26 Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners: How to Make Money from Home
Do you want to work from home and earn money as an online transcriptionist? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss 26 online transcription jobs for beginners.
These are perfect for those who are just getting started in the field and are ready to work right now. These online transcription jobs can be done from anywhere with high-speed internet access.
Benefits of Being an Online Transcriptionist
Working from home is one of the biggest benefits of transcription. You can set your own schedule, so you decide when to work, what you’ll work on, and when you get breaks.
There’s no boss looking over your shoulder, dictating when you have to get something done. If you don’t mind sitting in front of a computer all day, working as a transcriptionist could be ideal for you.
This profession typically requires little previous experience (you can train on the job). It pays relatively well, is usually flexible, and offers great opportunities for growth.
What is an Online Transcription Job?
An online transcription job requires you to listen to audio files and type the words that are said. You will usually be working from home, so you’ll need a quiet area where you can focus on your work.
Some online transcription jobs require some prior experience with transcription. If you show you are willing to learn, you may be able to get these jobs without any prior experience.
If you do have experience, there will be an increased chance of getting hired by some companies. There is a huge demand for both part-time and full-time transcriptionists.
How to Become a Work From Home Transcriptionist?
If you already have a fast typing speed it's very simple. Your first step to becoming a transcriptionist is finding a company that is hiring.
Fortunately, there are dozens of companies that hire transcriptionists as contractors. Many of them are starting to prefer online applicants to traditional candidates. Transcription jobs can be done entirely online, so you don't even have to leave your home to apply!
Where to Look for Online Transcription Jobs?
Fortunately, we spent tons of hours researching the best online transcription jobs from home. We have listed them below. This way, you can apply to all of these companies today. You can start working in just a few days!
Some of these companies may take a while to get back to you. Most of them will require you to pass a test. These can range from very easy to very difficult. The difficulty of these tests depends on a variety of factors.
You will see that the pay rate of some of these jobs will say $X.XX per audio hour or $X.XX per audio minute. This means that you will be paid for the amount of time that you transcribe from the audio file.
For Example:
If you transcribed an audio file that was 1 hour long for $1 per audio minute, you will be paid $60. If it takes you 4 hours to transcribe the file, you realistically make $15 per hour.
Let’s get into the list.
26 Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners
#1 Ubiqus
At Ubiqus, you’ll be transcribing recordings of business meetings, interviews, and even phone calls.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
US Resident (except California)
Pay Rate:
$14 per audio hour
Pay Frequency:
Every 2 weeks
Advantages
Working a solid 40-hour week could net you a living wage. Some people earn even more by working longer hours.
Disadvantages
Before you can start working, you have to go through an interview process. The hiring process is rigorous and takes a long time. On average, it takes over three months for candidates to be selected for employment. There is also a large amount of turnover at Ubiqus.
#2 Scribie
Scribie is an online transcription service that pays per audio minute. You can choose between multiple categories of audio files to transcribe.
Requirements:
PayPal Account
Mac or PC
Headphones
Pay Rate:
$5-$20 per audio hour
$5 bonus every 3 hours
Pay Frequency:
1st of the Month
Advantages
It is easy for beginners to transcribe the entrance exam. All you need is to type what you hear in the audio file. Scribie's program also allows for auto-play of audio. That makes it easier for anyone to start doing work.
Disadvantages
One of Scribie’s biggest drawbacks is bad audio quality. This becomes incredibly frustrating. You have to listen to recordings multiple times in order to figure out what was said.
#3 Way With Words
Way With Words is an online transcription website that hires in many different countries. The company is well-known for being friendly and accommodating to its workers.
Requirements:
UK, US, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, countries in the EU, Canada, New Zealand, or Singapore Resident
18+ years of age
Mac or PC
Pay Rate:
$0.45 - $1.73 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Advantages
If you love writing and want to make money doing something fun, Way With Words is a great place to get started. No experience is necessary, and there’s always work to be done.
Disadvantages
You just won’t be making as much as you would at some other companies. Their website says you can make up to $1.73 per audio minute but those jobs are very rare.
