There are a lot of transcription jobs waiting for you if you have a computer. If you park your laptop, you can work from home or anywhere else. It’s a great way to make extra money.
How do you find legit jobs that pay real money? Look for companies that specialize in transcribing services and read reviews from other people who have worked with them.
We will show you how to get started as a professional transcriptionist. You can start earning money in no time if you learn the basics of transcription. If you are an experienced transcriber, you may find your next client from our list. There are lots of resources available to help you get started with transcription.
11 Best Transcription Jobs
Here are the top transcription jobs available today for beginners or pros:
- Rev
- Daily Transcription
- GoTranscript
- TranscribeMe
- CastingWords
- GMR Transcription
- Quicktate
- SpeakWrite
- 3Play Media
- CrowdSurf
- Scribie
- Ditto Transcripts
- Pioneer Transcription
1. Rev
- Pay Range : $0.30-1.10 per audio minute
- Average Earnings per Month : $245
- Payment Method : Weekly via PayPal
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
Rev is a transcription company that offers its services to more than 100,000 customers around the globe. There is an army of more than 60,000 transcriptionists. This makes it possible for companies to get their transcriptions done quickly.
Once you become a Revver, you can choose from hundreds of available jobs. Close-captioners and subtitle translators are always hired by Rev. Our team is passionate about providing accurate and timely services.
Rev doesn’t cap how many jobs you can take on, and the harder the job, the more it pays. You can take on as many jobs as you want. captioners make between 54 cents and $1.10 per video minute, while transcriptists make between 30 cents and $1.10 per audio minute. The rates vary depending on the specialty of the transcriptionist.
You don’t need any previous experience to become a Revver. Even if you are a beginner, it is worth checking it out. To prove you have mastery of English and Rev’s style guide, you will have to take a quiz and submit a trial transcription.
2. Daily Transcription
- Pay Range : $0.75-0.85 per audio minute
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : Weekly via check
- Qualifications : Typing speed of at least 50 words per minute
If you have some experience as a transcriber — or if you’re a quick typist — Daily Transcription might be a good fit for you. Many other services pay less per audio minute than the transcription company does. It’s an attractive option for people who want to make more money from home.
You can apply to be a freelance transcriptionist if you are over the age of eighteen and reside in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Either Australia or South Africa. Both countries have great destinations for travelers. You have to be a native speaker of American English. You should have a good command of the English language.
You need to pass both a skills assessment test and a transcription test after you submit your initial application. Express scribe and transcribe are required to download Daily Transcription. You need a reliable internet connection and access to a computer with a Windows or Mac operating system. Both of these apps are free. Powerful features make them easy to use.
Video training is provided by Daily Transcription. All aspects of transcription are covered in the training. You can try as many practice jobs as you want. It is easy to hone your skills and become an expert. constructive feedback on each task you complete is offered by the company. This feedback will help you improve your performance.
The company reports that its top transcriptionists make anywhere from $250 to $950 per week. Flexible work that can be done from home is a great way to supplement your income. There isn’t always steady work. A period of feast or famine is when a person has an abundance of work one week and then very little the next. There might be weeks when there aren’t many jobs available. If you experience a period with few jobs available, it is a good idea to look for other sources of income.
3. GoTranscript
- Pay Range : Up to $0.60 per audio minute
- Average Earnings per Month : $150
- Payment Method : Weekly via PayPal or Payoneer
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
If you can pass the GoTranscript entrance exam, you can become a freelance transcriber and earn up to 60 cents per audio minute. There are occasional jobs that require a language other than English that GoTranscript hires from all over the world.
You can choose which assignments you want to work on. You can take as much or as little work as you please. Before committing to a job, you can listen to each audio file. You can make sure the job is suitable for you by doing this. It’s possible to determine whether a job is worth it. You can compare different job offers and choose the one that best suits you.
GoTranscript shows you how much you will make from the project. Editors will grade your work. You will get your overall score once all the files have been reviewed and graded. You may be given more pay per audio minute if you score consistently high grades. You could be promoted to an editor position. It is possible to gain more experience and further your career.
