Comparison · last updated May 6, 2026
Data entry vs. Transcription.
Based on 287 verified data-entry and 142 verified transcription listings active on CushyJobs as of May 2026.
Both categories share something rare: they require zero phone work and offer schedule flexibility. They differ in tax structure, scam exposure, and how the pay actually accrues.
This comparison is a stub — full version coming soon.
The short answer
Transcription pays slightly more and is more schedule-flexible (median $17 vs $16). Data entry is steadier as a W-2 job; transcription is mostly 1099 piecework. For pure flexibility, pick transcription. For predictable paychecks, pick data entry — but only at named employers.
Each row compares one trait. Green checkmark marks the winner where one is clearly better; ties and qualitative differences are unmarked.
| Trait | ⌨️ Data entry | 🎙️ Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $16/hour | ✓$17/hour |
| Tax structure | Mostly W-2 | Mostly 1099 contractor |
| Schedule | Set day shift | Async — work whenever |
| Phone required | 11% | ✓0% |
| Scam risk on the open internet | High (~60% of listings) | ✓Low (~5%) |
Browse
Data entry jobs →
Type records into systems.
Browse
Transcription jobs →
Listen to audio, type what you hear.