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Want to make money with transcription work? The best opportunity is to work as a freelancer. Transcribe Anywhere provides the top training in the industry that will help you earn a full-time or part-time income as a freelance transcriptionist. You’ll go from beginner to professional in 2-4 months and earn a transcription certificate recognized in the industry.
Working as a transcriptionist is a great way to make money from home and benefit from a flexible schedule. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just some extra money, transcribing can be a good option.
This article will help you to find the best transcription jobs. There are a lot of different companies and websites that pay transcriptionists, and hopefully, this list will help you to find the right opportunity for you.
Most online transcription jobs allow you to work as an independent contractor. Typically, you’ll have control over the days and hours you work and how much you work. Some companies have minimums or specific requirements that you’ll need to meet.
We’ll start by looking at the best opportunities. Later in the article, you’ll find companies that provide the best online transcription jobs for beginners.
The Best Transcription Jobs from Home
1. SpeakWrite
- Rate Info: $0.005 – $0.006 per word
- Payment Method: Direct deposit or check
- Payment Frequency: Twice per month
- Requirements: One year of experience, 60+ words per minute, 90% accuracy
SpeakWrite is one of the top transcription jobs, but you’ll need some previous transcribing experience. They have a well-established customer base that includes legal, government, law enforcement, and private sector clients.
As a transcriptionist for SpeakWrite, you’ll be paid $0.005 – $0.006 per word. According to SpeakWriting, average monthly earnings are $300+, with top earners exceeding $3,000 per month. Payments are made twice per month by direct deposit or check.
To work for SpeakWrite, applicants must pass a test with a minimum of 60 words per minute with at least 90% accuracy. You’ll also need at least one year of audio transcription experience, and you must pass a background check.
Once approved, you’ll choose your own shifts, and work will be assigned to you during your shifts. You’ll need to schedule at least 15 working hours per month, which means you’ll have a steady stream of work.
2. Transcript Divas
- Rate Info: Average of $1.39 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal or direct deposit
- Payment Frequency: Unspecified
- Requirements: Experience preferred but not required
Transcript Divas offers one of the higher-paying remote transcription jobs, with rates going up to $2.98 per audio minute. They don’t require previous experience, but they have high standards and only accept a percentage of applicants.
If you’re interested in working as a freelancer for Transcript Divas, apply directly on their website. You’ll need to have a resume/CV ready and answer a few questions to complete the application.
3. Speechpad
- Rate Info: $0.25 – $2.50 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Twice per week
- Requirements: Pass their typing test
Speechpad is another good company to work for. You can earn $0.25 – $2.50 per audio minute (or $15 to $150 per audio hour). Payments are made twice per week by PayPal.
It’s free to sign up, but you’ll need to pass a transcription and a grammar test before you start working. As a worker, you’ll have a rating and the rating impacts which jobs are available to you. Increase your rating to open up more opportunities. There are also possibilities to qualify for rush jobs and captioning jobs with higher pay.
There’s no minimum that you need to work, and you’ll choose the specific jobs that you want.
4. Averbach Transcription
- Rate Info: $1.00 – $1.50 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Unspecified
- Requirements: Pass their test
Averbach Transcription is hiring for transcription jobs. They do not list any requirements for experience, but you’ll need to pass their 20-minute transcription test.
Their typical rates are $1.00 per audio minute or $1.50 per audio minute for rush orders (same day or overnight). They claim that most professional transcriptionists can make $20 – $30 per hour of work based on these rates.
You’ll have the flexibility to set your own hours and decline work if it’s not convenient for you.
5. Transcription Outsourcing LLC
- Rate Info: $0.80 – $1.10+ per audio minute
- Payment Method: Direct deposit or PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Twice per month
- Requirements: Pass their typing tests
Transcription Outsourcing offers positions for employees and general contractors. They have jobs in various industries, with job openings for law enforcement, medical, legal, financial, and general transcription.
The application process requires you to pass at least one typing test before you can join their team. The test requirements vary depending on the type of transcription you’ll be doing.
