You may be a good transcriptionist if you are a quick typer who can quickly translate audio into written form.

A transcriptionist is someone who listens to audio and then types it into text for clients. While some transcription jobs require every word to be written, others only need the most basic words. Audio clips can be used to record meetings, classes, monologues and other events.

Although the job description for transcription is straightforward, each client might have different formatting needs or other special requests. One client might need the audio to be typed exactly as it is spoken. Another client may request bullet points.

Working directly with clients allows you to determine your rates, turnaround times and other guidelines. A job from home gives you flexibility. You will need to adhere to the rules of any agency that offers jobs.

I attempted to transcribe audio to text a few years back. It was difficult and tedious work. I had to rewind the audio every so often. One six-minute audio clip took me more than 30 minutes to transcribe and cost me only a few dollars.

Things are different today. Today, transcription tools are easier than ever. Voice-to-text software is user-friendly and allows you to quickly transcribe large portions of audio files in real-time without having to manually type each word.

Who can work in transcription?

For college students, moms who work from home, or high school students who are able to listen and type quickly, transcription jobs are great.

You might consider transcribing audio files as a way to earn money online part-time, or even full-time.

There are two options: you can work directly for clients or with a transcription company to find your own transcription job. Although transcription platforms are less expensive than working directly with clients, they can provide steady work and may not require you to market. It may be easier for a beginner to become proficient in transcription by working with an agency.

Here are some things you need to know about remote transcription jobs

Transcription jobs are great because they can be done remotely so that you can work at home. Remote transcription jobs let you transcribe while on the road or at home for additional income.

You can work remotely in three types of transcription jobs: entry-level or generic, legal, and medical.

Entry-level positions are the best choice if you are new to transcribing but need some experience. These jobs will increase your income if you have previous experience and are willing to become certified in medical or legal transcription.

Transcription can be likened to any other industry. It can be hard to find high-paying transcription jobs at home for beginners. Your income will increase as you build your client base.

Many companies have a set rate for audio hours. This is not the same as being paid hourly. Instead, you are paid according to a fixed rate for each hour of audio transcription. Make sure to understand the pay rate. A beginner can find transcription difficult.

Many companies assign transcription jobs based upon short audio clips (2-10 minute clips). These companies will rarely require you to transcribe an entire hour of audio in one go.

How to become a transcriptionist

It is easy to get started in the field. The online transcription course teaches beginners the skills they need to do the job.

Classes offered by companies such as Transcribe Anywhere teach students how to find clients and general, legal, or medical transcription.

Online transcription jobs are also available.

1. FlexJobs

• Pay – It all depends on the job, work load, and experience.
• Payment Method – Depends on the employer
• Payment Frequency – Depends on the Employer
• Experience Require: It all depends on the employer

FlexJobs is a job board that offers work-from-home, flexible and online opportunities. The site offers a variety of transcribing jobs, including full-time and part-time. You can also filter by remote, freelance, flexible and part-time opportunities.

These jobs could be available for US-based or international companies. You may also find job opportunities if your native language is English. FlexJobs has a downside. It requires a paid membership. Prices range from $14.95 per month to $49.95 for one-year subscription. To see if there are any jobs that match your experience and needs, you can sign up for a week for $6.95.

Related to FlexJobs: Is a membership worth it?

2. Fiverr

• Pay: $30 – $120+ per hour
• Payment Method – PayPal, Fiverr Income Card, or Direct Deposit
• Payment Frequency: 14 Days after job completion (or 7 days if you are a top-rated vendor).
• Experience Require:

allows you to list nearly any professional service. Although many people think Fiverr is for beginners, it can also be used by seasoned transcriptionists.

You can set your Fiverr rate. You can negotiate with anyone, but you have the right to decline. Look for other reliable transcriptionists to help you determine their rates. When deciding on a rate for your services, remember that quality and competition are important. Fiverr can be used to find new clients. Once you have a steady flow of clients, you can deactivate your account.

Related: 17 Opportunities to Take Paid Online Surveys For Cash

3. Allegis Transcription

• Pay – Between $13 and $17 an hour
• Payment Method: Not available
• Payment Frequency: Not available
• Experience Require: You may need to have previous experience in legal or industry transcription

Allegis Transcribing is a transcription company that specializes in transcribing files to be used in the legal and insurance industries. These jobs are available to independent contractors. This means that you won’t be a full-time or part-time employee. Former employees have reported that the rates are low so this job is not for you if your experience level is high. After gaining some experience, you can apply here for a job and then move on to higher-paying jobs after a few months.

You will need to be located in the USA and meet the technology requirements.

4. Scribie

• Pay: $5-$25 per audio hour + potential bonus
• Payment Method – PayPal
• Payment Frequency – Anytime
• Experience Require:

Scribie is one the lowest-paying online transcription jobs I’ve seen for beginners, but they offer some perks for those looking to get into transcription.