4. TranscribeMe
- Pay Range : $0.25-0.42 per audio minute
- Average Earnings per Month : $250
- Payment Method : Weekly via PayPal
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
TranscribeMe is one of the largest transcription services out there. More than 2 million people use the company’s platform. This is a testament to the company’s success. To become a General Transcriber doesn’t need any prior experience. You will be provided with an on-the-job training program to help you become successful in your role as a General Transcriber. You need to be at least eighteen years old to be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. You need to meet other eligibility requirements in order to be considered for the program. or Australia.
It is a good choice for beginners who want to complete small jobs in their downtime. The amount of time it takes to complete each job is very competitive. Short audio files are what new TranscribeMe workers start working with. This is a great way to get familiar with the platform and learn how to use it. General Transcribers can find two to four minute jobs. General scribing is a great job for people who like to work quickly.
General transcribers are paid 15 per audio hour. 25 cents per audio minute is what it is. That works out to an average of 15 per hour for audio transcription. You could join the Special Style team if you pass a background check and additional exam. Talented and motivated individuals are always welcome to join our team. The team takes on larger, more difficult projects that can cost up to 42 cents per audio minute. The pay rate is competitive, making it a great opportunity for those looking to make extra money.
5. CastingWords
- Pay Range : $0.09-1.00 per audio minute
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : Weekly via PayPal
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
To become a CastingWords transcriber, you don’t need any prior experience. If you live in more than 200 countries, you can sign up. It’s easy to make payments online with PayPal. You must be at least eighteen years old.
CastingWords may or may not require you to take a test. It is not possible to know in advance if you will need to take a test. You will need to read and understand the style guide. It will give you guidelines to make sure your work is in line with the company’s brand identity.
CastingWords’ pay scale isn’t easy to understand. The amount of money you get paid for each assignment is dependent on what level of CastingWords assigns you and what grade you get for each transcription. If you consistently deliver high-quality work, your pay rate can increase over time. A grade scale of 0-9 is used by the company. The proficiency level of the employee in their job role is related to the numerical value of each grade.
Each job has a base pay rate. You won’t be paid if your work is a 4 or lower. To get the highest possible grade and be paid for your efforts, you should submit your best work. The base pay amount is based on work graded at a 5. An additional pay bonus is given to work graded at a 6 or higher. You will be paid 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 times the base pay if your work is graded at a 6, 7, 8, or 9. You will get more than the base pay rate for a job well done.
CastingWords is a better choice for experienced transcriptionists who can consistently achieve higher grades. You can pay only for what you need with CastingWords’ flexible pricing options.
6. GMR Transcription
- Pay Range : Not disclosed
- Average Earnings per Month : $1,000-3,000
- Payment Method : Monthly via PayPal or direct deposit
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed. Strong communication and organizational skills are required for citizenship. residents only
GMR Transcription could be a good fit for an experienced transcriptionist who can work on a tight deadline. You have to be based in the U.S. International shipping and taxes can be complex and costly. To be considered by GMR. It is not a good choice for a digital nomad. Finding a place to live that is both affordable and comfortable can be a challenge for digital nomads.
The pay rate is not disclosed until you are hired. The company gives clear guidelines and expectations when it comes to pay rate. According to GMR, on average, a freelancer earns $1,000-3,000 per month, depending on their project and skill level. The company pays more for jobs that take longer to complete. Employees who complete difficult projects before their deadlines are given incentives.
All applicants have to pass a skill assessment exam. To maximize their chances of success, applicants should thoroughly prepare for the exam. According to GMR, most of the applicants who pass the test already have transcription experience. It is recommended that applicants have experience before applying for a job at GMR.
7. Quicktate
- Pay Range : $0.025-0.050 per word
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : Weekly via PayPal
- Qualifications : Must be an experienced transcriptionist
Quicktate pays per word, rather than per audio minute. You will get a quarter of a cent per word for a general transcription or half of a cent per word for a medical transcription. You may be able to negotiate a higher rate if you are highly experienced with medical transcription. How much you can make depends on how accurate you are as a transcriptionist.
You will take a skills test when you sign up. Your eligibility for certain positions will be determined by the results of these tests. You will have to pay a fee for a background check and give three professional references. You’ll be able to start work once the application is approved. Depending on your exam scores, the company may invite you to apply for iDictate. This could be a great way to gain experience if you want to pursue more career opportunities.
The majority of Quicktate files are short audio clips. Quicktate is a great way to get started in the industry. They can include to-do lists, field notes, reports, and letters. These documents can be both digital and hard copies. iDictate projects are more in-depth. They require more planning and research than other projects.