Transcription Outsourcing offers competitive rates. The rates vary depending on the industry you’re working in. Some are paid per minute, and others per line. The per-minute rates are currently listed at $0.80 – $1.10 per minute. But they offer higher rates (up to $5 per minute) for rush jobs or when maximum accuracy is needed. A rate of $0.07 – $0.10 per line is currently listed for medical transcription work.
To work for Transcription Outsourcing, you must be based in the U.S. The job requirements do not specify that experience is required, but the application does ask about your experience.
6. TranscribeMe
- Rate Info: $15 to $22 per audio hour
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: Pass their typing test
TranscribeMe is one of the more popular options for transcription jobs, and getting started is easy. After you fill out the form, you must pass a test. The test is fairly simple, and TranscribeMe does not require previous experience.
While working for TranscribeMe, you’ll be transcribing short audio clips (usually 2-4 minutes long) from various industries. Pay ranges from $15 to $22 per audio hour. The average transcriptionist earns $250 per month, with top earners making up to $2,200 per month. You’ll be paid by PayPal weekly.
7. Daily Transcription
- Rate Info: starting at $0.75 – $0.85 per audio minute
- Payment Method: Check
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: Type at least 50 words per minute
Daily Transcription claims to pay higher rates than other companies, starting at $0.75 – $0.85 per audio minute. Their top transcriptionists make $250 – $950 per week. Payments are made weekly by check.
As part of the application process for this online transcription job, you must pass a skills assessment test and a transcription test. They do not require transcription experience, but you must be able to type at least 50 words per minute.
Daily Transcription is different than some other companies. You’ll sign up for slots on their schedule, and you’ll be assigned work based on that schedule. Like other companies, they do not guarantee a specific amount of work will be available.
You’ll be transcribing audio files from the entertainment, corporate, and legal industries, as well as some academic institutions. Access to different types of audio files and jobs, like legal transcription, opens up better income opportunities.
8. Tigerfish
- Rate Info: $0.03 – $0.04 per line transcribed
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: Pass their test
Tigerfish has been around for a long time (since 1989), and they’re a well-known company in the industry.
If you work for Tigerfish, your projects will include all types of audio files like interviews, police interrogations, and documentary film footage.
There’s an application process that involves transcribing a 15-minute sample audio file. You’ll also need the free version of Express Scribe software.
Tigerfish pays $0.03 – $0.04 per line transcribed.
9. Casting Words
- Rate Info: $0.085 to over $1 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: You may need to pass their test
Casting Words hires freelancers from the U.S., Canada, and a long list of other countries. Signing up is easy. Some applicants must take a transcription test, but others may not need to take the test.
Once you’re approved, you’ll see available jobs in the dashboard. You can take as much or as little work as you want.
By working for Casting Words, you’ll be paid $0.085 to over $1 per audio minute. Pay varies based on a few factors, like the type of job, the level you’ve reached, and the grade you receive for the work. The higher the grade for accuracy, the more you’ll be paid.
Payments are made once per week by PayPal.
10. GMR Transcription
- Rate Info: Rates are not disclosed until you are hired
- Payment Method: Direct deposit or PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Monthly
- Requirements: Pass their test
GMR Transcription offers positions for general transcription, as well as for general transcription with a medical background. They claim that the average workers earn $1,000 – $3,000 per month.
No experience is necessary for the general transcription position (but they do have high accuracy standards). You will be transcribing a variety of topics like academic, business, legal, and more.
For the position with a medical background, you’ll transcribe interviews about medical conditions. This position comes with daily, consistent work, but you’ll be expected to complete work regularly.
11. 3Play Media
- Rate Info: $10 – $30 per hour
- Payment Method: Direct deposit or check
- Payment Frequency: Monthly
- Requirements: Type at least 75 words per minute
To work for 3Play Media, you must be located in the U.S., and you must type at least 75 words per minute.
3Play Media pays based on the project, but they suggest the equivalent is about $10 – $30 per hour, depending on your efficiency.
You’ll be able to choose which projects you accept and how much you work.
The companies listed in the next section are all reputable companies that provide online transcription opportunities, but they do not publically provide the rates that they pay. Details like job qualifications are listed below if they’re publicly available. For more details, contact the company or start the application process.
