24 Best Work from Home Transcription Jobs for Beginners

Are you interested in transcribing video or audio clips into text? A transcription job is an excellent opportunity for you to earn extra money from the comfort of your own home. Transcribing is currently a famous remote work-from-home job that pays well. You need to type from an audio or video file. The faster you type, the more money you can make. It’s a stunning part-time job for stay-at-home moms, students, freelancers, and others. In this post, I have shared a list of 24 companies that offer work-from-home transcription jobs for beginners and professionals.

What is a Transcription Job?

A transcription job is a form of data entry. All you need to do is directly type in an audio file. Admittedly, there are different types of transcription: general, legal, and medical.

You need to accurately type and focus on the speech to understand and transcribe exactly what’s being said on your computer. It’s simple! The audio can be about anything: a lecture, a conference call, a podcast, or just simple notes. You don’t need special training or a degree to succeed. Just do your best, and people will notice you.

Types of Work-from-Home Transcription Jobs

There are various kinds of transcription jobs, each catering to different industries and skill levels. The main types of work-from-home transcription jobs are described below, with real insights into each:

General transcription:

A general transcriber’s role involves transcribing everyday audio recordings such as interviews, podcasts, webinars, meetings, and YouTube videos. This type of transcription is broad and doesn’t need huge knowledge, making it an attractive starting point for beginners.

Skills required: You must listen well, type quickly and correctly, and use proper language and punctuation.

Pay rate: Transcriptionists generally earn $8 to $22 per hour. The pay rate may be lower for beginners, but it will increase your experience and skill level.

Legal transcription:

You write down court documents, interviews, meetings, conversations with clients, and other legal documentation as a legal transcriptionist. Due to the need to know law terms and how to format things, this type of transcription is more specialized than general transcription.

Skills required: To transcribe legal papers accurately, you need a substantial amount of knowledge about legal terms and procedures and often possess a certificate in legal writing. In this role, care and attention to detail are crucial.

Pay rate: Legal transcriptionists can earn from $20 to $55 per hour, depending on their working experience, legal expertise, and the complexity of the transcription job.

Medical transcription:

Medical transcriptionists transcribe audio records made by doctors, nurses, and other health care workers into written form as medical reports, notes, or discharge briefings. To work in this field, you must have extensive knowledge of medical terms, anatomy, and medicines.

Skills required: Medical transcriptionists typically require certification or training in the field. They are responsible for listening carefully, recognizing medical abbreviations, and comprehending how medical documents influence legal matters.

Pay rate: Medical transcriptionists can earn average hourly rates between $12 and $35, while experienced professionals can earn more.

Academic transcription:

Academic transcription includes writing down things like educational interviews, student presentations, focus groups, and video lectures. Researchers, students, and teachers often use these transcripts to study or make documents.

Skills required: You must have strong research skills, a solid understanding of academic terms, and the ability to keep up with rapid speech, particularly in live or recorded classes.

Pay rate: Academic transcriptionists typically earn between $14 and $34 per hour

Captioning/Subtitling:

In captioning and subtitle transcription jobs, you are responsible for turning spoken speech from movies, TV shows, or videos into text. This can be closed captions or subtitles in a different language.

Skills required: To subtitle videos effectively, you should be proficient in using editing tools, type quickly and accurately, and have a keen eye for timing. For multilingual subtitles, you’ll need to be fluent in more than one language.

Pay rate: Captioners and subtitlers can earn $20 to $45 per hour or $2.50 to $5 per video minute.

Podcast and Media Transcription:

People are increasingly transcribing podcasts, radio shows, interviews, and other media content for websites, blogs, and publications. They do this to make the audio content searchable and accessible to a larger audience.

Skills required: You must be capable of working with various forms and styles, typing quickly, and possessing a solid understanding of media terminology.

Pay rate: Pay can range from $10 to $32 per hour, depending on the podcast length and type.

