Here's a fun fact for you. Did you know that you can earn money through typing?
Yes! And I'm not joking here. If you're looking for ways to make extra money doing something you already do, e.g., typing and browsing the internet, well, let me share the tea with you.
Transcription jobs have become booming economy gig jobs these days and are ideal and attractive, especially for beginners.
It's easy to get started, and you can do it while at home or make it a part-time job.
If you have a knack for typing, have good typing speed, and good listening skills, then being a transcriptionist might be a good side hustle for you, or even so, you can dive into it as a new career.
This post will hand outline the best online transcription jobs that are not just available within the U.S. but also worldwide, so you can start right away!
Don't miss out: 18 Unique Ways To Create Passive Income and Boost your Cash Flow.
What is a Transcription Job?
Try to picture yourself typing in front of your computer with your headphones on. But, you're not listening to music; instead, you are listening to an audio file, and you are converting those words into written text.
That's what a transcription job looks like. In other words, you transcribe a speech, recording, or video file, to put it into a written or printed format. The person who does this job is called a transcriptionist.
Imagine watching your favorite Korean drama with accurate subtitles on it; a transcriptionist does that.
Another example is how you make online media more accessible and enjoyable for deaf and hard- hearing and second language users? That's why we have transcription jobs.
How about those podcasts, webinars, medical proceedings, and court hearings; ever wonder who does the fantastic job of transcribing it, allowing us to read them in text format? Transcriptionists!
Sounds easy? Let's find out.
How Fast Do You Have to Type to Be a Transcriptionist?
Since the job is based on your typing skills, not to mention your audio listening abilities, there's an ideal typing speed for any aspiring transcriptionist out there.
Ideally, if you can type 60+ words per minute, there's a good chance transcribing may come easy on you. However, even if you can't type that amount, don't worry because, with practice, you will enhance your skills and get better.
Can You Make a Living Transcribing?
The good thing about transcribing jobs is the flexibility they can offer. First of all, you can save money from long commutes since it is a home-based job, and some companies allow you to work as much as you can.
The pay may be low for complete beginners at first, with an average range from $5-$10/ hourly. However, eventually, as your skill level upgrades and you take certifications and transcription training, you can haggle for higher pay and turn it into a full-time career or business.
For instance, experienced and professional transcriptionist can earn up to $20-$40 an hour.
Requirements
As mentioned earlier, jumping into a transcription job is pretty straightforward. There are various online transcription jobs companies that you can check right away.
On the other hand, there are upfront investment costs that you still have to make (hardware requirements plus soft skills)
PC (Desktop or Laptop)
One of the main must-haves, if you are serious about transcribing, is to have your equipment. A laptop or desktop is the basic one. Ensure that your hardware is a decent and reliable one; no need for any fancy specs. Most transcribing jobs work on Windows OS, so if you have a desktop or laptop already running on this software, you're good to go!
Headset
Investing in a good headset or headphones is essential in a transcription job. As a transcriber, you will be wearing headphones most of the time, so choose carefully which type of headset you'll be using. For instance, a noise cancellation headset is ideal, while earbuds may not be comfortable. Overall, ensure that you have quality headphones and you are comfortable wearing them.
MS Word and Transcription Software
Another essential requirement for a transcription job is having transcription software and a word processor such as MS Word. Using MS Word can easily save your files, and choosing the right transcription software will significantly impact your job. For instance, you can check out Express Scribe.
Foot Pedal
A foot pedal is a device that allows you to control l audio/view playback using your foot. Consider investing in a transcription foot pedal if you want to improve your efficiency and make the most out of transcription jobs. It is one of the vital pieces of equipment to have. With that, you can type in more words and pause or fast-forward and rewind audio recording without using your hands. Therefore, a time-saver!
Transcription Certificate and Training
Besides the above requirements, if you are willing to go out and beyond, take various transcription certifications and training provided by some of the best online transcription jobs companies (more on it later) and level up your game. With this opportunity, you expand your skills and increase your skillset. For example, if you want to take medical or legal transcription training and certification, you'll be more likely to land a job on it and get higher pay.
So, now that you have an idea of the necessary equipment you need let's talk about money!
