25 Transcription Jobs to Make Money Online in 2023

Considering a new work-from-home career as a transcriptionist, or looking for a way to make a little extra money using your typing skills? Transcription work can be a great way to make money from home with just a computer, internet service, and the dedication to master a new craft. 

Many transcription companies are happy to accept beginner transcriptionists, as well as other companies looking for more advanced skill sets and willing to pay for it. Almost anyone with a little determination and practice can make money online working as a transcriptionist. 

Transcription Jobs to Make Money Online 

Take a look at this list of 25 different transcription companies, including the average pay and application requirements, and you’re sure to find several that are a good fit for your current typing skills. 

1.  GoTranscript

GoTranscript has some of the least restrictive qualification requirements, along with decent pay rates, making it a great option even for beginning transcriptionists. 

You’ll have complete flexibility in the jobs you pick and how much you want to work and they accept worldwide applicants. There are no equipment or software requirements other than your PC or other device and a set of headphones. 

GoTranscript seems to have had an issue with people trying to buy and sell GoTranscript accounts, so they do require SMS and photo verification when you register. 

Average Pay: up to $0.60 per minute of audio transcribed

Payment Method: PayPal and Payoneer

Payment Frequency: Weekly on Fridays 

Qualifications: A 95% accuracy rate on GoTranscript’s transcription accuracy test. 

See Also: 35 Proofreading Jobs to Make Money Online: $50+ Per Hour

2.  Rev

Every day, Rev has hundreds of projects available for Revvers to claim and complete for income, with millions of minutes of audio and video files to be transcribed or captioned each month. They boast clients like Google, Buzzfeed, NBC, and Amazon.

With Rev, there are no restrictions on the number of projects that you can claim. The projects cover a huge variety of topics so you’ll never get bored and you get to preview each project before accepting it. 

Average Pay: $0.30-$1.10 per audio/video minute of transcription; $0.54-$1.10 per audio/video minute of captioning; $1.50-$3.00 per audio/video minute of translating foreign language subtitles. 

Payment Method: PayPal

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: Must pass Rev’s English competency quiz and have a transcription or subtitle sample that you submit approved. 

3. Scribie

Scribie seems to have a fairly easy-to-pass application process, making it a good option for a beginner transcriptionist with limited experience. The pay rate is low compared to some of the other companies, but you can promote up to higher-paid levels of work, including becoming a proofreader. There are no monthly commitments or obligations.

Scribie is unique because they provide an automated transcription along with each audio file, which you can then edit and correct. This can help to significantly cut down the amount of time it takes to complete each assignment. 

Average Pay: $5-$25 per audio hour; plus a $5 bonus for every three hours completed per month.

Payment Method: PayPal 

Payment Frequency: Upon withdrawal request, which will be honored within one business day.

Qualifications: Must pass Scribie’s transcription certification test.

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4. Net Transcripts

Net Transcripts focuses on providing confidential law enforcement and legal transcription services for local, state, and federal agencies. On their website, you’ll find a list of work opportunities for transcriptionists seeking work. You’ll apply for a specific job opportunity by submitting an application and resume, and then wait to hear from one of Net Transcripts recruiters. 

Net Transcript jobs seem to require a higher level of specific background experience, along with a fairly large weekly commitment of editing 300 minutes of audio per week. 

Average Pay: Dependent on the position

Payment Method: Direct deposit 

Payment Frequency: Twice monthly 

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen and able to pass a background check and can commit to editing 300 audio hours weekly. Must have Windows 10 and an Infinity foot pedal.

5. Allegis Transcription

Allegis provides mostly legal and insurance transcription services to businesses and organizations. They have a very robust onboarding and training system including an application, interview, entrance assessment, and a one- to two-week quality development program in which you are matched with a coach to make sure your work meets Allegis’ standards.

Applying to Allegis would be a good fit if you are looking for a significant number of regular transcription work hours each week. 

Average Pay: Average of $12 per work hour

Payment Method: Not provided 

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: Must have a Microsoft operating system and Microsoft Word, type 65 WPM minimum, however, 85+ WPM preferred. The candidate must be available to meet the 100-page minimum each week and have a foot pedal.

6. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is a company well suited for beginner transcriptionists as they have few requirements other than having a computer with stable internet service and the ability to pass their entrance exam. However, there are opportunities to advance to higher-paying positions with their quality insurance and specialist teams. 

The audio length of TranscribeMe jobs is only two to eight minutes long, with the requirement to do a minimum of one job per month. This makes work with TranscribeMe suitable for a potential side hustle. 

Average Pay: $15-$22 per audio hour; average monthly earnings are $250

Payment Method: PayPal

Payment Frequency: Weekly on Thursdays upon withdrawal request; must have a minimum $20 account balance.

Qualifications: TranscribeMe’s entrance exam 

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7. Audio Transcription Center

Audio Transcription Center offers a wide variety of projects including oral history interviews, focus groups, financial forecasts, tech webinars, and more. You may be asked to transcribe using the context of audio, video, or handwritten material. 

The company has been around since 1966 and their “claim to fame” is that they’ve been asked to transcribe six U.S. presidential oral histories. Transcriptionists interviewed from this company typically describe their work as interesting, varied, and in a good work environment. 

Average Pay: $65 per audio hour, which translates to around $15 per work hour. 

Payment Method: Checks and direct deposit 

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: Minimum typing speed of 80 WPM with 98% accuracy; can deliver files within 24 hours or less for an hour-long file.

8. Pioneer Transcription Services

Pioneer Transcription Services mainly does work with transcribing two-person interviews and needs transcriptionists who can work with video files and insert on-screen time stamps, as well as people who can transcribe from Spanish to English.

Once you’re accepted as a transcriptionist with Pioneer Transcription Services, you can log in whenever you’re available to work and claim assignments from the pool of listed jobs. 

Average Pay: $1 per audio/video minute for general transcription; higher rates for legal transcription

Payment Method: Not provided

Payment Frequency: Not provided

Qualifications: Access to a transcription software of your choice and an Infinity foot pedal; must pass a short transcription test if selected based on your application. 

9. AccuTran Global 

AccuTran Global is a Canada-based company that provides captioning, voice writing, and transcription services to a variety of industries. They mostly serve the financial sector but also provide legal and medical transcription.

AccuTran Global does have specific time frames of the day for which they are seeking transcriptionists, including 2 AM to 4 AM EST and 4:30-7:30 PM EST. You should be ready to work a minimum of three hours daily, and they have high seasons during the year when there will be close to a full-time workload available.

Average Pay: $0.004 per word or $0.40 per audio minute, depending on the assignment.

Payment Method: Direct deposit 

Payment Frequency: Monthly 

Qualifications: Canadian-domiciled bank account and 70+ WPM typing speed 

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10. SpeechPad

SpeechPad offers both transcription and captioning assignments and gives you full control over how much or little you want to work, as well as which assignments you accept. 

Once you’ve been approved to work for SpeechPad, you’ll access their Job Board where you can filter jobs based on your preferences. There is an allotted amount of time within which each job must be finished, so you’ll want to be ready to work before accepting an assignment. 

Average Pay: $0.25-$1.00/audio minute for transcription, translation, and review assignments; bonuses available for high customer ratings.

Payment Method: PayPal

Payment Frequency: Twice a week 

Qualifications: Candidates must pass the initial application process based on their resume and experience before being invited for a quick transcription test and phone interview. Specific qualifications vary per assignment.

11. Transcript Divas

Transcript Divas is based out of NYC and boasts a 200% guarantee on achieving 99% accuracy and meeting timelines. They provide academic, video, and legal transcription services. There have been some payment-related complaints by some transcriptionists. They say their payments arrived much later than the seven-day target timeframe. 

Average Pay: Rates between $0.84-$2.06/audio minute, with an average of $1.15/audio minutes

Payment Method: PayPal or bank transfer

Payment Frequency: Must send an invoice for work completed; Target of being paid within seven days of receiving the invoice

Qualifications: Able to complete at least two hours of audio per week; computer with Windows 10; preference is given to those with transcription experience. 

12. GMR Transcription

GMR Transcription is a company that provides both transcription and translation services. They are very upfront that no experience is necessary, but you will need a computer with MS Office, a foot pedal, and over-the-ear headphones. 