12. CrowdSurf
CrowdSurf is a legit transcription service company that offers work related to captioning videos for the deaf and second-language viewers. These will be short tasks you can do at your own convenience.
To sign up, you must create a profile and take an assessment. No experience is required, and there’s no mandatory typing speed. Once you’ve been approved and are in their system, you can take any available jobs and claim the audio file whenever you want to work.
CrowdSurf pays by PayPal or direct deposit, and you can get paid for your work instantly.
13. Athreon
Athreon has been in business since 1988 and offers medical and general transcription work (for those based in North America). The non-medical transcription involves police, legal, media, and business transcription.
To qualify, you will either need to be a graduate of a training program or have two years of relevant working experience.
One of the benefits of working for Athreon is that you should get a steadier flow of work that may not be available with some other companies. However, they do require transcriptionists to work five days per week and complete at least 500 lines per day.
Athreon pays weekly by PayPal.
14. Ubiqus
Ubiqus hires experienced transcriptionists based in the U.S. Generally, they require 1-5 years of experience, but they will consider current transcription students.
You’ll be paid per word, but Ubiqus does not publicly list their rates. Opportunities are available for legal, medical, and general transcription.
15. Ubiqus On Demand (Formerly Verbal Ink)
Ubiqus On Demand is a division of Ubiqus and formerly operated as Verbal Ink. They hire transcriptionists with no experience, but there’s not a lot of detail about the job on their website. The site does provide instructions for applicants.
16. Babbletype
Babbletype hires transcriptionists, but you must be a native English speaker. They pay weekly by PayPal, and workers can sign up for the assignments each day. Your work schedule is totally up to you. Babbletype does not provide details about pay rates, but you can apply through their website.
17. Voxtab
Voxtab offers many different types of transcription services, including legal, medical, academic, business, sermons, videos, podcasts, and more. They don’t provide many details about the opportunity to work for them, but you can apply and submit a resume through their website.
18. AccuTran Global
AccuTran Global is another reputable company that hires transcriptionists. Currently, there’s not a lot of information about the job on their site, but it does say that a new hiring process will be coming soon.
19. Transcriptions ‘N Translations
Transcriptions ‘N Translations provides transcription services focusing on the entertainment industry. Their website does not include much information about working for them, but there’s a form to submit an application.
20. BAM! Transcription
BAM! Transcription is a California-based company that provides general transcription and serves the entertainment industry. Their website does not provide information about working for them, but there’s a contact form you can use.
21. Alice Darling Secretarial Services
Alice Darling offers audio and video transcription services. They hire transcriptionists as needed. The requirements include typing 75 words per minute and experience with transcription and word processing.
22. TranscriptionServices.com
TranscriptionServices.com is hiring part-time transcriptionists from any country. However, you do need experience.
Their website says that they offer competitive pay, but rates are not listed. Application instructions are listed on their site. You’ll need a copy of your resume in PDF format, and you’ll need to answer a few questions.
23. Pioneer Transcription
Pioneer Transcription updates its website with details regarding current openings for transcription jobs. At the time of this writing, they are looking for typists who can transcribe video files and insert on-screen timestamps.
They prefer experienced transcriptionists who can begin working immediately. Their website includes a short application form that you can fill out if you’re interested. If they contact you for work opportunities, you’ll need to pass a short typing test before you begin.
24. E-Typist
E-Typist offers flexible work-from-home opportunities. Their website states that applicants with at least three years of legal transcription work are preferred. You’ll need a laptop or desktop computer, a foot pedal, a smartphone, and high-speed internet access.
If you’re ready to apply, the application form is available on the E-Typist website.
25. Cambridge Transcriptions
Cambridge Transcriptions periodically hires typists, and available positions are listed on their website. Currently, they’re looking for legal transcriptionists with at least one year of experience in legal transcription or court reporting. Instructions to apply by email are provided on the website.
26. CyberDictate
CyberDictate hires experienced transcribers who live in the United States. You’ll need a headset, a foot pedal, and transcription software.
Currently, CyberDictate is only looking for legal transcriptionists with at least three years of experience. You must be able to type at least 85 words per minute to qualify, and you must be available during normal business hours.
