9 Transcription Jobs That Pay You to Type Audio to Text

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Transcription jobs require strong typing skills, a knack for detail, and fast turnaround times. These great companies offer high-paying gigs.

Written by Trinity Owen Last Updated: September 4, 2023

Reviewed by Zina Kumok

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If you’re a fast typer and can translate audio to written form quickly, then you may enjoy working from home as a transcriptionist.

A transcriptionist listens to recorded audio and types it into a text format for clients. Some transcription jobs need every single word written out, including “umms” and “uhs,” while others just want the basic words. Examples of audio clips include meetings, conferences, classes, monologues, and more.

The transcription job description is simple, but each client may require different formatting or have other special requests. For example, one client may need the audio typed exactly as spoken, while another client may ask for bullet points.

When working directly with a client, you often get to set your own rates, turnaround times, and other guidelines. You also have the flexibility of a work from home job. If you’re working with an agency that provides jobs, you’ll need to follow their stipulations.

A few years ago now, I tried my hand at transcribing audio to text. At the time, it was a grueling procedure, and I had to rewind the audio constantly. Transcribing one six-minute audio clip easily took more than 30 minutes of my time, and only paid a few bucks.

Today, things are different. Transcription tools have improved, so it’s easier to complete transcription jobs quickly. User-friendly voice-to-text programs allow you to quickly transcribe the majority of an audio file in almost real-time, without manually typing each word one by one.

Who Can Work In Transcription?

Transcription jobs are great for college students, stay-at-home moms, and even high school students who can listen and type quickly.

Transcribing audio files might be a great opportunity to make money online full-time or as a side hustle.

You can find your own transcription jobs working directly with clients or for a transcription company. Transcription platforms tend to pay less than working with clients directly, but they may provide consistent work and won’t require you to market your services. If you’re a beginner transcriptionist, it may be easier to build experience by working with an agency.

What You Need to Know About Remote Transcription Jobs

The best thing about transcription jobs is that they’re typically remote, so you can work from home. Remote transcription jobs allow you to transcribe on the side for extra income or potentially build a full-time career while at home or on the go.

There are three types of work from home transcription jobs you can do: generic or entry-level, medical, and legal.

If you’re new to transcribing and need to get experience under your belt, then entry-level jobs are going to be your best option. If you already have experience and are ready to become certified in the medical or legal transcription job field, then those options will allow you to increase your income.

Transcription is like any other industry. As a beginner, it can be difficult to find high-paying transcription jobs from home. As you grow your client base, your income will also increase.

Most companies set a pay rate per “audio hour.” This isn’t the same as clocking in and out and getting paid per hour. Instead, you’re paid based on a set rate for one hour of audio transcribed. When you see a pay rate, make sure you understand if it’s the audio hour or general hourly rate. Transcribing can be a lengthy process, especially for a beginner.

Most companies assign transcription jobs based on short snippets of audio (2- to 10-minute clips). You’ll rarely be required to transcribe a full hour of audio in one sitting if hired to work for these companies.

How to Become a Transcriptionist

Jumping into the field is relatively simple. Most beginner transcriptionists start by taking an online transcription course that teaches them the skills necessary to perform the job.

Companies, such as Transcribe Anywhere, offer classes that teach students the basics of general, medical, or legal transcription, as well as how to find new clients.

You can also find transcription jobs online.

1. FlexJobs

Pay: Depends on the job, workload, and experience required
Payment Method: Depends on the employer
Payment Frequency: Depends on the employer
Experience Required: Depends on the employer

FlexJobs is a job board that focuses on online, flexible, and work-from-home opportunities. You can find a range of transcribing jobs on the site, including both part-time and full-time positions, and filter opportunities by remote, freelance, flexible, part-time, and full-time options.

These jobs may be for US-based companies or international firms. In some cases, you may even find opportunities if you’re fluent in another language. A downside to using FlexJobs is that the site requires a paid membership, ranging from $14.95 for a one-month membership to $49.95 for a one-year subscription. You can join for one week for $6.95 to see if you find any jobs that fit your needs and experience.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr

Pay: $30 to $120+ per audio hour
Payment Method: PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card, or Direct Deposit
Payment Frequency: 14 days after job completion (7 days if you’re a top-rated seller)
Experience Required: None

Fiverr is a job platform that allows you to list almost any type of professional service you can think of. Though many think Fiverr is only for beginners, it’s also for seasoned transcriptionists.

You set your rate on Fiverr. Someone can reach out to negotiate, but you can always decline. Research other reputable transcriptionists and use their pay structure as a guide. Remember, competition and quality are key when choosing a rate for your services. You can use Fiverr as a way to find new clients and deactivate the account once you have a steady stream of reliable clients.

3. Allegis Transcription

Pay: Between $13 and $17 per hour
Payment Method: Not available
Payment Frequency: Not available
Experience Required: May need prior experience with legal or industry transcription

Allegis Transcription focuses on transcribing files for the insurance and legal industries. The jobs are for independent contractors, which means you’re not a full- or part-time employee. Some reports from former employees said that the rates were low, so this job may only work if you’re a beginner. You can apply for a position here, get some experience under your belt, and then look for higher-paying gigs after a few months.

You’ll need to be based in the US and meet their technology requirements.

4. Scribie

Pay: $5 to $25 per audio hour + bonus potential
Payment Method: PayPal
Payment Frequency: Any time
Experience Required: None

Scribie is one of the lowest-paying online transcription jobs for beginners I’ve found, but they do have some perks for those who are looking to break into a transcription career.