The low rate of pay is complained about by reviews on Glassdoor. Many employees feel that their pay does not reflect the hard work they have put into their jobs. Quicktate is only a good fit for experienced transcribers who want to do quick work in their spare time. Quicktate may not be the best option for those just starting out. You can get more substantial income with Daily Transcription or GMR Transcription.
8. SpeakWrite
- Pay Range : $0.005-0.006 per word
- Average Earnings per Month : $450
- Payment Method : Biweekly via direct deposit or check
- Qualifications : Typing speed of at least 60 words per minute; at least one year of experience
SpeakWrite is currently hiring transcriptionists who can type at least 60 words per minute (wpm). To be considered for the position, applicants have to pass a typing skills test with 90 percent accuracy. The typing skills test will be administered.
SpeakWrite pays an average of $450 per month, with top monthly earners making an average of $3,400 per month.
You need at least one year of experience to apply. Experience in medical transcription is a must. You need a foot pedal to work on jobs. You can control the speed of the film with the transcription foot pedal.
9. 3Play Media
- Pay Range : Varies
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : Weekly via direct deposit or check
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
If you speak Spanish, 3Play Media may be a good transcription service for you. The company is looking for people to work in English or Spanish. Before starting work, all U.S. based applicants must pass a background screening. All U.S.-based applicants are screened to make sure they meet the required standards for employment.
Depending on the length and complexity of the piece, the amount of 3Play Media varies. Contact 3Play Media for specific pricing details. According to the company, its transcriptionists earn between $10 and $30 per hour.
Major entertainment, corporate, and education content producers are some of the clients of 3Play Media. Their services make it easier for their clients to caption and subtitle their content. You can pick which assignments you want to take on. Setting your own hours will allow you to fit your job around your lifestyle.
10. CrowdSurf
- Pay Range : $0.17-0.20 per media minute
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : On-demand via WorkMarket
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
CrowdSurf specializes in video captions for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and second-language viewers. The videos are divided into small Human Intelligence Tasks. These tasks are given to the workers. The video files are fifteen to thirty-five seconds in length. Closed-captioning for videos is one of the applications that the transcribed text is used for. CrowdSurf compiles the HITs into full-length close-captioned videos for its clients. CrowdSurf’s clients always get the best results from the completed videos, which are of the highest quality and accuracy.
Before you sign up for CrowdSurf, you’ll need a Work Market account. You will be paid through the platform. CrowdSurf allows you to work when it’s convenient for you. You have to take a brief assessment to make sure your skills are up to snuff. The assessment is designed to help you show us what you can do.
As soon as CrowdSurf puts funds in your account, you can use the Work Market platform to get paid. You can receive your money quickly and safely with Work Market’s secure payment services. There is no limit to how many withdrawals you can make. There are no restrictions on how many withdrawals you can make.
The company has strict quality control standards. The highest quality products are ensured by these standards. A quality control score is given to all content. Users who have too many low scores will lose access to the platform.
11. Scribie
- Pay Range : $5 – $20 per audio hour
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : PayPal
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
Scribie offers users an option to have their transcription jobs automated by AI for a less expensive rate, but lower accuracy score.
The demand for manual transcriptionists with 99% accuracy is much higher. The company will give you the AI-generated transcription for you to use. Compared to typing out the transcription manually, this process will save you a lot of time. Your typing time will be reduced. When possible, use shortcut keys to make your typing time more efficient.
To become a certified Scribie freelancer, you will have to complete a test file transcription. Once the test file transcription is complete, your account will be reviewed and you will become a certified Scribie freelancer.
12. Ditto Transctips (formerly Transcription Outsourcing LLC)
- Pay Range : $0.80 – $1.10 per minute
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : PayPal
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
Ditto Transcripts, formerly Transcription Outsourcing, hires transcriptionists based in the U.S. As you become more experienced, you will get a pay rate increase. Competitive pay rates are provided by the transcription company. Depending on the shift, turnaround time, and audio quality, you have the potential to make even more money.
They advertise that they can pay up to $5 per minute for court hearings that are needed overnight and that medical transcriptionists can make up to $10 per line. All transcripts are completed with accuracy and on time.
13. Pioneer Transcription
- Pay Range : Not disclosed
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : Not disclosed
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
To become a transcriptionist with Pioneer Transcription Services, you will need to fill out an application and pass a transcription test.
