How to Make Money Online: Beginner’s Guide

Due to the flexibility, variety, and potential to earn significant sums, online jobs are becoming immensely popular. Have you considered getting one but were afraid of scams the internet is full of?

If so, don’t worry. We present you with the ten best legitimate online jobs you can land and work from the coziness of your home office.

Micro Tasker

Micro tasks are small and easy jobs that can be finished shortly. Doing such tasks can bring you from as little as $3 up to a whopping $100 per task.

Skills required: Varies
Average pay (hourly): Varies
Best for: Stay-at-home moms and students

Micro tasks (sometimes referred to as micro or crowdsourcing jobs) can be classified into online jobs. These require you to have a desktop or mobile device and a stable internet connection. Generally, there aren’t strictly defined office hours and locations, so you can do them from anywhere.

As their name suggests, you’re expected to carry out minor and simple tasks that usually don’t take more than several minutes to complete (depending on the nature of the job or assignment).

The pay varies depending on the task and may range from a few cents to a few dollars per task. Sometimes, if you hit a top online micro job, you may earn up to $100.

Some of the most frequent micro-tasks are:

• Game testing: testing computer games for bugs and errors before they’re released
• App testing: testing smartphone apps before their release and writing a short review
• Sorting emails: arranging and sorting emails in assigned folders
• Detecting wrong or duplicate content: checking whether images or product descriptions appear multiple times on e-commerce websites
• URL searches: easy online work that involves browsing Google with specific keywords and finding what websites occupy the top position
• Comments moderation: moderating business users’ comments on social media to bypass negative publicity
• Review writing: writing short positive reviews of a product/service;
• Basic proofreading: checking for grammar and spelling errors, typos, etc., on business and invitation cards, stationery, and similar things.

Note that this is just a tiny portion of jobs that let you work from home, as the internet is abundant with such crowdsourcing jobs. In fact, you needn’t stick to only one gig — depending on your availability, you could do several of them.

Micro tasks are an excellent side hustle for basically everyone — people with part-time or even full-time employment who need to increase their budget, students, and stay-at-home moms. These top work-from-home jobs usually don’t come with any specific requirements in terms of education or working experience.

Landing a micro job is fairly easy. The very first step is finding websites and platforms that advertize such positions. Once you register or sign up, you can pick the job that suits you best among those offered.

Some of the most popular platforms to find a micro-task are:

• Inbox Dollars
• Swagbucks
• Fiverr
• Amazon Mechanical Turk
• ClickWorker
• Appen
• OneSpace
• Fancy Hands
• Spare 5
• Respondent
• FusionCash

Transcriptionist

A remote transcriptionist is among the best online jobs that allow individuals to make money without any special training or experience.

Skills required: Multitasking skills
Average pay (hourly): $10–$26
Best for: Individuals with good listening and accurate typing skills

Working remotely as a transcriptionist could be an interesting career for individuals who pay great attention to minute details and have a strong work ethic. The job of a transcriptionist involves listening to recorded or live audio material and converting it to text.

The niches included are different, so you may find yourself transcribing material related to medical, legal, or general industries.

To be eligible for legitimate online transcription jobs, you’ll need to have or acquire a specific set of skills. First, excellent listening skills are a must. Many employers will require you to clean, restore bad-quality audio, timestamp a file, follow two or more speakers, etc.

In addition to listening skills, fast typing and exquisite knowledge of spelling and grammar are equally important.

Typically, you don’t need specific qualifications to be a transcriptionist. However, if you want to land the best legitimate online transcription jobs, good listening, typing, and language skills are just not enough. If you’re serious about this position, some training is highly recommended.

In terms of the equipment required, a laptop or desktop computer and a stable internet connection are all you need to start. However, to get the most out of these legitimate online typist jobs, you should consider obtaining good-quality headphones and a foot pedal.

A transcriptionist is an ideal side hustle for English language students, teachers, and basically anyone with strong English skills and extra time. When you register at any platform that advertises transcription, you’ll need to take (and pass) one or two qualification tests. Experience is not required, but it can be a plus.

Transcriptionists are usually paid per minute or per hour — it all depends on the nature of the task, platform, audio quality, field of industry, and experience. They can typically make $10–$26 per hour. Payments are usually made weekly or sometimes twice a month.

If you think you’re a good fit for this job, you can look for advertisements on the following platforms:

• Rev
• AccuTran Global
• Appenscribe
• Bam!
• Speech Ink
• CastingWords
• Crowdsurf
• Daily Transcription
• Go Transcript
• TranscribeMe

Proofreader

Proofreading is among the simplest ways to earn extra money working from home if you’re a “grammar Nazi” and enjoy correcting grammar and spelling mistakes.

