This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here
Looking for transcription jobs online for beginners? Here’s a list of legit companies hiring transcriptionists right now!
Transcription jobs are a great way for beginners to make money online. Not only are there lots of online transcription jobs available, transcribing audio or video can also be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially if you’re passionate about working with audio/video content.
If you’ve never considered this as a job option before, it might be worth looking into!
I’ll take you through what transcription is all about and how anyone can get started with it. You won’t need any special degree either – just some free time and the right tools for transcribing your chosen material.
“Time freedom is the absolute best thing about working as a transcriptionist. We’re not tied to the 9-to-5 grind or working on anyone else’s schedule.”
Janet Slaughnessy from Transcribe Anywhere
What is transcription?
Table of Contents
In a nutshell, transcription is the process of listening to an audio file and then typing out the words into a word processing system. The files could be anything, from minutes of a meeting, movies, podcasts, conferences to informal conversations.
The good thing about transcription is that you don’t need a degree to get started. If you’re a fast and accurate typist and you’re a good listener, you can easily find transcription jobs online for beginners.
This is a great job option for people who are looking for more flexibility in a job. With transcription, you can work from home and choose to work on your own schedule.
It also pays fairly well. According to ZipRecruiter, full-time transcriptionists make an average of $58,441 per year or $28 per hour.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you for any purchases you make through these links. Disclosure.
Things to Know about Transcription Jobs Online for Beginners
Before you get started, here are a few things you should learn about this field:
Skills
As I said, it’s important for transcribers to not only have excellent typing skills but good listening abilities as well because they need to accurately capture what is said in the material.
People with quick reflexes may find stenography, a type of transcription, most attractive because it requires less physical writing than other forms of transcription.
In contrast, if speed isn’t your priority then transcribing recorded audio files into written word may be the best option.
Read: How to Become a Court Transcript Proofreader
General requirements
At the very least, to get transcription jobs online for beginners, you’ll need a fast and efficient computer with a word processor, an internet, and excellent pairs of headphones. You may also want to invest in a foot pedal to speed up your work.
Transcription Test
A great way to see if you’re cut out for this line of work is by taking a transcription test.
Transcription tests are usually made up of three sections-dictation, editing, and proofreading. They can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour but it’s not uncommon for them to take much longer depending on how many errors need correcting and whether or not there was any voice recognition software used in the process.
Transcription Training
A transcription training is not required, but if you don’t have experience in transcription and don’t know what to expect from this field, check out this free transcription training by Transcribe Anywhere.
Transcription Jobs Online For Beginners: Top Places to Find Transcription Jobs With No Experience
If you’re ready to break into transcription jobs from home, take a look at these companies below!
1. QUICKTATE
Quicktate is one of the more popular transcription companies that offer transcription jobs online for beginners. To work for this company, you need to pass their test and background check. You also need to pay $20 for the background check.
However, if everything checks out you can start working and you’ll get paid per word every week. Most of the audio files are short, often less than 5 minutes, typically in the form of voice messages, memos, and recordings. The company pays $0.0025 per word every week through PayPal.
2. CASTING WORDS
At CastingWords, you work as an individual contractor. You can select the type of transcription jobs to take on by assessing them based on their transcript requirements, pay rates, bonuses or lack thereof (depending on your badge level), etcetera.
One of CastingWords’ main appeals lies in its low entry-level requirement. Beginners are welcome but you need to be over 18 years old and have PayPal to receive payments.
Pay depends on a per-project basis, but the average is $0.08 to $1 per audio minute.
Read: CastingWords Review
3. TRANSCRIBEME
TranscribeMe is a good option for those who want to get into the transcription world, but don’t have any experience. The rates are not bad too – $20 an hour of transcribed content. You’ll also be paid every week via PayPal so if you’re looking for transcription online jobs that pay weekly, this could be your best bet yet!
Read: TranscribeMe Review
4. SPEAKWRITE
SpeakWrite offers transcription jobs online for beginners. However, getting into SpeakWrite appears more stringent than others. The company has a solid customer base coming from the legal and government sectors.
If you want to work for SpeakWrite, you need to pass their exams and demonstrate high-quality transcription skills with 60 words per minute typing speed and 90% accuracy. They pay up to $20 per audio hour, twice a month, via check or direct bank deposit.
