Many work-at-home professionals begin their career with transcription jobs, which are often part-time and do not require extensive experience. As an independent contractor, one can specialize in either captioning or dictation.
The majority of transcription tasks carried out by freelancers can be classified into three distinct categories:
- General transcription
- Medical transcription
- Legal transcription
Special equipment is unnecessary for this task, although obtaining a foot pedal could be advantageous if the work becomes more demanding. Additionally, opting for software such as Express Scribe may enhance your transcription skills and augment productivity.
When it comes to finding online transcription jobs, it is advisable to concentrate on job sites that specialize in this niche instead of using a general job board, which may yield fewer options. Consequently, we will now explore some of the top-rated websites where you can discover online transcription jobs.
Places to Find The Best Online
1. Rev
Rev is a leading provider of online transcription jobs, catering to over 170,000 clients globally, such as CBS and Viacom. As they continually seek transcriptionists with excellent English skills and meticulousness, there’s a splendid opening for nascent freelance writers.
No prior experience in transcription work is required to begin; all you have to do is pass a grammar test and submit a brief transcription sample, and you’re good to go.
2. TranscribeMe
At TranscribeMe, you can receive training and a base pay ranging from $15 to $22 per hour of audio transcription. Work assignments usually involve short clips spanning two to four minutes, and you have the freedom to handle as much work as you desire.
Essentially, as soon as a clip ends, the subsequent one will load without intervention until you decide to halt the process, which is quite uncomplicated. Moreover, TranscribeMe provides chances to progress and join the “Special Teams” for medical transcription and the “Special Styles” for esteemed clients.
3. Crowdsurf
If you have excellent listening skills and pay attention to details, Crowdsurf would like to converse with you. They require freelance transcriptionists who will create video captions for viewers who are hard of hearing, deaf, or speak a second language, and they compensate per minute.
Excellent proofreading abilities and fluency in English are crucial prerequisites (which you are likely aware of). Initially, you must register on Work Market, and from there, you can establish contact with Crowdsurf for transcription freelance opportunities.
Crowdsurf guarantees that you will have money to spend before the day is over.
4. Quicktate
Quicktate provides a variety of transcription services that typically demand proficiency in English. Nonetheless, if English is not your strong suit, Quicktate has alternative options for transcribing in foreign languages.
Quicktate necessitates transcription experience, therefore it may not be suitable for beginners. Additionally, having no felonies or misdemeanors is also a requirement.
Regarding the work:
In one task, you could transcribe voicemail messages that are 2-3 minutes long, while in another, you might have to handle conference calls that go on for many hours.
5. SpeakWrite
To apply for SpeakWrite, you need to be a resident of the United States or Canada and have a lawful status.
Dear friends in California, we regret to inform you that we do not accept applications from residents of California.
Having a minimum of one year of transcription experience within an office setting and passing a typing test with a minimum speed of 60 words per minute (wpm) are mandatory requirements for SpeakWrite. It is emphasized that this is a work from home career rather than a freelance transcription opportunity. If you derive satisfaction and delight from transcription work, SpeakWrite may be a prospective option for you.
6. Tigerfish
Although Tigerfish is not presently recruiting, it is recommended that all aspiring transcribers keep an eye on them. It is worth noting that Tigerfish has an impressive roster of clients, including well-known brands such as Gap and Newsweek.
Tigerfish has come a long way from being a solo endeavor that involved collecting cassette tapes and mailing out typed transcripts. It has grown into a dominant force in the world of transcription. However, it is important to note that Tigerfish is not suitable for inexperienced or unreliable freelance transcribers.
Consider Tigerfish’s top-tier offering, Tigerfish Air, which promises clients a completed transcript of either a live or prerecorded event within two hours. However, if you possess transcription skills and are enthusiastic about confronting novel obstacles, be on the lookout for Tigerfish employment opportunities.
7. Casting Words
If you’re an enthusiastic transcriber seeking employment, you can attempt Casting Words’ transcription test, as they assert to be continuously recruiting.
Be aware that Casting Words solely recruits freelance transcribers through their official website, therefore, any other websites advertising job opportunities for Casting Words are fraudulent.
Casting Words markets itself to customers as a transcription service that utilizes a crowdsourcing approach by assigning assignments to autonomous transcribers. Along with English, Casting Words provides general transcription solutions in French and Spanish.
Contact Casting Words if you’re a quick transcriber as they ensure a next-day service delivered within a twenty-four hour window.
Attention #2: Individuals who work as freelance transcribers need to be at least 18 years old and receive payment based on the amount of minutes transcribed.
8. Upwork
The ideal place to initiate the hunt for online transcription job opportunities is Upwork; a global platform for work marketplace. Numerous job openings such as those requiring legal and medical transcription experience can be found in various fields. With the extensive range of categories and substantial amount of work that clients require, you will most probably come across a suitable job that fits your skill set. The fact that Upwork has patrons from different parts of the world, it is one of the prime locations for non-English transcription opportunities.
Requirements for the position
The job requirements for Upwork differ as they are primarily established by individual clients. As a freelance transcriptionist, you can distinguish yourself on Upwork by demonstrating proficiency in the following abilities:
- Strong grasp of grammar. You should be able to identify grammatical errors or other mistakes in both spoken word and written text, and you should be able to correct them when needed.