#4 eScribers
eScribers could be your ticket to working from home with your own hours. eScribers aims to give customers the highest-quality transcription service at the lowest price. Just keep that in mind before you sign up.
Requirements:
Windows PC
Microsoft Word
US Resident
Pay Rate:
$1.25 per page
Pay Frequency:
Every Week
Advantages
eScribers is a great place to get transcription experience for court reporting certification. They give you feedback from other professionals so that you can improve at doing transcriptions.
Disadvantages
No guarantee of steady or consistent income.
#5 Rev
All you need is a computer and the Internet. Rev could be the perfect opportunity to earn some money from home.
Requirements:
Pass a Grammar Quiz
US Resident (except California), Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, UK, Australia, India, Netherlands, or South Africa
Mac or PC
Pay Rate:
$0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Every Week
Advantages
There is no set schedule. As long as you get your work done in a timely manner, you are free to take as much time off or work extra hours as you see fit. It's very easy to learn how to use their platform. Other freelance transcription sites can be difficult to navigate. Once you get used to how Rev works, it is actually very simple and easy to use.
Disadvantages
Working as a transcriptionist is rewarding, but it’s not easy money. Their grading system is pretty unforgiving.
#6 Speechpad
Speechpad has a solid reputation, and they pay quickly and reliably.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Pay Rate:
$.25 - $2.50 per audio minute for transcribers.
$2.00 - $5.00 per audio minute for translators.
Pay Frequency:
Twice per week
Advantages
Speechpad is a great place to begin and make money while you’re learning. What really stands out about Speechpad is that there are no upfront investment costs.
Disadvantages
Most Speechpad jobs require an average of 3-5 hours of work per audio file. This seems like quite a lot at first. If you type fast and/or are using transcription software like Notta, you'll get them done quickly.
#7 VIQ Solutions
VIQ Solutions is a cutting-edge, global transcription service. It offers many advantages for transcriptionists and businesses alike.
Requirements:
Windows 10 PC
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Infinity Foot Pedal
Proprietary transcription software
Background Check
Possible Drug Screening
Possible Employment Check
Pay Rate:
$7 per audio hour
Pay Frequency:
Every 2 weeks
Advantages
At VIQ Solutions, transcriptionists will have plenty of work available.
Disadvantages
The editing software is buggy and makes transcribing a frustrating experience. It is still possible to get a good paycheck but be prepared for frustration and poor pay at first.
#8 CastingWords
CastingWords has been around since 2009. It is one of the more interesting work-from-home job opportunities on the internet.
Requirements:
18+ years of age
US Resident (except DC, HI, CA, IN, NC, NY, MA, or WV)
Paypal Account
Mac or PC
Pay Rate:
$0.08 - $1 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Every Friday
Advantages
Casting Words provides an abundance of support resources. They have detailed guides on how to get started. Most importantly, they accept beginners.
Disadvantages
There is competition from other freelancers. Getting started can be a little rough in terms of making money at first.
#9 Landmark Transcription
Landmark Transcription specializes in providing researchers with tools for transforming their audio files. Researchers give their files to Landmark, who then transcribe them into written transcripts.
Requirements:
Past tests
Mac or PC
Pay Rate:
Varies
Pay Frequency:
Every 2 weeks
Advantages
One big pro is that it offers a flexible work schedule. They offer transparent compensation.
Disadvantages
When there is no work, you have to wait for someone to order it. Sometimes it can take a couple days just for a job to come through. You’ll be pretty much out of pocket until that happens. Or you can apply for other companies.
#10 Tigerfish
Tigerfish makes it easy to jump on an opportunity and dive in headfirst.
Requirements:
Pass Test
Express Scribe
US Resident
Windows Computer
Pay Rate:
$0.04 per line
Pay Frequency:
Every Week
Advantages
The flow of work at Tigerfish is steady. They pay on time.
Disadvantages
They do have fairly strict style guidelines. These mostly just relate to how you format your documents. Take time to read their guidelines so it will be clear what you need to do.
