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Have you always wanted to work from home, but don’t know where to start? Getting transcription jobs online for beginners is one of the best ways to get paid at home, even if you have no experience.
Transcription is for those who are excellent typists and have great listening and grammar skills.
I’ve included transcription in my list of the best work-at-home jobs for beginners because it offers flexibility and you can do it from anywhere.
“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
A lot of people have also found success in online transcription jobs and have even turned this side gig into a full-fledged sustainable business.
What is transcription?
What are transcription jobs? Well, 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.
Therefore, you can start with transcription jobs from home if you’re a pretty fast and accurate typist and a good listener.
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What should you know about working from home as a transcriptionist?
Transcription jobs work from home are some of the great ways to earn an income without going to a physical office. You can take your job anywhere, and transcribe files around your schedule.
Transcription offers a ton of flexibility in terms of your working hours and location. You can work while your baby naps, when the kids are in school and even at the dead of the night when everyone is asleep.
But before you jump in and apply for transcription jobs online, it pays to understand these points:
Skills
The necessary skills you need to start working from home as a transcriptionist are impeccable listening and typing skills. Once you’ve got the hang of transcription, you need to learn to network with potential clients and market your business.
General requirements
At the very least, you’ll need a fast and efficient computer with a word processor, an internet, and excellent pairs of headphones. You may also invest in a foot pedal to speed up your work. Also, consider putting up a business website for your transcription services for a more effective marketing campaign.
Application process
If you want to break into transcription jobs from home, you can take a look at the numerous companies offering transcription jobs with no experience.
Typically, you will have to fill up a form that details your personal information. Then you will proceed with a test or two, which would gauge your comprehension, listening, and typing skills. Once you pass the tests, you should be able to grab transcription tasks from their portal and start working.
Transcription Jobs Online For Beginners: Top Places to Find Transcription Jobs With No Experience
1. QUICKTATE
Quicktate is one of the popular transcription companies that offer transcription jobs online for beginners. You need to take and pass their test and then submit yourself for a background check. However, you have to pay $20 for the background test. If everything checks out, you can start working. 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
Castingwords is another legit company that has a stream demand for transcriptionists, even entry-level ones. You will work as an individual contractor and grab jobs that appeal to you. Some projects have base pays, while others have bonuses (depends on your badge levels). Pay depends on a per-project basis, but the average is $0.08 to $1 per audio minute. You can submit an application to CastingWords through their website, but you must be at least 18 years old and be able to receive PayPal payments.
3. TRANSCRIBEME
TranscribeMe is a popular transcription agency that accepts both newbies and professionals. You will have to apply at their official site and then do a simple test. Once you pass the test, you can start getting jobs. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the next opportunity to take the test. The files are short, often between 2-4 minutes, and their rates are good at $20 an audio hour. The company pays every week via PayPal.
4. SPEAKWRITE
SpeakWrite is one of the best companies to find transcription jobs online for beginners, although getting in seems 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 take a test and must have a typing speed of at least 70wpm. You also need to be a resident of Canada or USA or own a bank account from these countries.
6. REV
Rev is a renowned company offering captioning, translation, and transcription services for its clients and is always actively accepting freelancers into their platform.
To get accepted into Rev, you’ll need to pass a transcription test. If you failed the test, you’ll need to wait one month and a half to retake it. Rev accepts transcribers from around the world and pays via PayPal. Rev pays up to $20 per hour, depending on your efficiency.
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 and reside in 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 to be transcribed vary in length and format but are often videos and interviews.
To get accepted into Scribie, you need to pass their test. They pay around $10 per audio hour. Both US and non-US residents can work with Scribie as long as you can receive PayPal payments.
9. BABBLETYPE
Babbletype is also a go-to destination for transcription jobs for beginners. The company has thousands of files that need to be transcribed, and they always have a demand for efficient transcribers. Babbletype imposes a 24-hour deadline for most of their projects, so it pays if you’re a detailed and fast typist. The pay is between $12-$15 per audio hour and paid 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 they always need new transcriptionists to help out. You need to do a small quiz before you can apply and then take a qualification test. Once you’re in, you need to commit transcribing one hour of audio file per day. GMR pays between $0.7 to $1 per audio minute.