Skills required: Strong language and grammar skills
Average pay (hourly): $25
Best for: English language students and professionals

Are grammar and spelling errors your pet peeves? Do you know where to insert a comma and when to omit it? If so, proofreading is one of the best money-making jobs from home for you.

Proofreaders are in charge of reviewing, proofing, and editing content before publishing. Their main duties involve spotting and correcting grammar or spelling mistakes, inaccurate information, and inconsistencies.

Proofreaders are in great demand in many industries. Since this is one of the jobs you can do online from home, proofreaders might not have standard working hours. However, this job usually includes deadlines that are sometimes tight.

To qualify for a proofreader, you need strong English skills and exquisite knowledge of grammar. Additionally, a degree in English or Journalism is desirable.

Other necessary skills include good writing, computer proficiency, and great attention to detail. Lastly, since this job might involve working on several projects simultaneously, proofreaders should excel in multitasking.

Proofreading is an excellent opportunity for English language students and professionals. It is also one of the best-paid internet jobs. Depending on their experience, location, and niche, proofreaders may make $25–$44 per hour.

If you want to become a proofreader but don’t have a college degree, despair not. Many online courses can help you brush up on the skills required for this job. Upon completing them, you can start looking for proofreading jobs.

Some of the best sites to look for a proofreading gig are:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• ProofreadingServices.com
• Flexjobs
• Scribendi
• ProofreadNOW
• Proofreading Pal
• Wordvice
• Gramlee
• Scribe Writing

Scopist

A scopist is a silent hero behind a complete and official transcript. They typically work closely with court reporters to transform unclear stenotypes into English.

Skills required: Stenography and grammar skills
Average pay: $1–$1.25 per page
Best for: Court reporting professionals

If you’ve never heard of scoping, you’re not the only one. Scoping is among those work-at-home careers that have been in the job market for decades, and that very few people are aware of. Hired by court reporters, scopists are accountable for checking and editing stenotypes from court proceedings.

However, don’t confuse this position with proofreading. Unlike a proofreader, a scopist uses the same equipment as a court reporter to edit or translate a stenotype. They also make sure that grammar, spelling, and punctuation are spot-on.

Scoping allows you to work online from home whenever you want and get paid. Yet, even though there are no fixed schedules, you’ll be expected to work pretty fast and meet the deadlines.

Scoping usually takes two to three days per court transcript. However, scopists sometimes have to finish their work the same or ultimately the next day. Naturally, this is paid more.

Speaking of payment, scoping is one of the top-paying online jobs that pay per page, not per hour. The average rate is $1–$1.25 per page, and an experienced scopist typically scopes 23 pages of transcript per hour.

To start working as a scopist, you don’t need a college or university degree. However, you do need to undergo specific training. Courses for this legit home-based job take six to eight months to complete. You can find them on the web or even at court reporting schools.

Scoping is the best side hustle for court-reporting professionals who are on parental leave or are retired but want to work from the coziness of their home. However, if you’ve completed the necessary training and possess the required skills, you’ll qualify for the job as well.

Survey Taker

Your opinion can earn you money. As a survey taker, you’re invited to share your thoughts and give feedback to market and survey companies, brands, and market research groups. What’s more, you’ll be paid for that!

Skills required: Interest in specific areas/products
Average pay: $0.25–$5 per survey
Best for: Tech-savvy individuals

Survey taking might not be among the best-paid online jobs, but it still is a side gig that can earn you extra cash. Plus, it doesn’t require any specific knowledge or equipment — a laptop or a smartphone and a stable internet connection will do. But it does require patience and persistence since you may not be eligible to participate in all surveys.

As a survey-taker, you’d complete various surveys usually related to market research or product testing. Typically, you’re expected to answer 10–100 questions and get paid for this.

However, keep in mind that survey-taking is not a job that will pay your bills and mortgage but only a way to earn extra money. Depending on the platform, you may earn $0.25–$5 per survey. One survey may take you 5–30 minutes to complete.

Bear in mind that there are higher-paying surveys, too. However, these are more challenging to qualify for. They usually target particular groups of consumers who have specific interests, experiences, and backgrounds. Such surveys are more comprehensive, have business or professional objectives, and therefore take more time to complete.

Though many people are suspicious, taking online surveys and getting paid for it is completely legit. You can do it whenever and wherever you want, provided you have an internet connection.

Although no training or education is necessary, surveys usually come with certain demographic requirements. They will depend on the target group required for the survey. But, the more interest you have, the more surveys you’ll be eligible to take (provided you’re in the target group).