#11 Transcription Outsourcing LLC
Almost any type of audio recording that needs to be converted into a typed format is found on this platform. Common jobs are police reports, 911 call recordings, and medical dictation and interviews.
Requirements:
US Resident (except New Jersey, California, or Massachusetts)
Pass Multiple Tests and Interviews
Mac or PC
Pay Rates:
$0.07 - $1.10 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Every 2 weeks
Advantages
They have a bonus incentive program in place. Transcriptionists who meet certain criteria can earn additional pay!
Disadvantages
There are so many different style guides on this platform. They're each formatted differently. Many jobs use different styles of punctuation, capitalization, and sometimes even abbreviations.
#12 GMR Transcription
GMR Transcription is one of the most promising services in the job market.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Footpedal
MS Office
Headphones
Pass Transcription Test
Pay Rate:
$0.75 - $1.00 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Advantages
Above-average pay. The staff at GMR is helpful when you have questions or problems. They are reliable and always pay promptly, with few exceptions.
Disadvantages
The low-quality audio is definitely a disadvantage. Some find it difficult to pick up accents and there is a lot of noise in some of the files.
#13 TranscribeMe!
TranscribeMe! connects people who need transcription services with transcriptionists. They also offer advancement within the company with experience.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Pass an exam
Pay Rate:
$15 - $22 per audio hour
Pay Frequency:
Once per week
Advantages
The management team is always open to ideas from transcribers.
Disadvantages
Most audio clips have distracting background noise. If you have a lengthy project, editing can be difficult and tedious. The other major downside is quality control (QC).
#14 Quicktate
Quicktate is a marketplace where you can find companies looking for transcribers. The best part is that there are no quotas or minimum hours required.
Requirements:
No Felonies or Misdemeanors
Pay $20 for a Background Check
Mac or PC
Pass Quizzes
Pay Rate:
$0.0025 per word
Pay Frequency:
Every Week
Advantages
The sound quality is clear and easy to hear. You have several options as far as creating your transcriptions goes.
Disadvantages
Management is not very responsive to your concerns. There is low communication. The pay might seem less when you compare it with other companies.
#15 Averbach Transcription
Averbach’s excellent reputation among transcriptionists has not been earned without an effort. Their friendly and transparent application process ensures that new applicants are paid well.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Express Scribe
Pass Difficult Skills Test
Pay Rate:
$1.00 - $1.50 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Varies
Advantages
This transcribe company is the industry's highest-paying platform. The work hours are unlimited and you can work from anywhere, as long as you have a computer and internet access.
Disadvantages
For transcriptionists who are looking to gain experience and build their resume, it may not be a good fit. This company is highly selective in its hiring process. It tends to attract experienced individuals with excellent resumes.
Candidates will typically need a minimum of 1 year of transcription experience. They are also going to want someone who can transcribe quickly at a 99% accuracy rate. Thus, it may be too advanced for those just starting out in their transcription career.
#16 Crowdsurf
CrowdSurf is a media transcriptionist job that creates high-quality captions for videos.
Requirements:
Work Minimum of 20 tasks per week
Maintain a 3.5 QC score
18+ years of age
Mac or PC
Pass Tests
Pay Rate:
$0.10 per task
Pay Frequency:
3 times per week
Advantages
You can also work as much or as little as you wish. Depending on how fast you type, there's definitely an opportunity for extra income.
Disadvantages
Crowdsurf gives you an online training manual to follow before you can start working. It's unclear whether these manuals are designed for newbies or advanced transcriptionists.
They are complicated and difficult to follow, even after several attempts. The good news is that once you do get through them, you'll be up and running fairly quickly.
#17 Daily Transcription
Daily Transcription offers transcripts for entertainment, legal, and educational purposes. The company hires independent contractors called transcribers to do video or audio-based transcription.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Express Scribe or otranscribe.com account
Good Headphones
Infinity USB Foot Pedal
US, Canada, UK, or Australia Resident
18+ years of age
Pay Rate:
$0.75 to $1.10 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Weekly
Advantages
The audio quality is very good, probably because most companies will pay more for clean audio. Being able to transcribe without background noise is an advantage and makes it easier for you. You can also pick up your pace a little bit while at work and make some extra money.