When you first apply and get accepted to Scribie, you’ll be on the bottom of the totem pole. This beginner position requires you to transcribe raw, short audio files with stringent formatting rules.

If you’re able to complete a set number of transcription jobs (usually 10), you may then be promoted to a reviewer position. If you review the next set of files correctly, you can be promoted to a self-reviewer role, then to a proofreader, and then to QC (quality control).

Each promotion is based on performance, and comes with either a pay increase or a different perk, like tasks that require less time to complete. You can also earn a 2.5% referral fee for every person who signs up to work for Scribie or be a Scribie customer.

Reaching each promotion level takes time and attention to detail, but once you’ve achieved the two highest levels, your income potential increases significantly, and that will generally help you make money faster.

5. TranscribeMe

Pay: $15+ per audio hour
Payment Method: PayPal
Payment Frequency: Weekly
Experience Required: None

TranscribeMe is another transcription company that’s easy for beginners but pays a fairly low rate.

The company has a steady amount of work available, and you can choose audio clips to transcribe on your own schedule. TranscribeMe splits long audio files into 2- to 4-minute clips for easier processing. This may be good if you have kids at home or are doing this on top of a full-time job.

Like Scribie, TranscribeMe mentions the opportunity for position advancement, but there aren’t any specifics on pay increases.

6. GoTranscript

Pay: Up to $36 per audio hour
Payment Method: PayPal or Payoneer
Payment Frequency: Every Friday
Experience Required: None

GoTranscript boasts a “steady stream of projects” with new submissions every day. Unfortunately, the payment rate breakdown isn’t available, which makes the “up to $36 per audio hour” a little vague.

The current average earnings per month is $150 with a top-earning rate of $1,215 in one month. The average could be heavily weighted by a large number of transcribers doing this work on a very part-time basis.

7. Rev

Pay: $18 to $66.60 per audio hour
Payment Method: PayPal
Payment Frequency: Weekly
Experience Required: None

Rev is one of the more advanced transcription companies, and you might not get approved after your first time applying. Because Rev pays better rates, it requires high-quality submissions. If you don’t pass the entry exam the first time, you can try again. In the meantime, improve your transcription skills by working with a lower-paying company like Scribie.

You can also find work adding captions to videos, which pays slightly better than transcribing.

8. Audio Transcription Center

Pay: Between $17 to $19 per hour
Payment Method: Unclear
Payment Frequency: Weekly
Experience Required: Need to have a WPM of 80 or more and produce transcripts within 24 hours; take a typing test

Based in Boston, Audio Transcription Center offers both full-time, in-house positions and independent contract work. Its transcription work includes historic archival footage, tech webinars, quarterly reports, and more. Audio Transcription Center doesn’t offer medical transcription work. You need to be able to do basic research to verify names and spellings, especially for historic documents.

One of the main complaints was that there wasn’t enough work for the contractors, so it’s best to use this site with other services.

9. Net Transcripts, Inc.

Pay: Depends on the supplier
Payment Method: Depends on the supplier
Payment Frequency: Depends on the supplier
Experience Required: May need previous experience

Net Transcripts, Inc. focuses on law enforcement transcription jobs, including wire tap conversations, interrogations, 911 dispatch calls, and more. The site works as an aggregator where police departments, prosecutors, and others can list jobs. The requirements for these vary but may require previous experience, English fluency, and grammatical skills.

You need to fill out an application to be contacted by a recruiter.

Where to Find Medical Transcription Jobs From Home

If you’ve had previous transcription experience and are ready to advance in your career, medical transcription jobs you can do from home could be a good fit.

Working in medical transcription requires knowledge of medical terminology. Without experience in this area, transcribing files with medical terms could be difficult even for the best typists.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certification isn’t always required to work in medical transcription jobs, but it’s usually preferred. Previous time spent in the medical profession is also highly preferred in this field because it helps with translating medical terminology spoken in the audio files.

As of 2019, the median pay for medical transcriptionists was $33,380 annually (or $16.04 per hour). Rates vary based on client budget and previous experience.

3 places that list medical transcription jobs from home:

Indeed – salaries range from $45,000 to $80,000.
Glassdoor – salaries range from $15,000 to $53,000.
Zip Recruiter – salaries range from $45,000 to $55,000.

Where to Find Legal Transcription Jobs From Home

Legal transcription jobs require more knowledge than most other transcription jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal transcriptionists are required to have a certification or a state license to work in this field.

Perhaps more commonly known as court reporters, legal transcriptionists type what takes place during live court proceedings. Legal transcription jobs from home are available to certified, professional transcriptionists who tune into court proceedings via live broadcasting.

As of 2019, the BLS said the median pay for legal transcriptionists is $60,130 annually (or $28.91 per hour).

3 places that list legal transcription jobs from home:

Indeed – salaries range from $40,000 to $55,000.
Glassdoor – salaries range from $18,000 to $54,000.
Zip Recruiter – rates not listed.

Sign Up with Multiple Transcription Companies

When you’re just getting started in transcription, your best option may be to sign up for each company listed above. Create a spreadsheet or document and order the companies that hire you from highest to lowest-paying. Every few days, check for new remote transcription jobs on those sites and aim to increase your hourly rate.

Having a good standing with multiple transcription companies can help you keep your schedule full of jobs.