There are no limitations on who can be a survey taker and get paid for online work. Still, since speed helps you complete more surveys, it’s good to be a bit tech-savvy and have a stable internet connection.

But how to know if a survey-taking platform you want to try out isn’t a scam?

First, it’s essential you avoid sites that require you to pay to participate. Second, never provide any sensitive information (such as your SSN or banking info). And third, research the survey site you’re considering thoroughly.

Some legitimate and well-known survey sites worth trying out include:

• InboxDollars
• Survey Junkie
• Swagbucks
• Branded Surveys
• Toluna
• MyPoints
• Prize Rebel

English Teacher

Do you have a knack for the English language? Do you enjoy working with children or teenagers? If the answer is yes, why not try one of the top work-from-home jobs — teaching English online?

Skills required: English language skills
Average pay (hourly): $10–$20
Best for: English language teachers and students

It is a truth universally acknowledged that English is the modern lingua franca. Without knowing it, you may face a range of challenges, both professionally and personally (e.g., while traveling or talking to foreigners).

All this led to the demand for English lessons and, consequently, the rise of online job opportunities for language teachers. What’s even better, you don’t necessarily need a university diploma to land some of the best gigs.

However, there are certain requirements that come with this job. These include possessing a TEFL or a similar certificate, teaching skills, and — you guessed it — a stable and fast internet network.

When it comes to an English teacher’s hourly rates, these usually range from $10–$20 (but can be even higher). Your pay as an online English teacher would depend on the number of lessons you’d have per day.

If you aren’t officially trained to be a teacher, this doesn’t mean you can’t teach online. Some of the companies provide training and lessons prepared in advance. What you must have, though, is immaculate language skills and a TEFL certificate. Therefore, this position is perfect for language students, writers, or anyone whose language skills are at a more advanced level.

Tutor

If you’re on the nerdy side and don’t find standardized tests tedious, you should try out tutoring. Chances are, this might be one of the best online careers for you.

Skills required: Language, math, or science skills
Average pay (hourly): $10–$38
Best for: University graduates

Online tutoring is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular sectors of education. Despite what you may think, it’s not as difficult to become a tutor. Whether you’re a rookie or an experienced teacher, there will always be a gig to fit your level of expertise. Language teaching, test preparation, and offering help with math and science are just some of the areas you can specialize in.

Tutoring isn’t only a side gig. If you’re experienced enough, it can become your full-time, legitimate home-based job that will pay your bills. However, to reach a six-figure income per year, you’ll need to excel in your job.

To become a tutor, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in the subject you’ll teach. Depending on the company you’ll be working for, you may get the curriculum prepared in advance or create one of your own. You can choose whether you’ll tutor kids, teenagers preparing for college, or even adults.

As with all other internet jobs from home, you must have a stable connection and a reliable computer. However, if you’re having trouble with a weak network or you’re just intimidated by being on camera, some companies allow you to work with a “virtual whiteboard.”

As with other top online jobs from home, how much you’ll be paid depends on several factors:

• The company you work for
• Level of experience
• Working hours

Depending on the subject you’ll tutor someone in and the overall duration of tutoring, your hourly rate may vary. Tutors are usually paid between $10 and $38 per hour. However, those who tutor people in university subjects are usually paid more — they can earn up to $100 per hour.

What you need to be careful with when applying for tutoring jobs that you can do online is the commission. With some companies, it may go up to 25% of your hourly pay.

Online tutoring jobs are an excellent part or even full-time online jobs for those who already work as teachers, fresh university graduates, or even students.

Some companies where you can look for a gig are:

• Tutor.com
• Varsity Tutors
• Wyzant
• Wize
• TutorMe
• Chelsea International Education
• Brainfuse
• Skooli
• Studypool
• PrepNow Tutoring

Writer

Do you love expressing yourself through writing and have great language skills? If the answer is positive, you should start monetizing your talent. Why wait to give this best online work a try?

Skills required: Writing and grammar skills
Average pay (hourly): $20–$30
Best for: Anyone with a passion for writing

With the rise of B2B and B2C companies, there has been a greater demand for writers who can write about a range of different topics. For that reason, the number of freelance writers is increasing daily. If you possess grammar skills, have an extensive vocabulary, and can elaborate on any topic, writing could be one of the best legit online jobs for you.

You don’t really need a diploma in English to be a writer. However, strong language skills are a must. Not only that, but writers should also be able to write on various topics, especially in the beginning. As you gain experience, you can focus on a particular niche you like and have knowledge of.

In addition to language skills, you need to excel in researching. Writing is among those work-from-home jobs that require detailed research to come up with informative and good-quality articles. SEO skills aren’t necessary but are a plus.

