuals into applying for a non-existent position, often requesting personal information or upfront fees.

2. Work-from-home scams: In this type of scam, individuals are promised high-paying work-from-home opportunities but end up being asked to pay for training materials or equipment.

3. Phishing scams: This involves scammers posing as legitimate companies to obtain personal information, such as social security numbers and bank account details, under the guise of a job application.

4. Advance fee scams: These fraudulent schemes ask individuals for an upfront payment before they can access promised employment opportunities.

Warning signs to watch out for

• Unsolicited job offers or requests for personal information through email or social media.

• Job postings with spelling and grammatical errors, unrealistic salary promises, or vague descriptions of the position.

• Interview processes that seem overly simple or require no experience or qualifications.

Tips for avoiding job scams

1. Do your research: Research the company offering the job opportunity to ensure it is legitimate.

2. Be cautious of upfront payments: Avoid jobs that ask for an upfront payment or investment in order to secure the position.

3. Protect personal information: Never give out sensitive personal information, such as your social security number or bank account details, unless you are sure the job is legitimate.

4. Trust your instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to your gut and don't be afraid to walk away from a suspicious job offer.

5. Report suspected scams: If you come across a job scam or are a victim of one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Overall, there are plenty of legitimate opportunities that reward typing skills. With the right approach and qualifications, you can land a fulfilling and well-paying career in one of these fields. Remember to research thoroughly, prioritize your health while working, and continuously improve your skills to stay competitive in the job market.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.