Many people are looking for ways to make money from home, and one of the best ways to do that is through transcription jobs.
Transcription work is easy to learn, and you can begin earning money immediately. With no commute and no boss watching over your shoulder (at least in a literal sense), so you can more or less work whenever and however often you want.
There are many different types of transcriptionists—some specialize in medical transcription, while others do legal transcription or court reporting. Regardless of what kind of offline or online transcription job you choose, plenty of good opportunities are available for beginners looking to start their transcription careers.
You may be wondering how to get started as a freelance transcriptionist. Well, it all starts with knowing which job will suit you best. You also want to ensure it pays enough for the time and effort you put into making it.
In this article, we will discuss legitimate transcribing gigs and the best transcription jobs you can get started in.
Rev is one of the most well-known providers of transcription services. It works just like other online transcription jobs. Clients upload videos or audio, and Rev shares these files with you for transcribing.
Although this may sound simple, you might encounter poor audio quality or multiple voices that are hard to understand. But that’s why they give this job to humans and not AI!
Rev is a good place for beginners to get started as transcriptionists. The skills assessment test includes a grammar test and a quick transcription test.
To be a transcriptionist for Rev, you must have strong English language skills and the ability to transcribe audio accurately. You also need decent grammar skills and a computer with high-speed internet access.
As soon as they hire you, you’ll be able to log in and see the available transcription jobs. Hundreds of jobs are posted on their platform every day. You can choose to work as little or as much as you want.
This makes Rev one of the best online transcription jobs for beginners. Although it doesn’t offer the highest rates in the marketplace (the pay range is $0.24 to $0.90 per audio minute), you don’t need to have any particular experience to be accepted.
GoTranscript is a transcription company in operation for over a decade and has plenty of online transcription jobs available for newbies. They hire people from all over the world and don’t require previous transcription experience. All you need to do is pass a skills test when you apply.
For your transcription test, be prepared to get an audio file containing non-native English speakers (which will probably make the transcriptions more difficult). Don’t worry, if you fail the test, you can retake it in a few days.
Once accepted, GoTranscript lets you choose the assignments you want to work on. You can listen to each audio file first before taking the project. This transparency enables you to determine whether the task is worth your time.
GoTranscript’s job listing page shows you how much money you’ll earn for each project. Editors will review and grade your work. Your pay per audio minute may increase if you consistently get high grades.
Usually, their transcriptionists can earn up to $0.60 per audio minute. The best thing is that they pay you weekly, which makes GoTranscript one of the best online transcription jobs for beginners.
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GMR Transcription offers flexible work hours but requires transcribers to commit to at least four hours of transcription work each week. The company welcomes entry-level applicants, but there is a grading policy to ensure that its clients receive 99% accuracy.
The company’s application process is long and arduous, requiring applicants to submit resumes, fill out forms, and pass tests. Although the application is open to beginners, most successful candidates have some previous transcription experience.
GMR doesn’t disclose its pay rate until you’re hired, but on average, the company states that transcribers earn between $1,000 and $3,000 per month, depending on their skill level. The company also pays more for complex projects that require a fast turnaround time.
Given its high pay compared to other transcription companies, it’s no wonder that GMR Transcription has many positive reviews from its employees.
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If you want to earn a decent income as a transcriptionist, this is the company for you. SpeakWrite provides general transcription services but focuses on legal transcription, so it is geared more toward experienced transcribers.
SpeakWrite has a complex application process. You will need to pass a typing speed and accuracy test, complete the training quizzes and videos, download SpeakWrite software—and then practice transcribing.
The SpeakWrite team will then evaluate your transcription jobs to ensure you meet their standards before accepting you.
SpeakWrite pays its transcribers $0.005 per word or $5 for every 1,000 words, which isn’t a bad rate transcriptionists can earn. However, it does require experienced workers. You must have a minimum of one year of professional transcription experience before applying.
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TranscribeMe! is an excellent place for someone who wants to break into the world of freelance transcribing but doesn’t know where to start. Getting started here is pretty straightforward. To be considered for the job, you only need a high-school diploma, decent grammar, and good listening skills.
You must also pass a test that includes multiple-choice questions and transcribing audio files. To make it easier, TranscribeMe will even provide a reviewer to help you prepare for the exam.
Once you are hired, you can claim any available jobs on their workspace. Typically the clips are no more than 4 minutes long. Once one clip has finished, the next loads automatically. This makes it easy to keep working until you feel like stopping. In TranscribeMe, you’ll earn $15 per audio hour—regardless of how long you take to transcribe a clip.
In summary, TranscribeMe is a great company for beginners. It may not be the highest-paying job site around, but TranscribeMe welcomes inexperienced transcriptionists and is a great place to start a career.