5. ACCUTRAN GLOBAL
AccuTran Global was founded in British Columbia, Canada, and has been in the industry since 2002. They have a vast repertoire of clients, ranging from legal, medical to financial sectors.
The pay starts at $0.004 per word but could go higher for more challenging projects. If you work hard and diligently enough, you may earn around $15 per audio hour.
To qualify, you need to pass a test and must have a typing speed of at least 70wpm. You also need to be a resident of Canada or the USA or own a bank account from these countries.
6. REV
Rev is a company that offers services such as captioning, translation, and transcription for clients. They are always actively looking to hire freelance transcriptionists.
To get accepted into Rev, you’ll need to pass a transcription test of which there will be two sections: English (US) or Spanish -UK . If you failed the first section, you need to wait one month and a half before retaking it again.
Rev accepts transcribers from around the world and pays via PayPal. They pay up to $20 per hour. Read: Rev Transcription Review
7. UBIQUS
Ubiqus is a 60-year-old company that offers transcription, translation, and interpretation services to its thousands of clients. As for transcription jobs, the company provides legal, medical, and foreign language transcriptions. Most of their projects require timestamps and templates. All freelancers must be native English speakers from the US. The average pay is between $0.005 to $0.007 per word, paid every two weeks.
8. SCRIBIE
Scribie is another legit platform offering home-based transcription jobs for beginners. The materials you’ll be able to work on are all video and audio content, with some being interviews or presentations in specific formats.
To get accepted into Scribie, you need to pass their test. They pay around $10 per audio hour via PayPal and accept non-US residents as well.
9. BABBLETYPE
Babbletype is also a go-to destination for transcription jobs for beginners. The company has thousands of files waiting to be transcribed, so they are always looking for efficient and fast typists. Babbletype pays $12-$15 per audio hour via PayPal.
10. GMR TRANSCRIPTION
You can also find tons of transcription jobs from home, even without experience, at GMR Transcription. The company has a steady stream of transcription projects and always needs new transcribers. You need to do a short quiz to apply and then take the qualification test which is fairly simple if you are qualified for this type of work.
Note that with GMR Transcription, you need to commit to transcribing one hour of audio file per day. GMR pays between $0.7 to $1 per audio minute.
11. SPEECHPAD
SpeechPad is another freelance transcription platform for beginners. With Speechpad, you can work as much or as little as you want, without any set schedule. You have to apply online, pass their basic test, and sign up a confidentiality form. You also need to be able to type at least 40WPM and have a good understanding of English grammar. Speechpad pays around $0.25 per minute or around $15 per audio hour.
12. TIGERFISH
Tigerfish is one of the oldest transcription companies, being around since 1989. Some of its biggest clients are GAP and AirBNB. They also offer transcription jobs from home part-time.
If you’re interested in working with this company, then know that it has a style guide you’ll need to follow during your work process (and be sure not to miss any details!) You also need to have a typing speed of 65WPM or better, and attention to detail. The company pays an average of $0.005 per word, translating to roughly $8-$11 per hour.
13. CROWDSURF
Crowdsurf accepts transcriptionists with zero to minimal experience to transcribe video captions. Most tasks are short, perfect for those who are looking for extra income. You can apply online, take a quick assessment, and wait for 24 hours to see if you have passed. The editors will grade your work, and you must get at least 3.5 out of 5 to keep your job. Crowdsurf pays 10 cents per 25 audio seconds.
14. DAILY TRANSCRIPTION
Daily Transcription is a US-based transcription company that has been around for at least 14 years now. The company serves a huge range of sectors, but it’s well-known in the entertainment industry for transcribing audiotapes. Daily Transcription also has clients from foreign countries, so bilingual transcribers are also welcome.
To get accepted into Daily Transcription, you need to pass a transcription test. The company pays between $0.75 – $0.85 per minute via PayPal. Their top-performing transcribers make between $300-$900 per week.
According to Indeed, the average transcriptionist rate at Daily Transcription is $48.52 per hour.
Read: Daily Transcription Review
15. GO TRANSCRIPT
GoTranscript, formerly known as SpeechtoText, is a translation and transcription company that has worked with Netflix and BBC, among other well-known clients. If you’re interested in this company, apply online, study their style guide, and then take an online test. Go Transcript pays around $0.60 per audio minute and pays every week via PayPal or Payoneer.
