Are you looking for legitimate ways to start earning money while working from the comfort of your home? The right opportunities are available as long as you have the right skill set and the right interest to fit into a particular job. 

If you have great spelling and grammar skills then you might want to consider transcription jobs as a full-time or part-time job. Work from home transcription jobs are a great option if you want to make side cash for a weekend hangout with friends. So how to get started with work from home transcription jobs, here’s a complete guide.

 What is Transcription Jobs

In simple terms turning audio files into written texts is known as a transcription job. Not that it’s a difficult task but as a career it might require previous experience. This particular job involves writing down what you hear from the audio files sent by companies and they compensate in return of this service. 

For example, many professionals like doctors, businessmen, researchers send out their audio files to firms where these files are further sent out to the transcriptionists as a work from home transcription job. These audio files are heard and turned into written files and sent back to the professionals. In freelance transcription jobs, you can also directly take up the task from the client, transcribe their audio files and send them back. 

 Types of Transcription Jobs

Not that transcription jobs are only of one kind. There are altogether three different types of  transcription jobs in which you may specialize. People not only make this job their career but some opt for freelance transcription jobs. Transcription jobs are divided into general and specialized categories. As a general transcriptionist you transcribe interviews, meetings, event briefs and turn audio files into a word document. Whereas, specialized transcription is a high end professional sort of work in which you are transcribing audio files for clients in medical and legal fields. You will need training and relevant professional experience to work as a medical or legal transcriptionist.

 Medical Transcription

Medical transcription is an online transcription job from home where transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing audio files sent to them by physicians in the lab. They are then asked to turn them into written reports. They are responsible for reviewing and editing medical documents created by physicians by using speech recognition technology.

 Legal Transcription

In all its simplicity, a legal transcription job is the process of listening to audio files and typing everything into a word document in all its clarity. In the legal world, it becomes much more serious as legal matters are more grave. Each word that is said in the audio, wrong or right, has to be typed out as it is for future references in a legal matter. Transcriptions are made from court proceedings, dictated notes, recorded depositions, and many other sources of legal record.

Tools & Skills you may need for transcription

Many people dream of pursuing a career as a transcriptionist but not all know what tools are required to start off with a transcription job. You may be overwhelmed with information that is given to you regarding what you need and what you might not need.  We have compiled a list of things that you require in order to make a career in this field. 

BASIC TOOLS THAT YOU MAY NEED

Laptop/Computer 

First and the foremost tool that you need in order to become a successful transcriber is a computer or a laptop depending on the personal preference. Laptop is relatively comfortable even if you are away from home you can easily work while the desktop is convenient in the office. Both are equally important; it’s just a matter of ease. 

Headphones

Headphones alone are not enough but comfortable headphones are a thing when you consider transcribing jobs as a career or even as a freelancing job. This particular job requires you to hear what is said and then convert it into a written document, for that matter it is important to have strong hearing capacity. By using comfortable headphones you can hear words and phrases that are hard to detect otherwise.

Grammar checker

Grammar checker is another important tool when it comes to transcribing jobs online. It is so because at times pressure of work is as such that one misses out on small grammatical errors and unintentionally make stupid grammatical errors which they as a transcriber should not make. To fix that, a grammar checker is a handy tool. It saves a lot of time. 

Foot pedal

It is not rational that a person can transcribe an audio in one go. Play, rewind, fast forward and pause is a common practice for transcriber while typing. So instead of using hands every time they can simply use levers with the feet to do so. This makes work more efficient and less time consuming. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO NEED: 

Word processing software

As a typing tool word processing software comes handy. You will need to install word processing software like microsoft office for smooth typing experience. These softwares are used by freelance transcribers as well as professional transcribers. 

Transcription software

In a rational mind, there is no possibility of humans making no errors. In that case, transcription software is used. These softwares automatically convert audio files into written forms without making any errors. 

Time tracking software

Time tracking software is widely used by freelance transcriber jobs where working hours are nor properly calculated and freelancers happen to work over-time.  Exactly how many hours you’ve spent in transcribing audio this software will tell. This will help you get paid for your full working time.

For more necessary tools that a transcriber requires, read more here.

 How much will you be paid? 

make money with transcription jobs

How much you will be paid depends on two things:

  1. How much is the rate per audio
  2. How long it takes to transcribe that audio 

By that it means it is a general rule that the cash compensation depends on the audio minute not the working hour. And what they pay per audio varies from some pennies to dollars. So, you will be paid on the minutes you take in transcribing that audio. 

However, as a medical transcriber it is highly expected that the mean hourly wage for a medical transcriptionist is $17.50, while their mean annual wage is $36,400 annually.

Whereas, legal transcriber makes more than a medical transcriber does, again that depends on the experience an individual has. Majority of the legal transcribers earn between $20,000 and $60,000 per year with an average of about $26,400 as of 2018.

In short, a beginner transcriptionist salary is generally around $15 while an experienced transcriptionist earns around $25 to $30 per audio depending on the length of the audio. 