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BAM! Transcription is a general and entertainment transcription company. The job differs depending on the client. Each one has its deadline and set of requirements.
BAM! Transcription may not be as well-known as other transcription companies, but it can nonetheless provide you with opportunities for additional income. In many circumstances, considering less common transcribing companies is a good idea because they frequently have less competition.
It’s also a good thing that BAM! Transcription offers opportunities for those who are new to the field, as well as seasoned professionals.
BAM! Transcription’s website gives little information about rates or the application process. To find out about these and the opportunities available, you should email them through their contact page on their website.
High English proficiency could be your ticket to a career with Way With Words. They are particularly interested in hiring transcriptionists who can understand speakers with a variety of accents.
To apply for this position, prior experience is not required. Nevertheless, you will be required to do well on the assessment. After you have submitted your application and demonstrated that you are qualified for the position, you will be free to choose how much work you want to do and when you want to do it.
Their base pay is pretty reasonable, landing somewhere between $0.45 to $1.73 per audio minute, depending on the urgency of the assignment. Therefore, you can increase your earnings potential by accepting projects that require a quick turnaround. Also, according to Way With Words, your pay rises as your speed and accuracy improve. Although no minimum typing speed is specifically required, accuracy is essential.
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Daily Transcription is one of the oldest transcription companies in the United States. It has been in business since 2005 and has established itself as an industry leader.
Unlike some transcription companies, Daily Transcription does not require prior transcription experience. They also claim to pay higher rates than competitors, ranging from $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute.
As part of their application process, you must pass both a skills test and a transcription test. Once accepted, you will have access to their dashboard, where you can find more training materials.
The company recommends that you take your time to learn the style guides. In addition, you can ask for more practice tests until you feel comfortable working.
Overall, Daily Transcription is a good option that could provide a decent side hustle whether you’re new to transcription or have experience in the field.
If you’re looking for a transcription job, CastingWords is a good place to start. The registration process is simple, and depending on the information you provide in your application form, you may or may not be required to take a skills test. Once accepted, you can begin reading through the style guides and getting to work right away.
On their platform, search for available jobs and choose assignments that interest you. When you’ve decided on an assignment, you can download the file or work directly from the platform using the built-in player on the page. Once you’ve finished the transcription, the team will review your work.
This platform is far more adaptable than many others, and you can even return an assignment if you discover that you cannot deliver by the deadline.
CastingWords pays about a dollar per audio minute. Your actual earnings, however, will be determined by how your work is graded. There is a scale of 0 to 9. The base pay is for grade 5 work, but you can earn up to three times the base rate if you advance to grade 9!
Speechpad is one of the top companies that can provide freelance transcription jobs for beginners. Signing up is free, but you must pass transcription and grammar tests before you can start working. After your application is accepted, all you’ll need is a computer and a fast internet connection.
As a worker, you will have a rating that will determine which jobs you can do. If you improve your rating, more opportunities will become available for you. You can choose the jobs that interest you the most and make anywhere from $0.25 to $2.50 per minute of transcription.
Speechpad gives transcribers all the transcription software they need to get the most done in the least amount of time. They also have people ready to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes the platform easy for new users to use.
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Averbach Transcription works in the same way that most transcription platforms do. If you accept a project, you must finish the transcription by the deadline. It’s worth noting that Averbach Transcription is not for beginners, so its requirements are stricter than on many other platforms. Averbach Transcription prefers applicants who can demonstrate English language proficiency and have at least two years of transcription experience.
A skills test is the main part of the application process. This five-minute audio file is designed to assess your ability to deal with difficult audio, distinguish accents, and follow instructions. This is a timed test, and if you do not finish it within the allotted 20 minutes, you will be unable to submit your transcript.
Regardless, Averbach Transcription is one of the highest-paying transcription platforms that offer online transcription jobs. Their standard rates are $1.00 per audio minute and $1.50 for rush projects.
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Transcript Divas is one of the highest-paying online transcription jobs, with rates reaching $2.98 per audio minute. They do not require prior experience, but they may not be suitable for complete newcomers. They have strict criteria and only accept a small percentage of applicants. Divas indeed!
You can apply on their website if you want to work as a freelancer for Transcript Divas. To start the application, you must have your resume ready, and you will need to answer a few questions.
If the Transcript Divas team wants to proceed with your application, you must pass a series of tests. These are intended to validate your transcription speed and accuracy. The last step is an interview with the Transcript Divas team.
After being hired, you can now see what projects are available. When you accept a job, you will be given an audio or video file to transcribe within the specified timeframe.
