How To Make Money Online With Transcribing

Hi there!

Among the many gig jobs out there, transcribing stands out as an easy one to get started with and offers plenty of flexibility regarding earnings.

Transcribing is a great way to make money online if you’re good at typing. The best part? You don’t need any prior experience to get started. As long as you can understand and write in English (or other languages), this could be a great option for you.

Speaking from experience—I’ve been working part-time as a transcriber for nearly three years—this gig can be an awesome way to bring in some extra cash. I stick to transcribing in my first language (it’s not English) but trust me, there are tons of opportunities for English speakers and for those fluent in other languages too.

What is Transcribing?

Transcribing involves converting spoken words from audio recordings into written text. This can include conversations, lectures, interviews, or any other type of speech that needs to be documented in writing.

Someone who transcribes is known as a transcriber or transcriptionist. As a transcriber, you’re more than just a typist—you’re a listener. You’ll play back the audio, type out the words as you hear them, pause when needed, and even note little details like laughter or a sigh.

Sounds easy, right? And for the right person, it really can be. To help you decide if this gig’s a good fit, I’ve pulled together a list of must-have skills every transcriber needs. Take a peek and see if you’ve got what it takes!

What Skill Do You Need to Become a Transcriber?

Here are the skills that you need to succeed in transcribing:

  • Typing accuracy: Accuracy is everything when you transcribe. It’s not just about getting the words down—it’s about making sure they’re correct. A single typo could change the meaning of a sentence entirely. For instance, mistaking “affect” for “effect” could confuse the reader. To improve your accuracy, focus on proofreading your work and using tools like spell check to catch those sneaky errors.

 

  • Time management: When you transcribe, jobs often come with tight deadlines, so being able to manage your time effectively is a must. You’ll need to prioritize tasks and break down longer assignments into manageable chunks. If you’re juggling multiple projects, having a schedule or to-do list can help keep you on track. Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to start—it’ll save you a lot of stress!

 

  • Attention to detail: This job requires laser focus. You’ll need to follow formatting guidelines exactly, pick up on subtle shifts in tone, and even differentiate between similar-sounding words. For example, in medical transcribing, mishearing “hypertension” as “hypotension” could lead to serious errors.

 

  • Consistency: Success in transcribing isn’t just about doing a good job once—it’s about delivering high-quality work every single time. Clients appreciate reliability, and building a reputation for consistent accuracy can lead to repeat business and better-paying opportunities.

 

  • Typing speed: While accuracy comes first, a good typing speed helps you get through jobs more efficiently. The faster you can type (without sacrificing quality), the more work you can take on—and the more you can earn. If your typing isn’t quite where you want it to be, practice makes perfect. Try typing tests online to build your speed and get comfortable with your keyboard shortcuts.

Some companies pay per audio minute, while others offer a rate for an hour of audio. You can earn between $15 to $45 per hour from online transcribing work. However, it’s important to note that transcribing can be time-consuming—it typically takes four to six minutes to transcribe just one minute of audio. That means for an hour of audio, you’re looking at several hours of work. When choosing a job, make sure you have the time and skills needed to complete it within the deadline.

 

  • Active listening skills: Listening closely to audio files is a huge part of transcribing. It’s not just about hearing the words but understanding context, identifying accents, and recognizing background noises. A good pair of headphones can make a big difference here!

What Tools Do You Need to Become a Transcriber?

Getting started with transcription work doesn’t require much equipment. All you need is a laptop and a good internet connection.

However, a few extra tools can make a big difference in your productivity and comfort. The right setup can help you work faster and feel better during those long hours.

Here are some tools that can make transcribing easier:

  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones

    Audio files aren’t always clear, and it can be hard to pick out speakers or certain words. Noise-canceling headphones can block distractions and make it easier to focus on the details without straining your ears.

  • Ergonomic Keyboard

    Long hours of typing can be tough on your wrists and hands. An ergonomic keyboard is designed to reduce strain and make typing more comfortable, helping you avoid repetitive stress injuries.

  • Comfortable Desk and Chair

    Since you’ll spend a lot of time at your desk, it’s worth creating a cozy and supportive workspace. A good chair and sturdy desk can improve your posture and keep you productive throughout the day.

  • Foot Pedal

    This tool isn’t a must-have, but it can be a game changer. A foot pedal lets you control audio playback with your feet, so you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward without stopping your typing. It’s a simple way to save time and keep your workflow smooth.

With these tools, transcription work becomes easier, faster, and more comfortable. Plus, they’re great investments for your health and productivity in the long run.

Top Websites to Find Online Transcribing Jobs:

1. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is a popular platform for beginners and experienced transcribers alike, offering plenty of opportunities to grow as you gain experience.