Disadvantages
If you're hoping for consistent work, Daily Transcription is probably not for you.
#18 Cambridge Transcriptions
Cambridge Transcriptions is a transcription service with over 30 years in the industry.
Requirements:
1-year of Experience transcribing legal or corporate audio
Mac or PC
Microsoft Word
Pay Rate:
Varies
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Advantages
They have been in the business a long time. Your payments will come regularly every month on time too. You won't have any issues with them messing up your check or not paying you on time if you get hired as an employee there.
Disadvantages
The application process is vague, and sometimes can drag on. If there aren't many audio transcription jobs available, your pay will suffer accordingly.
#19 GoTranscript
GoTranscript is definitely one of our favorites because of how user-friendly it is.
Requirements:
Mac, PC, or Smartphone
Good Headphones
Pay Rate:
$0.60 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Every Friday
Advantages
A good support service to help beginner transcriptionists. GoTranscript provides quality training to help you become a better transcriber. Their online tutorials are easy to follow with clear explanations and examples.
Disadvantages
Competition is fierce. Don't expect to find a lot of jobs posted either.
#20 Transcript Divas
Transcript Divas has been around since 2009. They are one of the leading providers of transcription services in the United States.
Requirements:
Windows 10 PC
US Resident in select states
Transcribe at least 2 hours of audio per week
Pay Rate:
$0.84 - $2.98 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Varies
Advantages
They have a semi-flexible schedule. You can pick your own shifts. You pick certain days and times that you want to work and just make sure to be online during that time.
Disadvantages
There is a bit of a learning curve when starting out at TD. You'll have to learn how everything works in order to become proficient. There is no real way to speed up that process or guarantee you'll get lots of work right away.
#21 BabbleType
BabbleType is very selective about who they hire. They expect their transcribers to be very efficient in their work.
Requirements:
US Resident (except California)
Mac or PC
Pay Rate:
$0.45 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Weekly
Advantages
One of our favorite things about Babbletype is that you have lots of help from management. They are always available if you need advice.
Disadvantages
The pay rates for transcription can be lower than many other companies. Especially for those just starting out. The quality of the audio is fairly unreliable. Some may be deactivated if your accuracy rate dips below a certain threshold.
#22 3Play Media
3Play Media allows you to transcribe recorded audio through an internet-based software application. 3Play Media provides transcripts in many different languages and at all skill levels.
Requirements:
18+ years of age
Mac or PC
Pass Background Check
Pass Skill Tests
Pay Rate:
$10 - $30 per audio hour
Pay Frequency:
Weekly
Advantages
There are plenty of hours available each week. Work comes in regularly enough that it’s never a problem for most people to get work done on time. This has made working at 3Play Media an easy way for many transcriptionists to earn money.
Disadvantages
January is traditionally a slow time for this platform. Some companies that use the platform have a slowdown during the holiday season. This means fewer orders.
#23 Transcription Hub
Another place to go to find remote freelance transcription opportunities is Transcription Hub.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Good Headphones
Pass Entrance Exam
Pay Rate:
Up to $0.75 per audio minute at the Gold level
Pay Frequency:
Once per month
Advantages
If you’re new to transcription, Transcription Hub is an ideal choice for many reasons. It's a great place for beginners. There is no pre-set list of medical codes or terminologies that you have to learn.
Disadvantages
You have to be a Gold-level transcriber before you start making decent money. You’ll be transcribing thousands of words per month before you start seeing decent returns.
Depending on how you score on the entrance exam you will be rated Bronze or Silver. It’s a grind, but one that pays off if you can stick with it long enough.
#24 Pioneer Transcription
Pioneer Transcription outsources its projects to transcribers like yourself. Their current focus is on transcribing video content.
