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Top 25 Best Closed Captioning Jobs That Allow You to Work From Home

2022-06-289 mins

Are you looking to make money from captioning videos and TV shows? These closed captioning jobs might be right for you.

Closed captioning is the process of adding subtitles or captions to videos. That way people who are hearing impaired can more easily understand what’s being said. There are many companies that need someone like you to work from home as a closed captioner! 

What Are Closed Captioning Jobs?

There are a lot of companies that require closed captioning of videos and TV shows. This is not only for their own use but also for distribution on other platforms. A closed captioner is someone who watches a video or TV show and types out the words that are said in real-time.

Some of these jobs can allow you to work from home. This makes them very attractive options for those looking to stay home with kids, and also for those who run their own business while working remotely. If you want to watch TV and write subtitles for money this may be for you.

Types of Closed Captioning Jobs From Home

There are 2 main types of closed captioning jobs: offline and real-time.

Offline Closed Captioning

A post-production process where captions are added to a video or program after it is filmed. The show can be live or pre-recorded, but captions need to be created after shooting ends. 

An editor watches a show and identifies speech that needs to be translated into text. The words are then entered on a separate computer screen. They are then properly formatted for display onscreen during playback. 

Offline captioners usually watch shows in sound-isolating booths. This minimizes distractions and ensures accuracy. Their sole focus is on capturing what's being said in real-time. They enter it into captions as quickly as possible.

You won't need to be in a sound-isolating booth to do the offline captioning jobs we have listed here. You just need a quiet place to work that is free from distractions.

Real-Time Closed Captioning

Real-time captioners are the type of captions that appear on live TV and in real-time. In most cases, they prepare captions while also watching the live broadcast.

Many of these types of positions require prior experience with offline closed captioning. This is due to the high-pressure nature of captioning live broadcasts in real-time. You must be very fast and accurate to meet the demands of this type of job.

Real-time captioners sometimes receive scripts before a program begins. They are responsible for simultaneously preparing and transmitting at the time of origination. 

Real-time captioners usually work in pairs, each working on a different computer. They will typically sit side by side in front of their computers. Headphones are used to communicate with one another as they write out captions in unison.

25 Best Places to Apply to Closed Captioning Jobs

Here are 25 of the best places that you can apply to get closed captioning work.

#1 Dotsub

Dotsub makes it easy to get media professionally captioned. The captions are translated into dozens of languages all around the world.

Dotsub homepage - Apply closed captioning jobs

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Pass a video test

Pay Rate:

  • $3 per video hour

Advantages

When it comes to payment, the platform is very flexible, and payments are processed on time. 

Disadvantages

If you aren’t a native English speaker or have a limited vocabulary, it will be difficult to find work. 

#2 National Captioning Institute

National Captioning Institute partners with local and national networks, online publishers, and universities. NCI is one of the largest sources of captioning services in North America.

National Captioning Institute homepage

Type:

  • Real-Time Transcription

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Communications or similar field

  • Willing to work Holidays, Overtime, and Unconventional Hours

  • Hardwired Internet, no WiFi

Pay Rate:

  • $35,00 per year paid training

Advantages

NCI is an industry leader and a step above other freelance captioning jobs. NCI offers a streamlined workflow and procedures, and the workload is very manageable.

Disadvantages

There's not much room for promotion.

#3 CrowdSurf

CrowdSurf is a platform that provides on-demand captioning services. They make media more accessible and enjoyable for viewers around the world. The company delivers captions to some of today’s biggest media brands.

Crowdsurf homepage

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Work Minimum of 20 tasks per week

  • 18+ years of age

  • Pass Tests

Pay Rate:

  • $0.10 per task

Advantages

CrowdSurf is among the best captioning jobs for beginners. 

Disadvantages

The pay is low compared to other online captioning jobs. 

#4 Daily Transcription

Daily Transcription provides captions for entertainment purposes. Captions are usually uploaded as an audio file. They are sent electronically by either a producer or post-production company.

Daily Transcription homepage

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Previous captioning experience

  • Have your own closed captioning software

  • Sign NDA

  • 18+ years of age

Pay Rate:

  • $0.75 to $1.10 per video minute

Advantages 

Making captions for online videos is a fun and enjoyable way to make money from home. Creating captions for content can be both interesting and challenging.