27. VIQ Solutions
Features:
- 14 full-length training modules
- Typing drills for speed and accuracy
- Learn how to find higher-paying work
- Learn how to build and market your business
- Lifetime access to all course material and future updates
The Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners
If you’re just getting started, here are some other websites and companies that are options for beginners.
1. GoTranscript
- Rate Info: Up to $0.60 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: Pass their test
GoTranscript hires workers from all around the world, and no transcription experience is needed. You must pass a test to start. If you fail the test, you can try again in a few days. There’s no word-per-minute typing speed requirement.
You can earn up to $0.60 per audio minute for audio and video files. Payments are made weekly via PayPal. Average earners make $150 per month, with top earners bringing in $1,215 per month.
2. Rev
- Rate Info: $0.40 – $0.75 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: Pass their test
Rev is another one of the better-known transcription service providers. Rev offers transcription for audio files and videos.
To start with Rev, you’ll need to pass their online test. Once you pass the test, you can claim work. Payments vary depending on what you’re doing, but generally, it varies from $0.40 – $0.75 per audio minute.
According to Rev, the average transcriptionist earns $245 per month, with top earners reaching $1,495. Payments are made once per week by PayPal.
3. Quicktate and iDictate
- Rate Info: $0.0025 and $0.005 per word
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Weekly
- Requirements: 3 references and background check
With Quicktate, you can transcribe letters, memos, voicemails, legal notes, medical reports, and other short audio files. All of the audio files with Quicktate will be less than 5 minutes in length. iDictate is for audio files longer than 5 minutes, like lectures, sermons, conference calls, YouTube videos, and more.
Both are owned by the same company. As a transcriber, you can complete one application to work for both Quicktate and iDictate.
For the application, you’ll need three references (can’t be your family members), and you must complete a background check. They don’t accept applicants with felony or misdemeanor convictions. There’s a $20 fee for the background check.
The pay varies between $0.0025 and $0.005 per word, and payments are made by PayPal.
4. Way With Words
- Rate Info: $0.45 – $1.73 per audio minute
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Monthly
- Requirements: Pass their assessment
Way With Words hires transcriptionists from the United States, Canada, United Kindom (and other European Union nations), South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
They pay between $0.45 – $1.73 per audio minute based on the turnaround time of the project. So if you take projects that require a fast turnaround time, you can earn more.
You don’t need previous experience to apply, but you must pass their assessment. Once you’ve applied and passed the assessment, you can work as much or as little as you want, whenever it’s convenient for you.
You’ll be paid monthly by PayPal.
5. Scribie
- Rate Info: $5 – $25 per audio hour
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Payment Frequency: Withdraw any time
- Requirements: Pass their test
Scribie is known as one of the lower-paying online transcription companies. By working for them, you can earn $5 – $25 per audio hour. There are also small monthly bonuses available ($5 for every 3 hours completed). You can withdraw earnings to your PayPal account at any time.
You don’t need experience to start, but you must pass a test. With Scribie, you’ll be working on short files, 10 minutes or less.
Scribie does not assign work to you. You’ll can preview the available transcription jobs and decide which one you want to do.
Who Can Work as a Transcriptionist?
You’ll mus able to type fast and accurately to have success with online transcription work. You may already have excellent typing skills, and if so, this could be a great opportunity for you. But thankfully, typing is a skill that can be improved with practice. Just about anyone can get their skills to the level needed with some practice.
Aside from typing skills, you must be able to work well on your own. The job description doesn’t involve a lot of human interaction, so it’s ideal for people who enjoy and thrive working on their own.
Some transcription jobs require work experience, but as you can see on this page, there are plenty of entry-level opportunities. Most jobs require no other special qualifications. So if you have some typing skills, you’re probably ready to start making money.
How Much Can I Make as a Transcriptionist?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a work-from-home transcriptionist in the US is $58,962. That’s not bad for an extremely flexible career with no commute!