Skills Required for Freelance Transcription Jobs

Transcription jobs mean listening to audio or video recordings and translating them into written text. Although freelance transcription jobs may appear easy work, you need a wide range of skills to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

• Excellent Listening Skills: Transcribing requires active listening and accurately capturing the spoken words. This involves being attuned to various dialects, accents, and speech patterns. It would be best if you concentrated totally on the main speaker despite the background noise or several voices.
• Fast and Accurate Typing: When transcribing, having a fast typing speed is crucial because it allows you to convert audible speech into written text more efficiently. You must type a minimum of 60 WPM with 100% accuracy.
• Strong Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling: You must have a strong knowledge of language rules such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and readability to generate error-free transcripts.
• Attention to Detail: You have to listen carefully and follow the instructions. Every word, tone, and pause in the audio requires careful attention in the transcription process. The meaning of a conversation can change significantly if you miss even a small word.
• Time Management: You need to manage your time effectively to complete assignments on time without compromising accuracy.
• Familiarity with transcription software: You must be familiar with using transcription software or tools to improve efficiency. You can find many AI transcription tools in a Google search.
• Research Skills: In specialized areas such as legal or medical transcription, transcriptionists must verify and investigate technical words and unfamiliar terms to ensure the accuracy of the transcript.
• Confidentiality: In transcription positions, particularly those in legal, medical, or corporate environments, individuals frequently handle sensitive and confidential information. They must understand and follow ethical guidelines and confidentiality agreements to ensure the privacy of clients.
• Patience and Focus: Transcribing low-quality audio, recordings with multiple speakers, or quickly speaking individuals can be a challenging task. Patience is necessary to handle these issues effectively without compromising quality.
• Adaptability: As a transcriptionist, you frequently work with various forms, such as interviews, podcasts, legal documents, and medical items. Each project may have distinct formatting requirements and guidelines. It would help if you had the adaptability to handle different transcription projects easily.

How Much Do Transcriptionists Really Earn?

Paying for work-from-home online transcription jobs depends on several factors, such as the type of transcription, your level of experience, the industry, and the platform or company you work for. Below is a breakdown of what you can typically expect:

General Transcription: Transcriptionists typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on their experience and the company’s payment. Many transcription jobs pay per audio hour, with rates ranging from $30 to $120.

Legal and Medical Transcription: This sector usually pays more than basic transcription due to the specific terms used. Legal transcriptionists, depending on their experience, can earn between $25 and $60 per hour.

Freelance Transcription: Freelance transcriptionists set their own rates, typically charging between $0.50 and $2 per minute of audio and have greater flexibility. However, they are responsible for paying taxes, and their income may fluctuate.

Best Work-from-Home Transcription Jobs for Beginners: 24 Companies Hiring

You can visit and apply to the sites below to find remote, freelance, work-from-home transcription jobs for beginners and experts. Some companies may require you to pass a test to be considered. You can get paid to transcribe audio to text via Paypal. Explore the various sites hiring entry-level workers.

1. Rev

Rev offers transcription, captioning, and foreign subtitle services. It is one of the largest transcription platforms, established in 2010, that has built a strong reputation. Freelancers find plentiful transcription opportunities on its user-friendly platform.

• Job Requirements: You are required to have a reliable computer, internet connection, and strong listening skills for the grammar and transcription test.
• Pay Range: $0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute.

2. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe, a global transcription company founded in 2011, focuses on delivering fast and high-quality transcription and AI data services as its mission. It specializes in both general and specialized transcription, including medical and legal. The beginner-friendly platform is an ideal starting point for new transcriptionists to get started.

Job Requirements: You don’t need prior experience, but you must pass the entrance exam. Important are accuracy, speed, and attention to detail during the exam. It’s an ideal place for work-from-home transcription jobs for beginners.

Pay Range: $15 to $22 per audio hour.

3. GoTranscript

GoTranscript, a UK-based transcription service founded in 2005, serves clients globally. They specialize in providing transcription services for academic, legal, medical, and business sectors. Prioritizing accuracy, they offer flexible hours, making it a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced transcribers.

Job Requirements: To take a transcription test, you need to have strong English skills, type fast, and be able to meet deadlines effectively.

Pay Range: $0.60 per audio minute.

4. Scribie

Scribie offers affordable transcription services and specializes in short audio files, usually under 10 minutes. This platform is perfect for beginners who want to start a transcription career. This company also provides automated transcription services that freelancers can edit for improved accuracy.

Job Requirements: You don’t need prior experience, but you are required to pass a transcription test. Your solid English skills and accuracy are essential.

Pay Range: $5 to $25 per audio hour.

5. Speechpad

Speechpad was established in 2008 and has become one of the most popular transcription companies, working with a wide range of clients, from individual content creators to large corporations. They offer transcription services for video content, captions, and subtitles.

Job Requirements: Applicants need to pass a transcription test with strong typing speed, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines.

Pay Range: $0.25 to $2.50 per audio minute.

6. CastingWords

CastingWords is a transcription and translation service provider company founded in 2005. Freelancers can find many flexible transcription opportunities at CastingWords. They offer different levels of difficulty for transcription tasks, enabling freelancers to choose transcription work according to their skill level.