Disadvantages

Since most of your jobs are picked for you, if you don't want to take a certain one there isn't much choice.

#5 TransPerfect

TransPerfect has dedicated itself to being the world's leading enabler of global communications. They have been in the business for over 20 years. It offers a full suite of captioning services including interpretation and translation.

Transperfect homepage

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements: 

  • Type at 60+ WPM

  • Bachelor's degree

  • 1-year Captioning Experience

Pay Rate:

  • $16 - $17 per hour

Advantages

You work when you want and can earn pretty decent money for relatively little work. You get to do your own thing and have lots of freedom in what you do and how you spend your time.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, pay is low compared to other video captioning jobs. Transperfect hires newbies who are in their first-to-second month of experience. Thus they’re inexperienced in captioning. This means a higher workload with zero extra pay. 

#6 Rev

REV is a platform that matches you with professional video producers. REV captions come from closed-captioned movies, television shows, or marketing videos. 

Rev homepage

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements: 

  • Grammar Quiz

  • Submit Caption Sample

  • US Resident (except California), Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, UK, Australia, India, Netherlands, or South Africa

Pay Rate:

  • $0.54 - $1.10 per video minute

Advantages

​Speed really is a big advantage. If you type fast you will be able to make good money. 

Disadvantages

When you first get started with REV, it can take a little while to get used to the system. 

#7 VITAC

What sets VITAC apart is its enormous range of services. VITAC does everything from transcribing audio to creating captions. 

VITAC Career page for closed captioning jobs application

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Type at 200-225 WPM

  • Closed Captioning Experience

  • Send in a caption sample

Pay Rate:

  • $12 - $65 per hour

Advantages

Being a VITAC contractor is great because they take care of all benefits. They have free health insurance, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance and so much more! 

Disadvantages

You have to follow every detail of their rules and regulations. There is not much flexibility when you need a day off or cannot meet certain time deadlines. 

#8 CaptionMax

CaptionMax is a team of committed workers who want to make media more accessible for all people. Their captioning services include general business, medical and scientific. They also produce entertainment, gaming, and live television captioning.

CaptionMax career page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Submit a resume with relevant experience

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

As much as you might dread watching TV, your job involves watching TV. That’s it. It's a great feeling knowing that so many people trust you to do a good job while they work or relax at home. 

Disadvantages

The hard part is that there aren't many ways to move up. Unless you want to start your own business, you don't get promoted at Captionmax. Because of that, most people just quit their jobs and start a business on their own, so good luck. 

#9 VIQ Solutions

VIQ Solutions is one of the largest online closed captioning companies. They have provided captions for thousands of shows and movies. 

VIQ Solution Careers Page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Background Check

  • Possible Drug Screening

  • Possible Employment Check

Pay Rate:

  • $7 per hour

Advantages

There are a few advantages to working with VIQ Solutions. They pay competitive wages. They provide online training that's easy to follow. Job opportunities are widely available.

Disadvantages

The software is a little buggy. That doesn't mean it's terrible, but there are times when it will crash. 

#10 FlexJobs

FlexJobs specializes in freelance opportunities. They are remote-friendly. They offer a variety of different job types, including closed captioning.

Flexjobs sign up page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Varies

Pay Rate:

  • Rates

Advantages

They allow you to set your own pay rate. They will negotiate for you if you are a new freelancer. 

Disadvantages

The biggest problem is that there are so few jobs available and they tend to fill up fast. The same goes for freelance work, which is scarce as well. Even when jobs become available, many times there is fierce competition for them.

#11 AI Media

Inclusivity has always been a passion of AI Media, and to be part of a company with such a vision is simply amazing. AI Media strives to provide access for all users. This way everyone can benefit from information online.

AI Media - Become a Member of Our Team Page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Type at 180 WPM

  • 3-5 years of experience

Pay Rate:

  • $39K - 43K per year

Advantages

They are doing a fantastic job with improving their tools as well as implementing new tools. Their software is user-friendly. You're able to do most of my work on your own without any help. 

Disadvantages

Employees for AI Media have plenty of criticism with regard to pay and hours worked. Many employees cite low wages as well as long work hours. Training is very strenuous and there is a lot of pressure to meet deadlines.