However, with this rate you can easily make $1500 every month 

 How to start working with no experience

If you are looking for transcription jobs for beginners who have no relevant experience then your stress is real especially in the time when almost all companies are looking for experienced transcriptionists. 

But nothing’s in vain. There is always a room for passionate beginners who want to make their career in transcribing jobs. However, for most of these companies, you’ll still need to prove your transcription skills by successfully passing an English proficiency test or transcribing a test audio file.

We have compiled a list of entry-level companies that hire, or may be open to hiring, beginners who have no experience with transcription. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO START OFF AS A TRANSCRIPTIONIST: 

Most companies pay their transcribers as per the audio length. So it’s important for you to work faster. The faster you work the better you earn. Therefore, in order to work faster there are some tools and equipment that a transcriptionist requires.

  • Transcription foot pedal 

Transcription foot pedals lets you play, rewind and fast forward an audio file. It makes the job way more smoother and easier. Instead of hurting your fingers every time the job is pretty much done by using the toes. It also makes it less time consuming and more efficient.

  • Headphones 

When an audio file is not properly audible, it will only create errors in the written file. By using a comfortably functioning headphone, you can hear each and every word and phrase and write it correctly. This will ultimately pay you far more better. 

  • Microsoft word 

To transcribe an audio file it’s important to have a smooth software where a transcriber can write all the data without an error. Microsoft Word is a better option because it is far more smoother and easier. 

Once you are ready with the tools, you can start searching for companies that hire transcriptionists with no experience. 

This list of companies hiring for home transcription jobs includes many different types of transcription, e.g., general, corporate, financial and legal transcription jobs. However, medical transcription jobs are listed separately, as are data entry jobs.

 Transcription courses & education

Training for almost all careers is extremely important. Online training comes handy especially in building a career in a particular field of work. Here are some tips and tricks to pass online transcription courses that will also help you in knowing a field better.

  • Practicing typing

Transcription jobs like data entry jobs require a lot of typing. It is important to have fast typing skills in order to finish the task in time while also making enough money. For that, it’s good that you start practicing typing skills. It’s helpful to practice audio transcription from videos that you enjoy, even if you don’t own transcription equipment yet. If you really want a career in this field, you will need to make typing a regular habit. Keep in mind that in most cases accuracy is more important than speed, although both are important skills.

  • Polish grammatical and spelling skills

Companies do hire transcriptionists only because they do not appreciate grammatical errors that are so minor that it makes no sense. For that matter, grammar and spelling are extremely crucial in transcription tests. Use a spell check program when you practice audio transcription to gauge your accuracy.

  • Polish hearing skills 

While giving audio tests, pressure is as such that one misses out on the word. It is however important that the hearing skills are fully polished before you appear for the online test. 

  • Be fast in catching phrases 

Phrases are at times cannot be caught. Practice makes a man perfect. It requires all the might to first practice to catch difficult phrases then sit for the exam. 

For more recommendations and tips and tricks, click here

RESOURCES TO POLISH TRANSCRIPTION SKILLS: 

We have compiled a list of free resources that help you polish all your skills without any hassle. 

  • Free typing training
  • Accuracy assessment tool 
  • Listen and write 

FREE TYPING TRAINING: If you are more of an engaging person then this is the perfect fit. Free typing training gives a friendly engaging classroom environment. 

ACCURACY ASSESSMENT TOOL: This link lets you practice your transcription skills. 

LISTEN AND WRITE: listen and write helps you improve your hearing and writing ability altogether. 

 5 Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners

Source: https://universe.jumpstory.com/#search=data%20entry%20jobs&type=photos

People interested in this field are often lost in the path of choosing the right company for themselves. It’s true that a few offer transcription jobs to beginners. It’s also because they have no relevant exposure and are not efficient enough. But on the other hand, we have compiled a list of companies that will fit you in. 

  1. TRANSCRIBEME
  • Qualification: No experience as such 
  • Expected Pay: $15 to $22 per audio 
  • Mode of payment: Anytime via paypal
  • Availability : Medium

If newbies are into making extra cash the Transcribeme is the best option for them. They do not require experience as such but exposure in relevant fields can get them a big shot like medical and law background transcribers can make extra cash. 

Transcribeme is a great source as it breaks one long audio into two which makes it easier to transcribe. To apply just register, take the exam, and wait for their response within 12 business days.  

  1. GMR TRANSCRIPTION: 
  • Qualification: No experience needed except for foot pedal for US residents.
  • Expected Pay: $0.70 to $1.25 per audio
  • Mode of Payment: Bank transfer or Paypal
  • Availability: High

Only thing with GMR is they hire US residents only which turns out to be a drawback for non US residents. However, it’s also a big company that does not need experience as such. Along with the requirement of being US residents it also requires a transcriber to have necessary tools like Microsoft office, foot pedal, high speed internet and smooth headphones. 

Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll have to transcribe 2 hours worth of audio first before you can start getting paid work. After the probationary period, you need to transcribe at least 4 audio hours every month. 

  1. GOTRANSCRIPT:
  • Qualification: No experience needed
  • Expected Pay:Up To $0.6 per audio
  • Mode of payment: Weekly via Paypal or Pioneer 
  • Availability: Medium

Unlike GMR Transcription, they do accept applications from all over the world regardless of where they are living but you do have to prove your identity by sending SMS code and your real time photo. 

The company has a reasonable turnaround time of 6 hours for 10-minute media so even slow typers can make it work. They don’t have a monthly quota as well so you’re free to work as much or as little as you want. 

  1. DAILY TRANSCRIPTION: 
  • Qualification: no experience needed. US and Canada residents only. 
  • Expected Pay: $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute 
  • Mode of Payment: weekly by cheque
  • Availability: High 

As long as you’re a legal-aged citizen of the US or Canada, you can apply even without previous experience as a transcriptionist. You just need to pass the transcription test and skills assessment test. 

After you sign up and get accepted you will start getting projects depending on your schedule. 

  1. REV:
  • Qualification: No experience needed
  • Expected Pay: $0.30 to $1.10 per audio
  • Mode of payment: weekly via paypal 
  • Availability: High

Rev is a large network of more than 60,000 freelancers with 100,000 global clients like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. You just need good listening skills, a relatively fast typing speed, a reliable Internet connection, and a computer to apply.

Once you’re accepted, you get to choose from the hundreds of projects that are posted each day. 

For more information as to how to get started click here

 Transcription Jobs: Pros & Cons

Working as a transcriber you have both good and bad sides. As a specialist you have to cater to both. Similarly, Transcription jobs have its pros and cons. 

Pros: 

You have all the freedom to:

  • Set your own convenient schedule
  • Work for as many hours as you like
  • Take projects you are interested in

No commuting hassle:

  • Save transportation money
  • No more additional traffic stress 
  • Spend more quality time with the family

Cons

  • It is not comfortable to connect to other colleagues 
  • Have to deal with people who are lazy and do not work on time.
  • It gets tedious at times.

 Work from Home Tips for Transcription Jobs

Here are the 7 tips that will help you ace as a transcriptionist who is working from home. And for more tips on how to begin working as a freelancer check out this blog

  1. You need to be fast in typing: Fast typing will only save time. Slow typing speed will just not cut it, and having to make endless corrections will make the job take so long that you will waste your time and lose money.
  2. Get right transcription jobs: many companies offer transcription jobs but do not compensate well enough. It is important to land on a right job with the right pay even if you are working from home. 
  3. Make sure you have a comfortable workstation: comfortable work station helps you work accurately and efficiently. However, it is very important to have an organized work station.
  4. Be organized: Transcription jobs at home can make you lazy at times. It is very important to sit organized with your task and schedule ready. 
  5. Get the right transcription softwares: Right softwares will help you make your work error free.
  6. Make sure you charge per audio: sometimes, audio can be too dragging. For that, it is good if you charge per audio.
  7. Know your clients’ format: right instructions will help you do the task more efficiently. It’s important to know the required format. 
  8. For other freelance from home work read our blog here

 Transcription Jobs FAQ


What is the best transcription company to work for?

There are so many companies offering transcription jobs. Some look for experienced candidates while some do not require experience as such. However, the best transcription job provides a comfortable working environment and pays well. 

In that case, TranscribeMe is one of the more popular options, and getting started is pretty easy. After you fill out the form you’ll need to pass a test in order to be able to start working for TranscribeMe.

It is fairly simple. TranscribeMe does not require previous experience.  When you are working for TranscribeMe you will be transcribing short audio clips (usually 2-4 minutes long) from a variety of different industries. Pay ranges from $15 to $22 per audio hour. The average transcriptionist earns $250 per month, with top earners making up to $2,200 per month. You’ll be paid by PayPal weekly.

 How long does it take you to transcribe one hour of audio?

The standard rate of transcribing one hour audio is four hours. If the audio quality is poor, the transcriptionist will have to work longer to finish the job. This can extend the standard time of finishing a one hour audio to five or six hours. 

The transcriber can also finish one audio in less than four hours if it depends on the following:

  1. Quality of the audio 
  2. The speakers in the audio 
  3. Background noise

 How fast do you have to type to be a transcriptionist?

70 words per minute.

Having a great typing speed is an essential part of a transcription job. 70 words per minute is the ideal speed that needs to start off with. However, some people cannot match that speed. Therefore, it’s encouraged to  start practicing until you reach the ideal typing speed. 

 How much do transcribers make per hour?

Transcription is a well-paying career with many opportunities. A transcriptionist salary is generally around $15, while an advanced transcriptionist earns around $25 to $30 per hour. With this rate, you can easily earn $1,500 every month if you work 2.5 hours per day for 24 days.

 How many words is an audio hour?

On average, most performers narrate about 9,300 words per hour. It depends on the narrator.