However, making a decent wage as a beginner is challenging. There are many companies out there that allow anyone to sign up for this type of work (you may need to pass a typing test first). However, some of these jobs pay very low wages. Earning a certification can open up more opportunities for you, and later in this article, you’ll find some information about earning a certification and formal training. Also, working freelance transcription jobs rather than relying on open platforms can increase your earning power.
If you want to learn more about how to work as a freelance transcriptionist and earn money from home, General Transcription: Theory & Practice™ from Transcribe Anywhere is the best training available. It covers everything you need to go from beginner to professional in 2-4 months (including how to find the highest-paying work). You’ll also be able to earn a transcription certificate!
Practice Transcription Tests
If you don’t have much experience, you may want to get some practice to improve your skills before going after online transcription jobs. A skills test can help you to check your speed and accuracy to make sure you’re ready. Here’s a look at some of the best transcription tools that are available for practicing:
- Express Scribe Practice Transcription Files – Express Scribe provides several legal and medical audio files you can use for practice.
- GoTranscript – GoTranscript offers a free sample test that you can take. The test will show you any errors that you make.
- TCI Transcription Practice Test – Create a free account with TCI to get access to several test audio files.
- Listen and Write – This site has a huge collection of audio files. You can create a free account and practice transcribing directly on the website.
FAQ Related to Online Transcription Jobs
How Fast Do You Have to Type to Be a Transcriptionist?
There’s no definitive industry standard for a minimum typing speed. The requirements for speed and accuracy can vary from one company to another. In general, 70 words per minute is a good goal if you want to start transcribing.
Keep in mind that typing is a skill that can be learned relatively quickly with practice. Don’t be turned off if you can’t type 70 words per minute now. You can always increase your speed if you practice.
What is the Best Online Transcription Company to Work for?
The answer to this question depends on who you’re asking. For entry-level transcription jobs, start with the companies listed in this article.
What Are the Different Types of Transcription Jobs?
Some of the most common options include general transcriptionist, legal transcriptionist, law enforcement transcriptionist, and medical transcriptionist. Many people do a combination of a few different types. Medical transcription jobs are becoming harder to come by.
How Can I Make Good Money as a Transcriptionist?
Your pay will be based on your typing speed. The better your skill level, the more money you can make. Also, earning a certification can help to open up more transcription job opportunities and better-paying jobs and advance your transcription career. Transcribe Anywhere offers certification that’s extremely helpful for increasing your earning potential.
What’s the Difference Between Audio Hours and Working Hours?
Audio hours is the measurement used for the length of audio you’ll be transcribing. If the audio clip is 30 minutes long, that is one half of an audio hour. Working hours is the measurement of the time that you’re working. For example, if it takes you two hours to transcribe that 30-minute clip, your working hours would be two hours.-Your working hours will always be longer than the audio hours you are transcribing.
While most jobs will pay you according to the number of hours you work, many online transcription jobs will pay you based on the number of audio hours you transcribe. The faster you are, the more money you can make. If you’re paid per audio hour, it’s important to track the actual time you’re working so you can calculate the hourly rate for your working hours.
How Long Does it Take You to Transcribe One Hour of Audio?
That depends on many factors, including your typing speed. However, the industry standard is 4 hours of typing for every 1 audio hour. That may be higher or lower depending on the details.
In addition to your own typing speed, another big factor involves the quality of the audio. If you have a clear recording and the speaker is talking slowly, you may be able to do it much faster. Or if the audio quality is poor or the speaker is talking very fast, it may take more time.
Can You Make a Living Transcribing?
Yes, you can earn a living with transcription services. However, that doesn’t mean anyone attempting it can make a full-time income. To have the best chance of earning an income you should consider certification, which will open up more job opportunities and help you to develop advanced transcription skills.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a work-from-home transcriptionist is $58,962 or $28 per hour. To reach that level, you’ll need to move beyond the low-paying gigs that anyone can sign up for.
Specializing can also help to increase your income. For example, the average pay for a legal transcriptionist will be higher than the average industry rate.
Transcribe Anywhere offers comprehensive courses to help you to get started with general transcription and legal transcription. These courses provide the best specialized training available and can be completed at your own pace.
They also offer a great free mini-course that you won’t want to miss. Transcribe Anywhere also offers transcription certification to its students.