Once you pass GMR Transcription’s strict transcription test you have the flexibility to pick the assignments you want, working as much or as little as you want. They seem to be a well-received company based on transcriptionists’ reviews. 

Average Pay: Typically between $1,000 to $3,000 per month; $0.75 to $1.00 per audio minute

Payment Method: Direct deposit 

Payment Frequency: Not provided 

Qualifications: Must have MS office, a foot pedal, headphones, and pass a strict transcription test. However, no previous experience is required. U.S.-based applicants only. 

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13. Daily Transcription

Daily Transcription offers transcription, translation, and caption services. They work with a large number of industries, but are especially known for their work with post-production media services and have clients from reality shows, scripted shows, documentaries, and film productions.

The company offers their clients a 24-hour turnaround time, so once you accept an assignment you’re most often expected to submit the completed file within two hours. 

Average Pay: Starting rate of $0.75-$0.85 per audio minute. Top transcriptionists make anywhere from $250-$950 per week.

Payment Method:  Check

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: Candidates must pass a skills assessment test, as well as a transcription test, and have typing skills of at least 50 WPM. Must reside in the United States or Canada, or be proficient in a second language. 

14. Casting Words

Casting Words has a very easy application process that may not even require you to pass a transcription test. Current transcriptionists with the company say that they are responsive, easy to work with, and are a nice option for beginners, giving you a chance to get paid while you improve your skills. 

Once approved you’ll log in to your Dashboard where you’ll find an available jobs list, as well as feedback on your previous work. The frequency and quantity of your work are completely up to you. 

Average Pay: Between $0.085 to a little over $1.00 per audio minute 

Payment Method: PayPal 

Payment Frequency: Weekly on Fridays 

Qualifications: Some candidates may be required to pass a transcription based on their application. 

15. Crowdsurf

CrowdSurf provides on-demand transcription and captioning services with a mission to make online media more accessible and enjoyable for deaf, hard of hearing, and second language users. 

They are a unique transcription company to work for because each audio clip is only five to 30 seconds. This makes it a great option for a side-hustle, with no commitments or quotas to hit, and you only need a computer and internet connection to get started. 

Average Pay: Between $0.03-$0.20 per minute of media, plus additional bonus rates

Payment Method: Paid through Work Market where you can withdraw funds via bank transfer, PayPal, or WM Visa card.  

Payment Frequency: Upon withdrawal request from Work Market; may take two to three business days to reach you

Qualifications: CrowdSurf assessment test; Must live in the US or Canada

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16. Tigerfish

Tigerfish has been around since 1989 and has provided transcription services to quite large companies including Google, Nike, and ABC. The type of files you may receive to transcribe vary greatly in their subject matter. 

Tigerfish does note that they receive a large number of applications and you may not receive a response right away. They will contact you within 30 days if they are interested. 

Average Pay: Beginners make $7-$10 per work hour; More advanced transcriptionists can make up to $15 per work hour

Payment Method: PayPal

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: U.S. citizenship or legal residency and a Windows-based computer; Work samples and information on your educational background and experience required

17. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job service that curates legitimate online job opportunities and puts them on one easy job board for you to find. The employers who list the jobs have been pre-screened and approved by FlexJobs, so you know that you’re applying to a legitimate company. 

To access the full list of jobs on FlexJobs, you will need a paid account which you can purchase for as low as $6.95 for one week of access, or $14.95 for one month. You’ll be applying directly to each job you. 

Average Pay: Varies greatly and is determined by the individual job offered 

Payment Method: Determined by the individual job offered

Payment Frequency: Determined by the individual job offered 

Qualifications: Varies based on the job. Jobs are available for all skill levels. 

18. Upwork

Upwork is a talent marketplace for a wide variety of work that can be completed virtually. You can bid on the jobs listed that interest you and fit your skills, and interested employers can also contact you directly based on your Upwork profile. 

There is no charge to have a profile on Upwork, but you’ll be charged a 20%, 10%, or 5% service fee based on the total amount of work that you’ve billed with a client. 

Average Pay: Varies greatly depending on the job. You can pick your own rate to bid for jobs. Between $0.45-$1.00 per audio minute is common.