11. SPEECHPAD
SpeechPad is another excellent 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 as early as 1989. Some of its biggest clients are GAP and AirBNB. It is also known to accept people looking for transcription jobs from home part-time. To apply to Tigerfish, you need to provide three samples following the company’s style guide and use their software for the transcription process. You also need to have a typing speed of 65WPM or better, attention to detail, and a good sense of the English language. 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, allowing you to create a flexible working hour. You can apply online, take a quick assessment, and wait for 24 hours to see if you 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 was founded 14 years ago. The company serves a huge range of sectors, but they’re well-known in the entertainment industry for transcribing audiotapes. Daily Transcription also has clients from foreign countries, so bilingual transcribers are also welcome.
You 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.
15. GO TRANSCRIPT
GoTranscript, formerly known as SpeechtoText, is a translation and transcription company that works with Netflix and BBC, among other well-known clients. You need to apply online, study their style guide, and then take an online test. If you qualify, you can start getting jobs from their portal. Go Transcript pays around $0.60 per audio minute and pays every week via PayPal or Payoneer.
16. BAM! TRANSCRIPTION
BAM provides mostly entertainment and legal transcription services. They accept applications looking for transcription jobs with no experience, and their hiring process is simple and straightforward. The rate per project varies, but a lot of their transcribers earn around $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 working with Procter and Gamble, Yale University, and MIT, among other huge companies. You may join the company as a beginner, 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 an excellent platform for transcription jobs for beginners. The company hires newbies and even non-US residents. You will need to apply online and then pass a few exams. With Appenscribe, you don’t have to work with a rigid schedule. The base pay is $0.005 per transcribed word.
20. BIRCH CREEK COMMUNICATIONS
Birch Creek Communications is a company that specializes in corporate and legal transcription, and sometimes general transcription. The company pays reasonably well, with $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. Files are lengthier, often around 60 minutes, and workers need to transcribe them fast and accurately. They pay $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.
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. You also need to have an excellent internet connection and transcription software. There is no advertised pay rate for transcribers, but some commenters say you may earn around $400-500 per month.
23. TRANSCRIPT DIVAS
Transcript Divas generally deal with general transcript needs, and they hire newbie transcribers as well. If you type and fast accurately, you can 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.
To get accepted into the compay, you need to pass a transcription test. 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 70wpm minimum 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 understanding 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 and hires qualified 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 provides excellent 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. ATC does not require any previous experience from applicants, but you do have to be a fast typist (80wpm), computer-savvy, and ability to research unfamiliar terms. 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 Transcription is another excellent company to find transcription jobs remote opportunities. The company is looking for transcribers who have keen attention to detail and the ability to understand spoken language. Transcribers should also have a high-speed internet connection to upload and download files as well proficiency in using a 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 can get a good platform to get transcription jobs work from home. 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
Pioneer Transcription Services was founded in 1990 and prides itself as one of the first digital transcription companies in the country. Pioneer accepts all sorts of transcription projects and therefore hires home-based transcribers to help with transcription jobs online. To apply, you should fill an online application form and pass an initial transcription test. If you qualify, you must be able to start working immediately and have a foot pedal ready to use. You can log into the system and take transcription online jobs that you like. Payment is not disclosed on the company website.
31. eScribers
eScribers is a legal transcription and reporting company. It 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. is a company that provides court reporting and transcription services. It prides itself on its 40 years of experience in transcription and promises to deliver prompt and accurate transcripts to its clients. 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 do have to 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. It 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, fill up their online form and wait to hear back from them. 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 it 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 grab transcription jobs remote work, and make money.
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, and wait to hear back from them.
Transcription Jobs Online For Beginners: Are You Ready To Make Money?
Transcription online jobs for beginners are some of the gigs to get if you want a breakthrough with working from home. You don’t need any fancy skill or a diploma to get started (although a transcription training or course certainly helps!) As long as you’re an excellent listener, a fast typist and can go over and correct your own work, you should be on your way to making money from transcription.
If you want to learn more about transcribing and want to make transcribing as 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!
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