Ditto Transcripts, formerly Transcription Outsourcing, offers positions for employees and general contractors. They provide general transcription jobs and transcription services in different industries like law enforcement, medical, legal, and financial.
If you apply, you will be required to provide information about your typing speed, transcription experience, and availability. Additionally, you will be asked for permission to take part in a phone interview and background check.
You will then have to pass several tests before you can join the team. A grammar test, a spelling test, and a sample transcription test are part of this.
Rates vary depending on the industry in which you work. Some are paid per minute, while others are paid per line. Current per-minute rates range from $0.80 to $1.10, but for rush jobs or when maximum accuracy is required, they offer higher rates (up to $5 per minute).
So, if you have experience in a specialized area of transcription services, such as legal or medical, or if you have a decent amount of general transcription experience, applying to Ditto Transcripts may be well worth your time.
Quicktate is a transcription company that transcribes audio files for well-known companies like Coca-Cola and Wells Fargo. Here, you’ll transcribe audio files that consist of voicemail messages, recorded conversations, and speeches. The average pay rate isn’t the best at $5 to $10 per audio hour, depending on your assignment – but the hours are flexible.
Although no prior experience is required to sign up and start working with QuickTate, you must pass the transcription tests. Then, you can access the job lists and begin working at flexible hours after passing the test and registering on the site.
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Tigerfish is a pioneer in the field of transcription. They have been offering transcription services for over two decades. As a beginner, you’ll need to read the platform’s style guide carefully to learn how to render the language in that style.
After that, you must download the sample audio provided on the website, transcribe them, and send them to the platform’s official email address. If they like your work, they will contact you within a week.
When you join Tigerfish, you will be assigned to transcribe files such as interviews, documentaries, police interrogations, and films. Typical rates range from $0.03 to $0.04 per line. As you improve your skill set, your rates may increase. Transcriptionists with more experience could earn $8 to $10 per hour.
One of the best companies offering transcription jobs for beginners is Ubisqus On Demand (formerly Verbal Ink). It provides various language-related jobs, such as transcription, translation, copywriting, and subtitling.
To be eligible for Ubisqus On Demand, you must be a U.S, citizen and pass the company’s eligibility test. Their entry test is quite complex compared to other transcription platforms. To be chosen, you must have a strong command of the language and excellent interpretation skills.
However, if you are chosen, you will have assignments right away. You can set the number of hours you can work in a day to suit your needs.
Because Ubisqus On Demand pays more than some other transcription platforms, taking the test is worth it. However, you must meet some additional requirements, such as having a foot pedal and handset, to keep you focused while working. These don’t come cheap.
The pay rates for Ubiqus On Demand are not specific. There are no set rates, and your earning potential is determined by the difficulty of the audio file and your skill level.
Medical and foreign language transcription can pay up to $0.00695 per word, while less specialized transcription pays around $0.0058 per word.
CrowdSurf is a transcription company that provides captioning services for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and English as a second-language viewers. CrowdSurf divides videos into small clips (15 to 35-second files) that freelancers transcribe. After that, Crowdsurf assembles all these short files into full-length close-captioned videos for their clients.
You’ll need a Work Market account before signing up for CrowdSurf. The company will hire and compensate you via the platform. After you’ve applied, you’ll be required to complete a brief transcription assessment to ensure your transcription skills are sufficient for the job.
It is worth noting that the company has stringent quality control standards. Every piece of content is graded and assigned a quality control score. Users with too many low scores might get disqualified, so it’s critical to perform well.
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3Play Media, unlike other transcription companies, employs “transcript editors”, rather than transcribers. Instead of transcribing an audio file, you’ll need to edit one that 3Play’s automatic speech recognition software has already transcribed.
According to 3Play Media, transcript editors can earn between $10 and $30 per hour. Like in any other platform, if you work quickly and effectively without sacrificing quality, you can make more money per hour. 3Play assesses the quality of its transcript editors’ work. As a result, if you commit errors regularly, you might not be able to get jobs on the platform anymore.
To join 3Play Media, you’ll need to go to the company’s website and complete the application. The application also asks about your typing speed, if you have any experience with transcription, and what operating system you use on your computer. The next step is to transcribe a video clip.
Once the company receives your tests, evaluation can take up to three weeks. However, if you fail a test, rejection may come immediately.
While 3Play’s application process is not the toughest, it also isn’t the easiest. Other transcription companies may offer more lenient testing procedures but at a lower pay rate than what you can expect from 3Play once you qualify.
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Athreon provides general and medical transcription jobs. Non-medical transcription includes police, media, business, and legal transcription. To be eligible, you must have completed a training program or have at least two years of transcription experience.