Job Requirements: You must pass a transcription test with a focus on accuracy and speed. The company also offers editing and proofreading opportunities that increase your potential earnings.

Pay Range: $0.85 to over $1.00 per audio minute.

7. GMR Transcription

GMR Transcription is a California-based transcription company founded in 2004. They specialize in transcription for the academic, legal, and medical fields. It offers steady work to U.S. residents and has a reputation for offering high pay rates to experienced transcriptionists. This platform is ideal for work-from-home transcription jobs with experience.

Job Requirements: Prior experience is preferred to pass a transcription test, but no certification is required.

Pay Range: They pay between $1,000 and $3,000 per month, depending on the level of work and expertise.

8. 3Play Media

3Play Media” is a reputed company that was established in 2007. It offers transcription, captioning, and translation services to media companies and educational institutions. They are known for focusing on media and entertainment customers, making them a tempting choice for transcriptionists looking to work on video and audio from TV shows, movies, and online content.

Job Requirements: To pass a transcription test, you must have excellent language skills. Prior experience is an advantage.

Pay Range: $10 to $30 per hour.

9. Daily Transcription

Daily Transcription was established in 2005 and actively serves clients in the entertainment, legal, corporate, and academic sectors. Although they are a U.S.-based company, it accepts freelancers from around the world. They are known for providing high-quality transcription services that clients in the film and television industry favor.

Job Requirements: To pass a transcribing test, you need to have excellent listening abilities, and prior experience is optional but preferred.

Pay Range: $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute.

10. Tigerfish

Tigerfish is the oldest company, established in 1989, and is now one of the most popular transcription companies. They serve clients in various industries, including law, academics, and media. With a long history, the company offers trustworthy and constant transcription services.

Job Requirements: Applicants are required to have U.S. citizenship. They need to pass a transcription test, and fast typing skills are essential for them.

Pay Range: $0.03 to $0.04 per word, equating to $15 to $20 per hour.

11. Allegis Transcription

The company, Allegis, is known for giving consistent work to U.S.-based transcriptionists in the legal and insurance sectors, having been in business for over twenty years.

Job Requirements: Must have previous transcription experience, particularly in the insurance or legal industries. You will have to pass a transcription exam.

Pay Range: $13 to $17 per hour.

12. Pioneer Transcription Services

Pioneer Transcription Services has provided transcription services in various fields, including law, medicine, and business, for over 20 years. They offer flexible work options to freelancers.

Job Requirements: You must have a fast typing speed and exceptional listening abilities. Prior experience is preferred but not required.

Pay Range: $0.75 to $1.10 per audio minute.

13. Ditto Transcripts

Companies and organizations seek transcription services from Ditto Transcripts in the legal, medical, and business sectors. The company, which was established in 2010, offers transcription services to government organizations, hospitals, and law firms, making it a lucrative opportunity for skilled transcriptionists.

Job Requirements: Previous experience in specialized transcription disciplines, such as medical or legal, is frequently necessary. Taking and passing an examination is necessary.

Pay Range: $0.80 to $1.10 per audio minute.

14. Way With Words

Global transcription company Way With Words, established in 2002, offers exceptional transcription services to various industries. It is recognized for these services and welcomes transcriptionist applications from around the world.

Job Requirements: You must complete a comprehensive transcription examination that evaluates your language skills and accuracy.

Pay Range: $0.45 to $1.73 per audio minute.

15. Athreon

Since 1988, Athreon has been offering transcription services with a focus on legal, medical, and commercial transcription. The company’s focus on security and accuracy appeals to skilled transcribing professionals.

Job Requirements: Applicants must pass a transcription test and obtain certification to work as medical transcriptionists.

Pay Range: $10 to $20 per hour.

16. Babbletype

Babbletype, a U.S.-based transcription company, specializes in market research transcription. They produce transcripts from focus groups and interviews for various companies, thereby creating a unique market for transcriptionists.

Job Requirements: To pass a transcribing test, you must have prior experience in market research transcription.

Pay Range: $0.40 to $0.80 per audio minute.

17. Verbal Ink

In 2003, Verbal Ink was founded and provides subtitling, translational, and transcribing services. They typically employ experienced transcriptionists to meet their high standards. Their clientele includes academic, legal, and media organizations.

Job Requirements: To benefit from experience in transcription, you need exceptional English language proficiency and the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Pay Range: $10 to $20 per hour.

18. Audio Transcription Center

Audio Transcription Centre, which is situated in Boston, provides transcription services to schools and universities, government departments, and other professional sectors. They are particularly famous for their work on historical documents.