Payment Method: Direct deposit, PayPal, or Payoneer

Payment Frequency: Available for withdrawal five to 10 days after the end of your weekly or fixed-price contract.

Qualifications: Varies based on the individual job. Jobs are available for all skill levels. 

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19. Fiverr

Fiverr is the world’s largest marketplace for digital services, where sellers of services list Gigs that can contain multiple price points. 

Most Fiverr sellers offer a small gig for $5 and then offer gig extras and packages for additional pay. Once your gig is completed and you’re paid, you’ll receive 80% of the purchase price from Fiverr. 

Average Pay: $5 per five to 10 minutes of audio is average 

Payment Method: PayPal or Payoneer through Fiverr

Payment Frequency: Money can be withdrawn through Fiverr after it has cleared in 14 days following completion of the assignment

Qualifications: Determined by the individual job offered.

20. Transcription Outsourcing LLC

Transcription Outsourcing LLC provides transcription work for a variety of specialized industries including legal, academic, financial, and medical. They specify that they are looking for experienced transcriptionists and they will only contact you if they think you will be a good fit. They offer both employee and independent contractor work, as well as full-time positions. 

Average Pay: $0.80-$1.10 per audio minute; $0.07-$0.10/line for medical transcription work 

Payment Method: Direct deposit and Paypal 

Payment Frequency: 1st and 15th of the month

Qualifications: The candidate must be US-based and pass grammar, spelling, and audio file tests with 95% accuracy. 

21. SpeakWrite

SpeakWrite is a transcription company that allows you to pick your scheduled working hours up to three weeks in advance. There is also the option to see if any work is available immediately when logging in to their job platform. You should plan on being available at least four hours or more per week to work. SpeakWrite does assign jobs to you, so you will not have the option to pick and choose. 

Average Pay: Average of $450 monthly

Payment Method: Check or direct deposit 

Payment Frequency: Every two weeks 

Qualifications: The candidate must be US-based, have a Windows-based PC and foot pedal and be available four or more hours per week for work. 

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22. 3D Play Media

3D Play Media offers assignments to transcribe recorded audio and edit imperfect automated transcription files. You’ll have complete flexibility as to which hours you work, as well as your choice as to which files you want to work on.

Current transcriptionists with the company seem in general to be happy with the company culture and management, with one complaint saying that there is inconsistent work during low times of the year.

Average Pay: Average of $12-$14 per working hour; can range from $10-$25

Payment Method: Check or direct deposit

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: Background check, transcription test and minimum 75 WPM typing speed

23. Ubiqus

Ubiqus is a company that has been in business for over 60 years and was originally founded in France, now serving clients worldwide. They focus on providing transcription services for meetings and events, for legal, medical, and corporate clients. 

The first step to applying for work with Ubiqus is their online application, after which you’ll be asked to supply a resume and cover letter. They will contact you if they are interested, with the option of both contract work or employment. 

Average Pay: Some transcribers mention that Ubiqus pays approximately $0.006 per word for legal and $0.007 per word for medical transcription.

Payment Method: Not provided 

Payment Frequency: Every two weeks 

Qualifications: Minimum of 70 WPM typing speed, the Ubiqus transcription test, U.S. residency, and one to five years of transcription experience preferred 

24. Averbach Transcription

Averbach provides quick-turnaround transcription services for its clients, which means its transcriptionists are expected to meet fairly tight deadlines. You do have the option to accept or decline assignments and perform your work during the hours your pick. Averback notes that you need to have a good ear for understanding spoken words, even through heavy accents. 

Average Pay: $1.00 per audio minute for normal files; $1.50 per audio minute for same-day and overnight files. This works out to $60 and $90 per audio hour and roughly $20-$30 per work hour for most skilled transcriptionists.

Payment Method: PayPal 

Payment Frequency: Not provided 

Qualifications: An initial timed skills test, which can be challenging

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25. Babble Type

Babble Type is a transcription and translation company that is looking for new people to add to their team, but note that they are very selective. Babble Type expects their transcriptionists to work 15 to 20 hours per week, so this would be a good part-time job option. They focus on general transcription, rather than the more specialized fields. 