Other skills necessary for this job are self-motivation and strong time-management skills. As a freelance writer, you’ll be expected to finish your work in a very short time, so deadlines can be quite tough. That’s why strong organizational skills are also necessary.

Writing is one of the highest-paid online jobs. Even so, your earnings would mostly depend on your experience and the amount of work you’re able to provide. Less experienced writers may make only $15 per hour, while those who have been in business longer may earn even $50 an hour. In case you don’t like charging per hour, you can set your per word or per page rate.

Writing is among the best online legitimate jobs for college students and graduates who are talented at writing and have strong grammar skills.

There are many platforms where you can look for a job, including:

• Upwork
• Online Writing Jobs
• Writer’s Domain
• People Per Hour
• AirTasker
• Verbilo
• Text Broker
• Writer’s Work
• Copypeer

Data Entry Clerk Job Review

If you have an eye for detail, can spot errors easily, and aren’t intimidated by loads of data, you’re a perfect candidate for legitimate online data entry jobs.

Skills required: Speed, accuracy, and computer skills
Average pay (hourly): $14–$18
Best for: Detail-oriented and tech-savvy individuals

In a nutshell, the role of a data entry clerk or keyer involves entering data from different sources into their employer’s computer for further processing and management. As a data entry clerk, you’ll have to handle a huge amount of data accurately.

The information you’ll be dealing with at this position is quite often confidential and sensitive. In fact, the company’s integrity may depend on that information as it will be later used for further references or reports.

You don’t need any specific formal education to work as a data entry clerk — a high school diploma will be enough to apply for the role in some companies. Yet, there is a set of specific skills you must possess to get this job.

Namely, you have to be proficient in programs such as MS Office. Next, you need to type very fast and accurately, with very few mistakes. You must also have exquisite planning and organizational skills and pay great attention to details. Lastly, working under pressure shouldn’t be a problem for you.

Data entry clerk is among the best legitimate work-from-home jobs for tech-savvy individuals who don’t mind entering loads of data and information.

To look for and apply for data entry clerk jobs, check out these platforms:

• Indeed
• Upwork
• ZipRecruiter
• Remote.co
• LinkedIn

Resume Writer Job Review

Can you accurately describe people’s skills and their goals? Do you excel at putting other people’s qualifications and working experience into words? If so, you could get a perfect flexible online job — resume writer.

Skills required: Language skills and industry knowledge
Average pay (hourly): $20–$24
Best for: People experienced in writing, HR, or recruiting

You believe that writing a resume is something everyone can do, right? Well, not really. Research suggests that when a recruiter or a manager glances at your CV, it takes them only six seconds to decide whether they’ll invite a candidate for an interview or not. That is why an eye-catching resume is essential.

Producing a decent resume is easier said than done. For this reason, resume writers are in high demand. In fact, this might be one of the most lucrative careers you can do from home.

As the name suggests, your duty as a resume writer is to create resumes for your clients. You will use clients’ skills, qualifications, working experience, and field of expertise to create an attractive resume that will immediately catch the reader’s attention. To do this, you should use interesting and catchy vocabulary that appeals to the individual responsible for hiring.

However, it’s not about words only. A resume writer has to be familiar with the industry of the job a candidate is applying for. In other words, you must know industry-specific terms as you will be using them in your writing. Furthermore, you need to be familiar with various ways of formatting and preparing for printing for those clients who demand a traditional resume.

Lastly, resume writers don’t only need to know how to write resumes. Depending on their experience and clients, they are often expected to help with:

• Cover letters
• Letters of recommendation
• Career counseling

Therefore, although called resume writers, individuals who work this job don’t only write resumes. They essentially provide any services that allow their clients to highlight their expertise, skills, and strengths. This way, the clients will be better prepared for applying for jobs and potentially participating in job interviews.

As a resume writer, you’ll often sometimes even have to interview the client to collect information and useful details you can use when writing their resumes. As for the skills you need for this job, these include language, people, and research skills.

Depending on their experience and the amount of work, resume writers can expect an hourly rate between $20 and $24. However, many of them have even higher rates per hour.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Money Online

So, what are some of the best jobs you can do online? The answer is — this depends on the experience and skills you possess.

If you have experience in teaching or great language skills, you can always work as some sort of tutor or a writer. If you pay attention to detail, you can give positions such as data entry clerk or proofreader a shot.

All in all, the best legitimate online jobs mentioned in this article are not that hard to land. If you by any chance lack experience or certain skills, you can always take some courses. That way, you’ll get closer to being paid well to work from the comfort of your home.