What's the Pay Rate for Online Transcription Jobs?
For a transcription job, the pay rate varies per hourly work and the skill set's demand. However, beginners usually get paid around $3-$9 an hour for a primary transcription job.
More experienced and professional transcriptionists, especially in the medical or legal field, get paid higher. Typically, $40-$60 per hour.
Overall, transcription jobs pay well, most especially if you hustle hard. It offers various learning experiences that can level up your career and ability to earn more money.
Therefore, if you're thinking about whether to try it, go on! It's worth it, even if you're a newbie. You can pick up more skills and even more opportunities along the way, making you a certified and qualified transcriptionist.
Best Online Transcription Jobs Companies That Will Hire You Wherever You Are In The World
| Transcription Companies | Average Pay | Requirements | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| TranscribeMe | $250 (monthly) | PC and stable internet connection, Typing test | Paypal (weekly) |
| Way With Words | $0.45 – $1.73 per audio minute | Laptop or desktop, Assessment Test | Monthly via Paypal |
| GoTranscript | $150 (monthly) | Good Hardware, Pass Online Test | Paypal and Payoneer (weekly) |
| CastingWords | $0.085 to over $1 per audio minute | Transcription Test | Weekly payout on Paypal |
| Daily Transcription | Starting at $0.75 – $0.85 per audio minute | Skills Assessment and Transcription Test | Check (weekly) |
| Crowdsurf | $0.03-$0.20 per media minute | Pass the assessment skill test | Paypal |
| Transcribe Anywhere | $45,000-$60,000 annually | Take the paid online course | *Depends if you make it a full-time business or part-time career |
| Scribie | $5 to $25 per audio hour | Pass the test | Paypal |
| Rev | $0.30-$1.10 Per audio/video minute | English skills, internet connection, working equipment | Weekly payout (Paypal) |
| Speakwrite | $450 monthly | One year of experience, 60+ words per minute, 90% accuracy | Direct deposit or check |
TranscribeMe
The TranscribeMe company allows you to work in the comfort of your home. It is also one of the best online transcription jobs companies for beginners (no experience needed) and even seasoned professionals alike.
So, if you have a working desktop or laptop and a stable internet connection, go ahead on the site!
Moreover, joining is easy and free, with no registration payment of any sort. You will be paid an average of $15-$22 per audio hour, which is usually for short clips of 2-4 minutes of audio from a variety of different industries.
Way with Words
Another best online transcription jobs you can try is working on Way with Words company. It has been providing transcription services since 2002 and hires globally.
Their pay is around $0.45 – $1.73 per audio minute (meaning depending on each audio's length and not on time you spend working on them) based on turnaround time and project urgency.
So if you’re able to take projects that require a fast turnaround time, you’ll be able to earn more. Besides, no prior experience is required; you just have to pass their assessment skill, and once that's done, you're good to go!
GoTranscript
GoTranscript is a thriving web-based transcription and translation company that allows you to work as much as you want and whenever you want.
The payout is $0.60 per audio minute, with an average of $150 a month. Plus, top earners garner up to $1,215 per month.
Plus, they hire around the world even if you have no experience and there is no word-per-minute typing speed requirement, nor a minimum number of hours worked. Besides hardware requirements, you need to pass their test, but you can freely try again in a few days if you fail.
CastingWords
Interested in transcription freelancing? CastingWords is an excellent platform to get started with. The pay rate is between 8.5 cents and a bit over one dollar per audio minute.
This is because pay varies widely based on several factors: what type of job you do, what level you have reached, and what grade you earn.
Indeed, CastingWords have different categories of jobs, including grading, editing, and transcription. Within each category, positions at different skill levels have various pay rates.
However, editing jobs and most transcription jobs are bonus-based, meaning that the better you do, the more you get paid.
Daily Transcription
At DT you will provide transcription, translation, legal, and academic & market research transcription services. They don't require prior experience in transcription, but you need to pass their skills assessment and transcription test. Moreover, if you can type at least 50 words per minute, you can join the DT club right away!
To be clear, (for those outside U.S. and Canada) they offer subtitling/captioner and translation for proficiency in a 2nd language. Nevertheless, as a transcriptionist, you can make around $250 – $950 per week (not bad!)