On average, Athreon’s pay rate is $0.03 per line. There will also be instances where you can earn more money due to a project’s complexity or turnaround time.
One of the advantages of working for Athreon is that you can expect a consistent flow of work. They do, however, require transcriptionists to work 5 days a week and complete at least 500 lines per day.
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Not to be confused with its little sister Ubiqus On Demand, freelance opportunities are available at Ubiqus for interpretation, translation, and transcriptionist services. You’ll most likely be working with medical, legal, and business transcription documents as a Ubiqus transcriptionist.
While Ubiqus considers all applicants, a minimum typing speed of 70 words per minute is required. To apply, you must pass a transcription test, just like most other transcription companies. Furthermore, Ubiqus will likely prioritize applicants with experience, so newcomers may have to wait even longer.
The pay rate will be determined by the type of transcription work you are assigned. Foreign language and medical fields, for example, can pay up to $0.00695 per word. The rate for less specialized work is approximately $0.0058 per word.
However, there have been reports that Ubiqus does not provide consistent work. Therefore, you should not rely on it as the sole source of your income – and maybe check out Ubiqus On Demand.
Babbletype transcribes audio files for companies across different industries. The company only hires native speakers for this type of work, which creates an excellent opportunity for native English speakers to find regular employment.
Babbletype will also give preference to applicants with several years of proofreading experience and a Bachelor’s degree. Like most transcription platforms, you’ll need to fill out an application and pass a test before joining the team. The average pay rate is $0.40 to $0.80 per audio minute, but if your skills are exceptional, you can earn more than that.
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The Voxtab Corporation offers transcription services covering different specialty fields, including legal, medical, and academic. They also offer general transcription projects.
The application process for Voxtab is quite simple. All you have to do is visit the careers page on their website, complete an online application form, and answer a basic question about yourself. However, the careers page may be unavailable if Voxtab is receiving a large number of applications at that time. In addition to completing an application, you may also be asked to complete a transcription test.
Unfortunately, Voxtab doesn’t disclose its rates. For each project, you will need to assess the rates and time required for completion in order to decide if it’s worth your while.
AccuTran Global offers services in the medical and legal fields, as well as in the corporate and financial sectors. To be considered for the position, you must type at least 70 words per minute. In the application questionnaire, you will be asked how long you have been transcribing—indicating that experienced candidates are preferred. At the end of the application, you will take a grammar, comprehension, and punctuation test.
AccuTran pays between $.004 and $.0055 per word. This can vary depending on the nature of the project. Someone who can accurately transcribe 3000 words in an hour, on the other hand, could earn around $15/hr, which isn’t bad, but it isn’t great either.
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Transcription Hub welcomes anyone interested in becoming a transcriptionist. But to do so, you must first pass a test. The number of assignments and your pay will depend on the test result.
You can apply on their website if you meet the requirements. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, as well as an estimate of how many hours you can work per week.
As mentioned, there is a test you’ll need to take. The results determine your level: Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Your level determines the type of work available. Some files are only available to Gold-level transcribers.
The pay rate also depends on your level, with Bronze making the least amount of money and Gold being paid at a premium. If there is a downside, it’s a lack of flexibility, as you have 24 hours to complete any work that you accept.
One of the top companies offering entertainment transcription is Terescription. They transcribe various media types, including reality TV shows, documentaries, news footage, and more.
Terescription hires independent contractors to download media files, create transcripts of those files, and upload them so they can be used on the show. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old, residing in the United States, and have a strong command of English, including grammar rules and punctuation.
You’ll also need to download a test file from their website. The test checks your speed and accuracy and how well you understand English grammar. The website does not indicate how much money you can make with Terescription.
If you like the entertainment industry and can type at least 70 words per minute, then this is a good place to work. They also hire novices as well-experienced individuals for their transcription jobs.
Transcription is the process of converting audio or video clips into text. It’s used in a wide range of industries, such as medical and legal transcription.
While you don’t need any specific training, it’s important that you have excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and an excellent grasp of grammar.
You don’t need much equipment to work as a transcriptionist, and you may already own some of the items. These include a computer with a strong internet connection, a headset, and a comfortable chair.
Investing in a foot pedal is also a good idea, which enables you to stop and start the recording with your feet. This will free up your hands and allow you to work faster.
To become a transcriptionist, you need to be able to type quickly and accurately. You’ll also need strong language skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
As you’ll be working remotely, you need to be computer savvy and able to use different programs and word-processing software.
It is not necessary to have extensive training to become a transcriptionist. Several online courses are available for people who wish to learn more about entering this field.
However, some states in the United States require legal and medical transcriptionists to be certified or licensed.
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Last updated: September 27, 2023