Average Pay: $5 to $7 per hour; $10 to $11 per hour for medical transcriptions

Payment Method: PayPal 

Payment Frequency: Weekly 

Qualifications: Ability to work 15 to 20 hours per week

Pros of Transcription Jobs

There are quite a few benefits of becoming an online transcriptionist. 

You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to: 

• Work as much or as little as you want 
• Decide which projects you accept 
• Pick your work hours
• Take breaks when needed

You’ll also likely save money on your commute, professional clothing, and eating out. 

Cons of Transcription Jobs

When considering the cons of transcription jobs, the following comes to mind:

• Certain times of the year can be slower and have less work available 
• Most transcriptionists are independent contractors, so you’re in charge of tracking all of your expenses, and accounting for your taxes
• You’ll typically be working by yourself with little in-person human interaction
• It can be stressful to always be looking for your next client or assignment

 FAQs About Transcription Jobs

These are some frequently asked questions when it comes to transcription jobs. 

What Are Transcription Jobs? 

A transcription job typically includes listening to an audio or video recording and converting it into a text document that accurately portrays the speakers’ words. 

How Much Do Transcription Jobs Pay?

A transcriptionist’s pay rate is typically around $15 per work hour. An advanced or specialized transcriptionist can earn towards $25-$30 per work hour. 

How Do I Become a Transcriptionist? 

To become a transcriptionist, you’ll need the correct skills and equipment so that you’re prepared to pass any tests required when applying to jobs. Learning transcription-specific skills also helps to speed up your work efficiency which can help increase your pay per hour. 

One of the best ways to cut down your learning curve and more quickly secure higher-paying transcription assignments is to take an online transcription course. 

TranscribeAnywhere offers a great general transcription course that I recommend for beginners, as well as a legal transcription course if you want to get involved in that specialized industry. You’ll receive instruction and support in learning the necessary transcription skills, participate in tons of practice, and work through a step-by-step guide to securing your first paid assignment.  

Medical Transcription vs. Legal Transcription: What’s the difference?

The biggest difference between medical and legal transcription is that there is a national certification process for medical transcribers, while most legal transcriptionists either take a course or are taught on the job. 

Which Transcribing Equipment and Tools Do I Need? 

Most importantly you’ll need a computer, and preferably a PC since many transcription jobs require that you have Windows 10 and Microsoft Word. You’ll want an over-the-ear headset, as this is a requirement for many transcription jobs, as well as some basic transcription software. Express Scribe is a popular option that costs less than $40, but there are also free options available online. An infinity foot pedal is a requirement for some jobs, and it helps speed up your work, allowing you to make money. 

Which Skills Do I Need to Become a Transcriptionist?

To be a great transcriptionist, you should be skilled at attentive listening, sharp memory, fast typing speed with high accuracy, research skills, attention to detail, and grammar, punctuation, and spelling proficiency. 

How Much Do Transcriptionists Make Per Hour? 

Typically, a beginner transcriptionist makes around $15 per hour, while an advanced or specialized transcriptionist can earn $25-$30 per hour. 

Do I Need to Have a Degree to Transcribe?

No degree is needed for transcription jobs unless an employer has a specific educational requirement. 

How Much Experience Do I Need to Have to Apply to Transcription Jobs?

There are quite a few transcription companies that do not require any formal experience. Typically you will have to pass a transcription test so you will need enough knowledge, practice, and skills to make that happen. 

How Should I Set My Rate as a Transcriptionist?

A pay rate of $1.00 per audio minute is seen as an average rate for a transcriptionist. While you may accept less than this as a beginner, many transcriptionists believe that $45-$50 per audio hour is the least you should accept. More experience, especially in the medical and legal industries, can help you to command a higher rate. 

Final Thoughts

Transcription work can be a great way to make money from your home. There are transcriptionist positions available for you no matter if you’re looking for a side-hustle, full-time employment, or something in between. 

The companies in this article are a good starting place as you look into transcription jobs that fit your skillset and experience. If you’re looking to get off to a quick start, consider applying to multiple companies so that you always have transcription work available to you when you want it.

Transcription work isn’t for everyone, but no matter if it’s your dream job or not, you’ll be gaining valuable skills and experience that will benefit you in future employment positions and you’ll be making money in the process!

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