Requirements:
Pass a Transcription Test
Mac or Windows PC
Pay Rate:
$1.00 per audio minute
Pay Frequency:
Weekly
Advantages
One of my favorite things people love about working at Pioneer is that they never feel like they are on their own. You have instant access to dozens of mentors without having to pay for their services.
Management will always explain how things work. Also how they would like you to do better going forward.
Disadvantages
If you have no experience in transcription, it may be hard for you to get hired by Pioneer Transcription. They are very strict about their hiring process.
#25 Transcription for Everyone
Transcription for Everyone provides services for business, legal, and healthcare. They match typists with appropriate projects based on skill level and experience.
Requirements:
Mac or PC
Anti-RSI Keyboard
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Microsoft Word
Pass Transcription Tests
Pay Rate:
$2 per 1,000 words
$0.40 per audio minute
$0.40 - $0.45 per page
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Advantages
This site offers all kinds of jobs. Work can come in at any time of day, so you’re never at a loss for work. It’s best to stick with high-paying jobs. They tend to get filled quickly. Some low-paying jobs might take hours and still only pay pennies.
Disadvantages
Editors give feedback on their expectations and constructive criticism. Their reviews can be harsh and sometimes vague. This can cause frustration when transcribers are trying to improve their skills.
#26 SpeakWrite
SpeakWrite is used by the police, investigators, lawyers, and protective services, among others. They need fast turnaround times for their audio files.
Requirements:
Type at 60 WPM
US (except California) or Canada Resident
Microsoft Word
1 year or more of transcription experience
Windows 7 PC
Foot Pedal
Work 4 or more hours per week
Pay Rate:
$0.005 per word
Pay Frequency:
Every 2 weeks
Advantages
Your supervisor gives you helpful feedback on your work. You always have someone you can go to for support if questions arise.
Disadvantages
It's good for beginners if you are just trying to learn the skill and don't care about pay yet. There are other companies on this list that pay more.
How to Successfully Get the Best Transcription Jobs?
Getting paid to do transcription work may seem like a very simple concept. The truth is that you’ll have to be strategic about which types of jobs you spend time applying to first. Start with the ones that look easy first and don’t worry about pay yet.
We recommend applying to as many as you can to get your foot in the door with a few companies. Don't get frustrated if there are some that don't accept your application. You won't be penalized or banned from applying again later.
Get 1 year of experience under your belt with the companies that do accept you. Go back and apply to the companies that didn't accept your application and apply again. Repeat every 6 months. You will eventually have all of the best transcription jobs flooding your inbox!
FAQs
How Much Do Online Transcribers Make?
The best transcribers make around $25 per hour. Many transcriptionists work full-time to support themselves and their families. Others are independently employed part-time as a way to supplement another income stream.
Most online transcriptionists prefer being self-employed to working for a company. They enjoy being able to set their own schedule and choose how they spend their day.
Part of the appeal is flexibility. Another benefit is gaining access to clientele that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Particularly overseas clients who pay higher rates due to longer delivery times. Also those in specialized fields like medicine or law.
How Do I Become An Online Transcriptionist?
It's actually very simple. Apply to one of the companies listed above. All you need is a computer and an internet connection for most of them. Most do not require any experience. They will train you. Apply to a few different companies so that you have a steady supply of work.
Are Online Transcription Jobs Worth It?
If you’re looking to work from home and make some cash in your spare time, online transcription jobs may be worth a look. They are relatively easy to get into with no experience or prior training required. You also don’t need a degree in any field specifically.
Having basic typing and MS Word skills will definitely come in handy. Make sure you start with the companies we listed above. That way you will not waste time with online transcription jobs that are not worth it.
Which Site is Best for Transcription Jobs?
Averbach Transcription pays the most out of any other transcription job. They start at $1 per audio minute. This is significantly more than most other sites pay their best transcriptionists. They have a pretty selective hiring process. You will want to have a year of online transcription experience before applying to them.
Final Thoughts
The best way to be an online transcriptionist is to apply to a lot of different companies. This way you will always have a steady supply of work. Be smart and use tools like Notta to help you with your jobs.