Read: GoTrancript Review
16. BAM! TRANSCRIPTION
BAM is a great option for beginners. Their hiring process is simple and they have a variety of projects available, mostly entertainment and legal transcription, with rates starting at $0.75 per audio minute.
17. 1-888-TYPE-IT-UP
1-888-Type-It-Up offers a much higher pay rate than other transcription service providers. The company pays between $1-$2 per audio minute, allowing you to earn at least $60 per audio hour. The downside is that the company has a lengthier hiring process. You’ll also need to pay an application fee of $35.
18. 3PLAY MEDIA
3Play Media is a well-known transcription service provider that has worked with Procter and Gamble, Yale University, and MIT, among other huge companies. It’s easy to get into 3Play Media and they even accept beginners without experience in transcription, but you do have to be based in the US to qualify.
With 3Play Media, work consists of correcting and formatting of files that have already been transcribed by machines. The company pays between $19-$30 per hour.
19. APPENSCRIBE
Appenscribe is also a great platform for transcription jobs for beginners. The company hires newbies and even non-US residents. Once accepted onto their platform, you can choose your work schedule and get paid $0.005 per word.
20. BIRCH CREEK COMMUNICATIONS
Birch Creek Communications specializes in corporate and legal transcription, and sometimes general transcription. The company pays reasonably well, at $0.40 and $1.50 per audio minute for corporate transcription, and $0.65 and $1.75 per page for legal transcription. You need to be a US resident and willing to undergo a background check to apply.
21. FOCUS FORWARD
Focus Forward is a transcription business that hires transcribers. At Focus Forward, you work with lengthy files, often around 60 minutes long. The company pays $10 for every 15 minutes of an audio file, but Spanish transcribers are paid more. You need to work at least 4 hours each week to stay employed at Focus Forward.
22. HOLLYWOOD TRANSCRIPTIONS
Hollywood Transcriptions is a well-established company that has been in the transcription industry for quite some time. You may apply as a beginner, but you need to have at least 65wpm typing speed, an excellent internet connection, and transcription software.
Hollywood Transcription does not advertise their pay rate, although there are others who say it’s possible to earn around $400-$500 per month working for Hollywood Transcriptions part-time.
23. TRANSCRIPT DIVAS
Transcript Divas generally deals with general transcript needs, and they hire newbie transcribers as well. If you type and fast accurately, send your application online through their website! Projects are varied and come in a steady stream. They pay their transcribers an average of $16 per hour.
24. VERBAL INK
Verbal Ink is yet another great company to apply for if you’re looking for transcription jobs work from home gigs. The company pays between $10-$20 per audio hour.
25. TERESCRIPTION
Terescription is a well-known transcription business in the entertainment industry. You need to be a fast typist with a minimum of 70wpm and can transcribe a file within 24 hours (turnaround times vary depending on the project). You also need to be a US resident, sign an NDA agreement, have excellent English grammar and punctuation skills to qualify. They reportedly pay around $0.07 per line for one speaker audio file, and more for multi-speakers.
26. Athreon
Athreon is a speech-to-text and AI cybersecurity solutions provider. The company uses high-powered AI technology in the transcription process but also proficient transcribers to make sure that materials are of outstanding quality and are turned in on time.
The company takes on a wide range of transcription tasks, including legal, business, and medical files. Athreon offers transcription jobs at home for proficient transcribers. You must have at least two years of relevant work experience, but they also hire applicants who have successfully finished a transcription training course or program. Payment depends per project and transcribers are paid weekly through PayPal.
27. Audio Transcription Center
Audio Transcription Center or ATC has been in the business for over 50 years. It’s been transcribing a wide range of materials, including presidential oral histories, history interviews, webinars, tech financial files, and more.
You do not need to have transcription experience to work for ATC, but you need to be a fast typist (80wpm) and a computer-savvy.
To get transcription jobs online with ATC, send your application online, along with your resume, cover letter, and a screenshot of your typing speed. Payment is not disclosed but ATC says it pays its transcribers weekly.
28. Averbach
Averbach is constantly looking for remote or home-based transcribers. Transcribers should also have a high-speed internet connection to upload and download files as well as proficiency in transcription software such as Express Scribe. Averbach pays $1 to $1.50 per audio minute depending on the complexity of the file.