#12 Aberdeen Broadcast Services

Aberdeen Broadcast Services provides the most fulfilling closed captioning jobs around. It offers its knowledge to every single employee that joins the team.

Aberdeen Broadcast Services - We are hiring page.

Type:

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Type at 180-220 WPM

  • Have your own real-time closed captioning software

  • 2 Computers (1 Backup)

  • 2 Phone lines and 1 cellphone

  • Backup Internet Connection

Pay Rate:

  • $16 - $20 per hour

Advantages

You are not micromanaged, but you also have no one to help or bounce ideas off of. I didn't enjoy being in a studio by myself for days on end, but that's what you get with self-employment. This is completely independent work and there will be periods when you're left on your own. If that's what you need from a job, then great!

Disadvantages

Aberdeen uses older formats, so it can be difficult to keep up with what they are requesting from you.

#13 Classroom Captioning

Classroom Captioning is one of the most respected providers of closed captioning services. They have been helping clients to meet their ADA requirements for decades.

Classroom captioning - contact page

Type:

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Must have your own steno and caption equipment

  • CART certified

  • Type at 180 WPM

Pay Rate:

  • $35 per hour

Advantages

They pay their employees well. Lots of work as there are ongoing class sessions that need captions.

Disadvantages

It's not good for beginners. Some people say that Classroom Captioning is one of the hardest forms of typing. There are mistakes that you’re supposed to catch. Things such as misspelled words or wrong names for students must be included.

#14 Caption Call

Caption Call hires captioning agents to help the hearing impaired talk on the phone. The job can be done from anywhere in US as long as you have a reliable internet connection and computer.

CaptionCall - Careers at Captioncall page

Type:

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • 18+ years of age

  • High School Diploma or Call Center Experience

  • Pass Typing Test

  • Type at 30 WPM

Pay Rate:

  • $26K per year

Advantages

The people are really friendly and personable. They offer you a pretty good benefits package along with some work-from-home options. They could be more innovative when it comes to how they manage their employees' workload. 

Disadvantages

Sometimes, you'll be asked to caption calls that are extremely offensive or inappropriate. There are no scripts to follow, only what's happening in the audio.

#15 Capital Captions

Capital Captions has an excellent reputation for subtitling and closed captioning services. They are an in-demand service with a lot of clients from various sectors.

Capital Captions - Work with Capital Captions Page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Type at 65 WPM

  • Have your own closed captioning software

  • Video editing skills

  • Closed Captioning experience

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

They have trainings that teach new tricks on how to caption effectively.

Disadvantages

If you’re still learning how to do closed captioning online, Capital Caption is not a good place to start. It's true that they offer training courses. If you’re just starting out as a beginner, they will either be too hard or not enough at all.

#16 Speechpad

Speechpad is an online platform that transcribes audio files and creates video captions. Businesses use these captions as subtitles for their videos.

Speechpad - Career page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Some jobs require a background check

Pay Rate:

  • $.25 - $2.50 per video minute

Advantages

This is great for beginners. If you’re new to the industry, Speechpad is an ideal choice as there are no minimum requirements.

Disadvantages

Many contractors feel underpaid and overworked. Expect a lot of work for not much money.

#17 Upwork

Upwork is a job board where captioners can bid for jobs. The client puts out a request for captions, and captioners then bid on it. If you're new to captioning or looking for ways to make money online, Upwork can be a great way to start! 

Upwork - Account creating page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Varies

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

You can negotiate the price based on your skills, experience, and time commitment. 

Disadvantages

There is a lot of competition with other freelancers bidding for jobs.

#18 3Play Media

3Play Media freelancers to do captioning work on videos. They are uploaded to YouTube, Hulu, and other major video-sharing sites. 

3play media careers page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • 18+ years of age

  • Pass Background Check

  • Pass Skills Test

Pay Rate:

  • $10 - $30 per video hour

Advantages 

What 3Play Media lacks in benefits, it makes up for in plenty of work. You'll never be short on work if you apply with them. 

Disadvantages

It can get slow around the holiday season. Certain clients may only need your services a few times during the year. 

#19 Fiverr

Fiverr is a marketplace for jobs ranging from video editing to closed captioning. The site was launched in 2010. They have since grown into a massive community of over 1 million sellers.