CrowdSurf
Guided by their mission of “For the crowd, By the crowd,” CrowdSurf provides transcription services for hearing impaired individuals or those who have difficulty in hearing. Essentially, you will provide captioning services for deaf and second-language viewers.
The pay depends on the level of proficiency and amount of work completed. Your actual work ranges from 5 seconds to 30 seconds for each audio clip. In addition to that, payment ranges from $0.03-$0.20 per media minute plus additional bonus rates.
Certainly, CrowdSurf is an excellent site to earn $10-$30 daily provided, of course, there's a steady stream of tasks available. The average pay for a 20-second transcription task is $0.10.
If you can submit a task in, let's say, less than 3 minutes, you can do $2 hourly; using speech-to-text software, it's possible to get $3 for an hour's worth of work.
Transcribe Anywhere
Of course, Transcribe Anywhere will never leave our list of best online transcription jobs. Although it is not a company that will pay you to do the work, it is a guided online course that you have to enroll with. From there, you can find out and decide whether transcription services are for you.
The Transcribe Anywhere program offers multimedia training tools, videos, quizzes, and practices to transform its enrollees into becoming professional transcriptionists in as little as 2-4 months. Most importantly, it provides you all the tools and resources necessary to find work as a transcriptionist.
In other words, it is not a job placement agency, but you’ll surely learn the transcribing skill and turn it into a business. Also, earning a certification can help open up more job opportunities and better-paying jobs and advance your transcription career.
Great news because Transcribe Anywhere offers certification that you may find extremely helpful with increasing your earning potential!
Further reading: Transcribe Anywhere Review – How to make money as a transcriptionist.
Scribie
As you will notice, Scribie pays lower compared to other sites. It pays $5 to $25 per audio hour, i.e., $0.5 to $2 for a 6-minute file. However, despite the comparable pay, they offer monthly bonuses, so you may watch out for that.
Since they are a global service and depending on your location, skill level, and many other factors, the effective pay rate may be lower.
Besides that, you don’t need any experience to get started, but you will need to pass a test. With Scribie, you’ll be working on short files, 10 minutes or less.
Furthermore, Scribie does not assign work to you.; instead, you’ll be able to preview the available jobs and decide which ones you want to take.
Rev
If you want to take a shot at transcribing, become a Revver today! You can take on transcription and caption jobs from an extensive network of customers.
Plus, there's zero cost to get started; all you need are strong English skills, a computer, and a reliable Internet connection.
For transcription jobs (listen to audio and video, typing what is said, label speakers), pay ranges from $0.30-$1.10 per audio/video minute.
On the other hand, a captioner (watch a video, type, convey sounds, sync typed audio and video) will earn $0.54-$1.10 per audio/video minute. Lastly, the pay is between $1.50-$3.00 per audio/video minute for a translation job.
Speakwrite
As a transcriptionist for SpeakWrite, you’ll be paid $0.005 – $0.006 per word. According to SpeakWriting, average monthly earnings are $450, with top earners bagging around $3,400 per month.
However, Speakwrite requires at least one year of transcription experience, and you must pass their background check.
Moreover, their required typing skills are a minimum of 60 words per minute with at least 90% accuracy.
Final thoughts
You see, working as a transcriptionist can be an excellent way to go freelancing or earn additional money for your savings or any financial goals. Also, it can be a good starting point if you want to build a career out of it and turn it into a business.
Furthermore, medical and legal transcriptionists aren't dead. In fact, it is one of the most in-demand jobs in today's market.
Although, you have to remember that transcribing is not for everyone. You need to have patience and the necessary skills to compete with the rest of the world and make sure to upscale your skills.
Therefore, taking transcription courses or certifications can increase the chance of you landing a better-paying transcription job. Check out Transcribe Anywhere and pick from their various courses offered that are readily available and affordable.
Are you ready to transcribe? Invest in your skills and apply now!
We hope you learned about the best online transcription jobs today and if you have any thoughts, feel free to share them with us below. Or, if you know other transcription online sites other than those listed above, go ahead and share them with us.
Tell us your experience with transcription, or if you have anything to share, we love to hear from you!
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