Job Requirements: You must ensure high accuracy and typing speed when completing the transcription test successfully.

Pay Range: $0.85 to $1.50 per audio minute.

19. AccuTran Global

Canadian company AccuTran Global focuses on financial transcription. Large financial institutions hire them for their transcription services, which results in work that is fast-paced and time-sensitive.

Job Requirements: In the financial industry, having previous transcription experience is beneficial. You need to pass the exam.

Pay Range: $0.005 to $0.0066 per word, or $15 to $20 per hour.

20. Ubiqus

In 1991, Ubiqus founded and provides transcription, translating, and event reporting services to the legal, medical, and business sectors. Known for their high standards, they recruit transcriptionists with exceptional language skills and transcribing techniques.

Job Requirements: You must pass a demanding transcribing test with prior experience, preferably in medical or legal transcription, being a consideration.

Pay Range: $0.75 to $1.10 per audio minute.

21. SpeakWrite

Transcription service SpeakWrite, headquartered in the United States since 1997, specializes in providing exceptional transcription services to customers in the legal, government, and private sectors. With a reliable internet connection, transcriptionists are allowed to work from any location, providing themselves with a flexible work environment.

Job Requirements: You must possess a minimum typing ability of 60 words per minute with a 90% accuracy. It is highly recommended that one possess prior transcription experience, particularly in the legal and law enforcement sectors. You will be required to complete a transcription test and a background check successfully.

Pay Range: The rate of $0.005 to $0.006 per word, depending on the task’s complexity and your typing speed, equals $12 to $20 per hour.

22. Quicktate

Quicktate is a platform that offers transcription and call auditing services. You have to transcribe phone call recordings, conference calls, medical files, legal files, memoranda, voicemail messages, and other types of content.

Job Requirements: You have to know English and understand its grammar. Quicktate prefers experienced transcriptionists.

Pay Range: They pay $0.0025 to $0.005 per word or $5 to $10 per hour, depending on your speed and accuracy.

23. CrowdSurf

CrowdSurf employs freelancers specializing in transcription and captioning services from around the world. Individuals with hearing impairments and those speaking a second language are designed to have increased accessibility to online media.

Job Requirements: You must complete a transcription test and possess strong grammar, typing, and listening abilities. This is suitable for beginners, as no prior transcription experience is necessary. However, to receive payments, you will need to have a PayPal account.

Pay Range: The price of audio minutes is $0.03 to $0.20, depending on the complexity and duration of the projects.

24. diVA Transcriptions

DiVA Transcriptions offers academic research, legal proceedings, business meetings, and medical consultations as transcription services across the world. Beginners and experienced transcriptionists can find tailored opportunities from DiVA. The company provides continuous training and resources to help its freelancers succeed.

Job Requirements: Type and listen well are requirements for you. For specialized jobs, it’s best if you have experience with medical transcription before applying.

Pay Range: Medical and general transcriptionists can expect to make between $0.07 and $0.10 per line, or $10 to $20 per hour, depending on their speed and accuracy in typing different types of work.

Tips To Choose the Right Transcription Service

You can find it challenging to choose among the numerous transcription platforms, such as Upwork and Ditto Transcripts, which offer flexible schedules and competitive pay. To make a perfect decision, consider the following factors:

1. Security and Reliability

You sometimes need to process sensitive audio and video data in transcription that may include secret information. Ensure the service you select is reliable and secure; implementing robust data security systems is essential for safeguarding both your clients and your privacy.

2. Fees and Costs

Look for a transcription service that offers competitive rates and aligns with your financial goals without sacrificing quality or service. Stay within your budget by finding such a service.

3. Ease of Use and Integration

Choose a platform that is easy to navigate and seamlessly integrates into your existing workflow. A user-friendly interface and quick setup will save you time and help boost your productivity.

4. Customer Support

You need to solve problems rapidly, so choose a company that offers reliable customer service. This will enable you to get help flexibly and friendly whenever the need arises.

5. Compliance

Maintain appropriate security standards and comply with industry requirements to ensure that your data is handled lawfully and satisfies any compliance requirements. This is particularly important if you deal with private or sensitive information.

Conclusion

Interested individuals can find remote, part-time, work-from-home transcription jobs for beginners. This requires having excellent listening skills, paying attention to details, and a strong understanding of language and grammar. Many businesses in the legal and medical media industries and others hire transcription services for their specialized needs.

Experienced and specialized professionals can earn a good income, whereas entry-level transcription positions have low pay.