Fiverr Homepage

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Varies

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

You can set your own prices for services and have complete control over them. 

Disadvantages

Be prepared to spend a lot of time figuring out how to cut through the competition. Why is competition so high? A lot of captioners set their rates very low for basic captions. You’ll have to offer above-average value while still being cost-effective for your clients.

#20 HappyScribe

HappyScribe specializes in providing remote closed captioning jobs worldwide. They hire people for all levels of closed captioning experience. Including people who have never captioned before to individuals who are industry veterans.

Happyscribe subtitling jobs from home page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Pass assessment test

Pay Rate:

  • €1.10 per video minute

Advantages

The HappyScribe platform works extremely well. It is easy to use and you're able to up and running immediately.

Disadvantages

Strict deadlines must be met. 

#21 Indeed

An online search engine that specializes in jobs and career-related topics. Indeed offers job listings from companies of all sizes. You can look for a specific job or browse through listings based on your chosen location or industry.

Indeed - Find Jobs page to apply closed captioning jobs

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Varies

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

These jobs will typically be full-time positions that come with benefits. 

Disadvantages

Most companies on Indeed will require at least a bachelor's degree.

#22 GoTranscript

GoTranscript promises to be an all-in-one video captioning company. They offer video transcription and captioning services in a variety of languages.

Go transcript software feature display

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Pass a test

Pay Rate:

  • $0.60 per video minute

Advantages

One of our favorite things about GoTranscript is its support services. 

Disadvantages

There is fierce competition from other captioners.

#23 Government Jobs

Employers on Government Jobs include branches belonging to government departments. You will find work for agencies such as a police department or a courthouse.

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Varies

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

The pay, in many cases, is more than adequate, but not stellar.

Disadvantages

Closed captioning jobs are rare on this website compared to some other job boards. There are some jobs occasionally posted here so it’s worth a look every once in a while. 

#24 Guru

Guru is a platform that allows companies to connect with freelance captioners. Once you register for an account, you can bid on jobs posted by employers. You’ll then get notifications when you get awarded one. 

Guru sign up page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

  • Real-Time Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Varies

Pay Rate:

  • Varies

Advantages

With Guru, you set your own rates and set your own schedule. 

Disadvantages

There’s a ton of competition from people that offer their services extremely cheaply. There are thousands of other captioners on Guru. 

The best thing that you can do is think outside of the box. Do something that none of your competitors are doing. Maybe offer an outstanding quality product at a decent price.

#25 TranscribeMe!

TranscribeMe! is mostly known for its online transcription jobs. They also have some captioning work on their platform.

TranscribeMe Jobs Page

Type:

  • Offline Closed Captioning

Requirements:

  • Pass an exam

Pay Rate:

  • $15 - $22 per video hour

Advantages

The management team takes suggestions from transcribers to improve their service.

Disadvantages

Not much work for captioners. You will probably end up doing more transcription than captioning. They are similar skills. If you are a beginner, this will help you learn this type of work.

FAQs

How Do I Get a Job as a Closed Captioner?

Start with the jobs listed in this guide. Most of these are entry-level positions that can get your foot in the door of the industry. As you build your experience, apply to higher-paying jobs.

Get your typing speed up to 180WPM. This is extremely difficult with a regular keyboard. With a stenotype machine, it is very possible. 

Work on getting your own stenotype machine. Then take the Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) exam. This will look great on your resume. It may also open up more opportunities.

How Much Money Can You Make Doing Closed Captioning?

If you can prove that you can do a good job, it is possible to make up to $65 per hour as a freelance closed captioner. You should be able to make a decent income from a few of these top 25 closed captioning jobs. It will also save time since most of these positions allow you to work from home. 

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Closed Captioner?

Many companies require a degree in communications. Some require stenography certification or an associate's degree in a media-related field.

If you have one, but it isn't relevant to closed captioning, take some classes at a local community college. There are also many courses online that can help you learn if you're more of an independent learner.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking to make money by typing, closed captioning and transcritpionist can be a great way to do it. The jobs in this guide are great places to get started on your journey.

To get your captions done more quickly and effectively, you can get Notta. Notta is a voice-to-text application that transcribes video and audio. It creates captions with very high accuracy. Sign up for a free account to get started today.