If you pass your test, you can start working for other people. You can make money as a transcriptionist with a few simple skills and dedication. Most of the jobs on their sites involve one-on-one interviews.
They even have a separate page for hiring legal transcriptionists if that is something you are interested in.
If you are bi-lingual, this would be an easy fit for you because they need Spanish to English transcriptionists. The company is known for offering competitive wages and flexible working hours, making it an ideal opportunity for those who are looking to make some extra money.
14. Babbletype
- Pay Range : Not disclosed
- Average Earnings per Month : Not disclosed
- Payment Method : Not disclosed
- Qualifications : No prior experience is needed
Babbletype, according to their website is very selective on who they bring on for new talent. A high level of accuracy and reliability is what the company specializes in. The team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best possible results.
You are required to:
- Watch a 30-minute video
- Complete an interview
- Complete an extended period of paid testing
You will be considered for the job after that. The ability to summarize the content is more important than typing speed. Learning to type efficiently and accurately is a valuable skill for any profession that requires writing.
How to Make the Most Money as a Transcriptionist
As you can see, most transcription services are a great way to make some extra money to supplement your household income. You won’t be able to earn a full-time salary from these platforms.
There are ways to make a living as a transcriptionist. The flexibility to set your own hours and work from home is one of the benefits of being a transcriptionist. These ways might include:
- working directly with a law firm
- contracting full-time with a government agency
- starting your own transcriber-for-hire business
It is not easy to get into these positions with little or no experience. To compete for these positions, you need relevant skills and knowledge. That’s why you might want to check out a training course from Transcribe Anywhere.
There are courses that will help you become a professional transcriptionist. The knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the transcription industry are provided in these courses. You can take an educational course about legal and general transcribing. Many employers require their employees to be certified in their field. If you want to find out if transcribing is the right career choice for you, there is a free mini-course. If you get an introduction to the industry, you can decide if it’s right for you.
Transcribe Anywhere programs will teach you how to find a high-paying transcription job as either a full-time employee or a contractor. The necessary skills and resources are provided by these programs. You will be able to network with other transcriptionists on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.
If you want to make money as a transcriber, you need to take Transcribe Anywhere courses. To become a successful transcriptionist, you need the necessary skills and knowledge.
Pros and Cons of Transcription Jobs
Not everything in life is perfect, the same goes for transcriptionist jobs, let’s cover some of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- It is possible to get paid for transcription work from the comfort of your living room or home office. You can choose your own hours, so you can fit the job around a busy lifestyle. This type of work is about freedom. You have the ability to work on your own schedule. If you do a good job and meet deadlines, you get paid. It is possible to build a successful career by completing projects on time and to a high standard. It’s that simple. There aren’t many rules that you have to follow in this line of work. It is important to follow the rules that are in place to ensure safety. If you ever become a full-time employee, this could change as well. Having the flexibility of working on your own can be great, but it also means you won’t have the same benefits and protections that come with employment. Most of the work is for free. The ability to take on multiple projects at once allows individuals to create their own schedules.
- It’s an excellent option for people who like to work quickly and who are looking to hustle. You can make money by taking audio or video files to work. If you can meet deadlines and do a good job, companies will keep the work flowing. You can develop a strong working relationship with the company, which can prove useful in the long run. The harder you work, the more money you can make. It’s up to you to decide how successful you want to be.
- If you have trouble typing fast or don’t have an ear for accents, scribing audio can be difficult. It can become a breeze with the right tools and software. You can most likely fly through audio and video clips if you learn how to master it. It’s worth the effort for mastering audio and video clips. You don’t have to do a lot of critical thinking if you write down what you hear.
Cons:
- First-come, first-served online, transcribing jobs are a competitive field. The most successful in this field are those who are fast and accurate. You have to be quick about discovering and pouncing on opportunities. Don’t wait too long to take advantage of opportunities, because time is of the essence when it comes to finding and taking advantage of opportunities. It is a good idea to have a sample portfolio ready to send. If you have a portfolio ready to go, you can show your commitment to the position you are applying for. You can demonstrate your ability in interviews by doing that. You will need to be in a position to start immediately when you find an opportunity. It is not possible to wait several days or weeks to start. Otherwise, you will miss deadlines, get buried with work, and risk having the company find someone else to do the project instead. To ensure a successful outcome, you need to stay on top of your tasks.