To join the team, you need to pass the exam. Once you pass the test, you’ll be contacted to start your first paid task. You will have the opportunity to transcribe short clips ranging from 2 to 8 minutes.

Payments are paid weekly via PayPal.

2. Rev

Freelancing with Rev is a great way to earn extra income while working on your terms. You can apply to work as a transcriber, captioner, or subtitler, depending on your skills and interests. Rev currently accepts applications from freelancers in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States (except California).

Pay rates vary depending on the type of work you do, with transcription and captioning gigs paying between $0.30 and $1.10 per audio or video minute. Payments are sent out weekly via PayPal.

To join you’ll need to take an English proficiency quiz and submit a transcription or captioning sample to show you’re up to the task. And once you’re approved, you can start choosing projects that fit your schedule.

3. Scribie

Scribie is an online transcription service that pays transcribers between $5 and $20 per audio hour. While the pay may seem modest, they sweeten the deal with a $5 monthly bonus for every 3 hours of audio you complete—a nice little perk if you’re consistent.

To join Scribie, you’ll need to go through their certification process. First, sign up, take a test, and await your results. If you pass, congrats! You’ll officially be a transcriber and get paid for your test file. If you don’t pass the first time, no worries—you get up to ten attempts to retake the test, so you’ll have plenty of chances to improve.

What’s great about Scribie is the growth potential. If you maintain good grades, you can work your way up the ladder, moving from a transcriber to a proofreader, and even a Quality Control (QC) role.

4. GoTranscript

GoTranscript is one of the world’s leading agencies for online transcription and translation services. Their standout feature is their demand for transcribers fluent in various languages—they’re hiring for over 40 languages!

You can earn up to $1.75 per minute of audio transcribed. They make getting paid easy with weekly payments via PayPal or Payoneer.

If you’re ready to join, it’s simple: sign up, read the guidelines, and review the sample files to understand what’s expected. Once you feel confident, take the test, and you’ll be on your way to your first gig in no time!

5. Ubiqus

Ubiqus is a transcription company that currently, only hires residents of the United States.

To get started, you’ll need to create an account and apply by taking their transcription test. You’ll have only 2 hours to complete it, so make sure you’re prepared! Depending on your skills and interests, you can choose from three test categories: Legal transcription, Medical transcription, or Corporate transcription.

As for pay, it varies depending on the subject matter and type of document you’re transcribing. More specialized or complex projects may come with higher rates.

6. CastingWords

CastingWords is a global platform that offers freelance transcription opportunities to anyone with a verified PayPal account. It’s a flexible option for earning money online, with transcriptionists making up to $1 per audio minute. Your exact pay depends on the specific job, your experience level with the platform, and the grades you receive for your work.

What makes CastingWords unique is the variety of tasks available. You can take on jobs in grading, editing, or straight-up transcribing, depending on your skills and preferences. Plus, they offer bonuses for many transcription and editing tasks, rewarding high-quality work. The better your grade, the bigger your payout!

7. SpeakWrite

SpeakWrite is a transcription company that accepts applications from individuals with transcription experience who are legal United States or Canadian residents. Before starting work with SpeakWrite, you must pass their skill test.

According to information on their website, the average monthly payment at SpeakWrite is $450, with top earners making up to $3,400 per month. Additionally, there are opportunities to earn bonuses and extra incentives.

Payments at SpeakWrite are made every two weeks via direct deposit to your bank account.

8. Upwork

Upwork is indeed a platform where you can discover numerous transcription job opportunities. One of the benefits is the wide range of job postings available, providing you with various options to apply for—you can find everything from quick one-off projects to long-term contracts. Plus, if you’re fluent in a language other than English, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of non-English transcription jobs too.

To apply for transcription jobs on Upwork, you must submit your application to the relevant job postings. In your application, it’s important to convey your previous experiences in transcription and express your interest in the specific project to the recruiter or client.

Regarding payment on Upwork, the funds will be available after five days once the payment is successfully processed. You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal or, if it’s an option in your region, straight to your bank account. Just keep in mind that Upwork takes a service fee (up to 20%), so factor that in when setting your rates.

Conclusion

Transcribing is a great way to earn extra income from home, though it does come with its challenges. It takes focus, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy to succeed.

Sometimes, you might need to do a bit of research to fully understand the context of the audio you’re working on. While typing fast is helpful, it’s a skill you can improve with practice.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, transcribing can be a rewarding and flexible way to make money. Give it a try and see if it’s a good fit for your skills! And if it’s not quite your thing, there are plenty of other online opportunities to explore! For instance, you can also consider teaching English online or working as an online translator—check out for tips and resources to help you get started!

 

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Sindi

How To Make Money Online With Transcribing

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