- Language fluency. As a transcriptionist, you should be fluent in the language you’re putting to paper to deliver quality work.
- Computer skills. You should be able to use transcription and word processing software, as well as other basic computer programs.
- Excellent typing. Apart from having a fast typing speed, you’ll have to be accurate in your work.
- Patience. In some cases, you may have to listen to low-quality audio and video files while under tight deadlines. As a transcriptionist, you need to have a high degree of patience to complete such projects successfully.
While not mandatory, possessing a degree or professional certification can bolster your profile on Upwork. Upwork suggests the subsequent certification courses and programs for individuals looking to advance their transcription profession:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or business administration
- General Transcription Certification offered by the Transcription Certification Institute
- Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
- Registered Healthcare Documentation Transcriptionist (RHDS) offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
On Upwork, individuals who transcribe can earn an hourly wage falling within the range of $17 to $22. Payments are made weekly and are safeguarded by Upwork Payment Protection.
9. Scribie
Scribie provides two choices for customers: Do you believe you’re superior to a machine?
- A.I. generated (with 80% to 95% accuracy)
- Human-generated (with 99% accuracy)
The A.I. option is more cost-effective and efficient than having transcriptions done by humans.
However, some clients are discouraged by the inconsistent precision of A.I.
Furthermore, skilled transcribers are still required for ensuring quality control since artificial intelligence, much like humans, is still prone to errors. Scribie’s transcription procedure is meticulous, involving several individuals who collaborate on each audio file.
The website contains a contact page where you can introduce yourself, therefore do not hesitate to reach out and inform them of your identity!
10. GMR
GMR Transcription is on the hunt for transcriptionists with career goals. Though prior experience is not a requirement for applying, by accepting more intricate jobs, a general transcriptionist can enhance their pay rates.
The perfect applicant will advance their transcription skills and knowledge alongside the company.
As part of your application, you will be required to undergo a transcription test. Furthermore, GMR mandates the use of over-ear headphones and a foot pedal, in addition to having high-speed internet and Microsoft Office.
An individual working as a GMR transcriptionist should anticipate earning a monthly income ranging between $1000 and $3000.
In order to apply, you must be a resident of the US (excluding California).
11. GoTranscript
In 2005, GoTranscript was established in Edinburgh, Scotland with the objective of delivering transcription services for audio and video. This company has transcribed approximately 144 million minutes and assisted over 20,000 clients. GoTranscript relies solely on humans and rejects AI. Consequently, freelancers have numerous chances to secure work assignments on GoTranscript.
GoTranscript not only provides transcription services but also offers foreign subtitles, text translation, and captions. Their clientele spans across various industries such as academia, healthcare, and law.
The qualifications necessary for a job.
- Computer skills. You need computer skills to interact with GoTranscript’s transcription software. You should also be familiar with popular word processing programs such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
- Pass an English language test. You need to take and pass a test to show your proficiency in English or another language that you will use for transcription.
GoTranscript pays its freelance transcriptionists a maximum of $0.60 for every audio or video minute transcribed.
12. Daily Transcription
Daily Transcription provides translation and transcription services that are entirely human-generated. The company has collaborated with big corporations such as Red Bull, ExxonMobil, Disney, Google, and Netflix.
Daily Transcription offers various types of transcription services such as corporate, legal, post-production, and audio transcription. They are capable of handling multiple file formats like OGG, AVI, DSS, MP4, MP3, WMV, VOB, and WAV.
Compared to its competitors, Daily Transcription offers transcriptionists higher pay rates and also provides training and coaching to help advance their careers.
The qualifications necessary for a position
- Be detail-oriented. You must be detail-oriented and able to deliver high-quality work.
- Excellent time management skills. Transcriptionists on Daily Transcription work on multiple projects and should, therefore, be able to meet all deadlines.
- Computer skills. Strong computer skills are required since you’ll interact with transcribing and word processing software.
- Pass a typing test. You’ll need to pass a skills assessment and typing test by typing at least 50 words per minute (wpm).
- Location. To apply to be a transcriptionist, you must be a citizen or reside within the United States or Canada. Applicants from outside the U.S are only considered for translation and subtitling or captioner positions.
- Minimum age. You must be 18 years or older to work with Daily Transcription.
Daily Transcription provides competitive compensation. Proficient transcribers working with Daily Transcription have the potential to make anywhere from $350 to $950 each week.
13. 3Play Media
3Play Media provides a range of services, such as audio description, translation, automation, accessibility and compliance, and live captioning, in addition to transcription. With over 10,000 clients since its establishment in 2007, 3Play Media also supplies a consistent stream of online transcription tasks to its group of freelance workers.
Necessary qualifications for the position
- Good communication skills. 3Play Media expects their transcriptionists to be able to speak and write effectively. Additionally, you’ll be expected to have a strong understanding of grammar.
- Ability to multitask. You should be able to multitask and shift continuously between typing and listening.
- Strong time management skills. Since you’ll work independently, you should be able to meet your deadlines and follow instructions without supervision while working at 3Play Media.
- Minimum age. You must be 18 years or older.
A 3Play Media transcriptionist can earn anywhere from $10 to $25 per hour depending on their level of productivity and efficiency.