29. Net Transcripts
Net Transcripts is a translation and transcription company that primarily caters to law enforcement transcription. People who use Net Transcripts are criminal attorneys, police departments, investigators, and other government agencies. Net Transcripts hires remote transcribers from the US, preferably those who have experience in law enforcement transcription.
Net Transcripts is a good platform to get legal transcription jobs. To apply, you must have strong English communication skills, fast and accurate typing speed (80wpm), and knowledge in using transcription software. Pay is not disclosed. You can search for available jobs and apply online on their website.
30. Pioneer Transcription Services
Founded in 1990, Pioneer Transcription Services is one of the oldest transcription companies and one of the first digital transcription companies to operate on a national scale. The company accepts all sorts of projects, so they hire home-based transcribers who work from their homes online for any transcription jobs that come up as needed.
Payment is not disclosed on the company website.
31. eScribers
eScribers is a legal transcription and reporting company. The company hires legal transcribers to transcribe legal documents, such as US tax court hearing transcripts.
To join the eScribers team, you need to have some transcription experience, eligible to work in the US, have a US bank account, and are comfortable in researching names and terms. According to its website, eScribers pay its independent contractors competitively, but the actual rate is not disclosed.
32. Neal R. Gross & Co.
Neal R. Gross & Co. Inc. offers court reporting and transcription services. The company serves businesses of all sizes and types, but mostly focuses on legal transcripts. You may get transcription jobs with no experience here, but you have to be knowledgeable in using transcription software. Payment is not disclosed.
33. Transcriptions N’ Translations
Transcriptions N’ Translations has been offering language-based solutions for over 21 years. The company offers transcription, translation, captioning, and subtitling in and to various languages.
Most of the company’s clients come from all sizes of production houses for TV and film. If you’re interested in joining the company’s remote team and get paid for transcription jobs at home, simply fill up their online form on their website. Payment is not disclosed.
34. Transcription Outsourcing
Transcription Outsourcing LLC is a well-known transcription firm based in Denver, Colorado. The company offers transcription services for various industries, including medical, legal, and business.
Some of its services include academic transcription, telehealth, insurance, court, remote medical transcription. The company is continuously growing its team of remote transcribers and is looking to hire more people in the US.
All transcribers qualified to work in the company must pass a background check and earn at least 95% in the assessment exam. Transcriber pay rates vary depending on your field or specialty, but they can range from around $0.80 to $1.10 per audio minute or more, depending on the turnaround time and complexity of the material.
35. Transcription Hub
Transcription Hub is also a trusted transcription service provider by some of the biggest brands and institutions. Some of its clients include Walmart, Stanford University, Harvard, US Army, and The New York Times.
The company hires independent contractors to help with the workload. To join, you need to register online and prepare for an evaluation. The evaluation process assesses your ability to transcribe accurately and promptly. When you pass this step, you gain access to the marketplace where you can apply to remote transcription jobs.
36. Voxtab
Voxtab is Crimson Interactive’s constituent brand, focusing on providing language-based services like transcription, translation, and language editing. The transcription department was founded in 2005 and has been serving 50 different industries.
You can apply at Voxtab for transcription jobs online by first filling out a form here.
37. Literably
Literably is a tool that assesses a child’s reading ability, but the company also constantly hires transcriptionists to help them assess their students’ reading abilities. How it works: the company will send you a recording and you will listen to the recording and take note of errors such as when the student mispronounced a word or skips a word. Then. You’ll rate the student’s performance to give teachers assess their students’ progress. Read: Literably Review
Final Thoughts” Transcription Jobs Online For Beginners
There you have it–36 transcription jobs online for beginners!
Transcription online jobs for beginners are some of the easiest ways to make money from home! All you need is an excellent listening ear, a fast typing finger, and attention to detail. And even if you don’t have any fancy skill or diploma – that’s okay as long as these three qualifications are met, then there will be no stopping your way towards making money through transcription work!
If you want to learn more about transcribing and want to make transcribing your career, I highly recommend Transcription Foundations. It is a FREE 7-lesson mini-course that will teach you about general transcription, things you need to know about this job, and more.
Good luck!
Leave a Reply