- You have to type quickly, that’s one thing transcription companies want to know. Being able to type quickly and accurately is essential for transcription work. Head over to a site like TypingTest and check your word-per-minute (wpm) rate so you can have a figure ready to share. This type of work requires fast typing. It’s important to be accurate while typing. It will be hard to keep up if you are below 50 wpm. It is important to make sure you are typing quickly. Projects could take a long time, but you can still get them done. Make sure you work in line with your pay. Ensure that you are being compensated fairly for your work by taking the time to evaluate your current pay. If you take two hours to complete each job, it is not worth the effort. It’s important to evaluate the time it takes to complete a project versus the money you are making in order to determine if a job is worth taking.
- At the end of the day, you will be doing the work for long periods of time. Being able to help others understand the audio content can be rewarding. This job can get very boring. It is possible to find joy in mundane tasks. When looking for work, keep this in mind. When making a decision, always consider the quality and cost of the work. If possible, look for projects that interest you, such as entertainment, health, or business. Gaining valuable skills and experience can make you more attractive to employers in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do transcription jobs pay well?
You won’t make a lot of money by typing. How much you make in this line of work depends on how much you want to work and how willing you are to work.
It’s a nice side hustle for some people, they can do it during a lunch break or at night. If you need it, it can be a great way to make extra money. For others, it is a full-time job and they are always looking for more work. Many of them have built successful businesses, and have been able to establish a comfortable lifestyle through their work.
It is a good idea to think about what you want to get out of audio transcription. It’s important to have a clear plan of action before you start. You can set realistic goals if you do that. Once you have identified your goals, break them down into smaller, manageable steps that you can track and measure your progress.
Are there transcription jobs for beginners?
Entry level transcription jobs are great for beginners. Gaining valuable experience in the transcription field is possible with these jobs. Others are for experts with years of experience in the field.
Companies are usually very specific about what they are looking for. To ensure they have the skills necessary to be successful, job seekers should research the company and position before applying. Job listings will usually state if the project is for beginners or experienced. Those who have experience may be able to negotiate higher pay rates. It is important to read the details before you submit an application. Make sure to double-check your application before you submit it.
It is common for these sites to vet applicants by making them take tests. These sites give useful resources to help you become a better transcriptionist.
What are some jobs similar to transcribing?
Writing and editing content is one of the side hustles. Digital products and services can be used to make money. Once you get a side hustle fever, you may also find yourself wanting to get paid to drive, pet sit, babysit, or work as a virtual assistant. There are lots of jobs to explore and make extra money. No matter what your interests are, there is a job for you.
What is a transcription foot pedal?
It’s hard to keep your hands off the keyboard when you’re recording audio. It can be difficult to keep up with the pace of the speaker while accurately capturing all of the audio content. It can add hours to projects. It can be difficult to keep track of any changes that need to be made.
A foot pedal is trying to solve this by letting users control the video. Software like Express Scribe can work with pedals. If this sounds up your alley, Amazon has a variety of foot pedals to explore.
Is Tigerfish still hiring?
Tigerfish is a seasoned company that depends on experienced transcribers. Tigerfish has the expertise to handle a wide range of audio and video files. They are not currently hiring, but keep them on your radar for job openings.
The Bottom Line
If you have good listening and typing skills, you may want to pursue a career in transcription or as a side hustle. It’s a great way to make money online, with flexible hours that fit around other commitments.
There are many opportunities to record conference calls, voicemails, and podcasts. Legal transcriptionists, medical transcriptionists, and transcriptionists who specialize in law enforcement are in high demand. If you have experience in these fields, you can use your knowledge and skills in transcription work.
This type of job is usually a work-at-home position and is great for native English speakers and even people who speak English as a second language. It is possible to find an online transcription job in another language. This is a great way to increase your earnings.
It is a good idea to get a nice headset before you start. If you plan on taking part in online meetings or video conferences, this will be helpful. You may also want to take a transcription skills training course on a site like Transcribe Anywhere or Udemy.
You can make money from anywhere with this line of work, even if you don’t make millions as a transcriptionist. It’s an ideal job for those who need flexible hours because you can work at your own pace. Take your earnings and invest them strategically. You will be on your way to financial freedom before you know it. You can make it happen sooner than you think with the right plan and determination.