You’ll start at the bottom of the list if you apply to Scribie and are accepted. This position is for beginners. You will need to transcribe short audio files using strict formatting rules.

You may be promoted to a position as a reviewer if you can complete a certain number of transcription jobs (10 in most cases). If you are able to review the next set files accurately, you may be promoted to a selfreviewer position, then to a proofreader and finally to QC (quality control).

Promotions are based on performance and come with either a pay raise or a different perk like tasks that take less time. For every Scribie customer or sign up for Scribie, you can earn a 2.5% referral commission.

Each promotion requires time and attention. However, once you have reached the highest levels, your income potential will increase significantly . This will help you make more .

5. TranscribeMe

• Pay: $15+ per audio hour
• Payment Method – PayPal
• Payment Frequency: Weekly
• Experience Require:

TranscribeMe is another transcription agency that is easy for beginners, but charges a low rate.

There is a lot of work in the company, so you can pick audio clips that you want to transcribe according to your schedule. TranscribeMe breaks down long audio files into short, 2- to 4-minute segments for faster processing. This is a good option if you have children at home, or if you are working full-time.

TranscribeMe, like Scribie, mentions the possibility of position advancement but doesn’t provide any details on pay increases.

Related: 17 Top Places to Find Paid Micro Jobs

6. GoTranscript

• Pay – Up to $36 an audio hour
• Payment Method – PayPal or Payoneer
• Payment Frequency Every Friday
• Experience Require:

GoTranscript boasts a steady stream of projects with new submissions each day. The payment rate breakdown for “up to $36 an audio hour” is not available. This makes it a bit vague.

Current average monthly earnings are $150, with a maximum earning rate of $12,215 per month. This could be due to the large number of transcribers who do this work part-time.

7. Rev

• Pay: $18 – $66.60 an audio hour
• Payment Method – PayPal
• Payment Frequency: Weekly
• Experience Require:

Rev is a more sophisticated transcription company, so you may not be approved your first time. Rev requires submissions of high quality because it pays higher rates. You can take the exam again if you fail the first time. You can improve your transcription skills while you wait by working for a low-paying company such as Scribie.

Also, you can find work as a captioner for videos. This pays slightly more than transcribing.

6 Common Work-fromHome Scams to Watch Out for

8. Audio Transcription Center

• Pay: Between $17 and $19 an hour
• Payment Method – Unknown
• Payment Frequency: Weekly
• Experience Required: You must have a minimum of 80 WPM and be able to produce transcripts in 24 hours. Take a typing test

Audio Transcription Center is based in Boston and offers both in-house, full-time positions as well as independent contract work. Its transcription services include historical archival footage, tech webinars and quarterly reports. Audio Transcription Center does not offer medical transcription. To verify spellings and names, especially in historical documents, you will need to be able do basic research.

One of the major complaints was the insufficient work available for contractors. It’s better to use this site together with other services.

9. Net Transcripts, Inc.

• Pay: It all 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. is focused on law enforcement transcription jobs, such as interrogations, 911 dispatch call dispatch, wire tap conversations, and more. This site acts as an aggregator, where police departments, prosecutors, etc. can list jobs. These jobs may have different requirements, but they will require English fluency and previous experience.

To be contacted by a recruiter, you will need to complete an application.

How to find Medical Transcription Jobs from Home

Medical transcription jobs that you can do remotely could suit those with previous experience in transcription.

Medical terminology is essential for medical transcription. Even the most experienced typists may find it difficult to transcribe files containing medical terms.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that certification is not always necessary to work in medical transcription, but it is preferred. It is highly recommended that you have experience in medical transcription to translate medical terminology in audio files.

The median annual salary for medical transcriptionists is $33,380, or $16.04 an hour. Rates will vary depending on the client’s budget and prior experience.

Three places offer medical transcription jobs that you can do from your home.

1. Indeed salaries range from $45,000 up to $80,000
2. Glassdoor Salary ranges from $15,000 to $53,000
3. Zip Recruitment Salary ranges from $45,000 to $55,000

Where can I find legal transcription jobs from home?

Legal transcription requires more knowledge than other jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that legal transcriptionists must have either a license or certification to practice in this field.

Legal transcriptionists are more commonly known by the name court reporters. They record what happens during court proceedings. Certified, professional transcriptionists can work remotely as legal transcriptionists.

The BLS reported that the median salary for legal transcriptionists was $60,130 per year (or $28.91 an hour).

Three places that offer legal transcription jobs at home:

1. Yes , salaries from $40,000 to $55,000
2. Glassdoor Salary ranges from $18,000 to $54,000
3. Zip Recruitment Rates not listed.

Register with multiple transcription companies

If you are just starting out in transcription, signing up for each of the companies listed above may be your best option. Make a spreadsheet or a document that lists the companies that offer you employment.

You can then rank them from highest to least-paid. You can check these sites every few days for new remote transcription jobs and increase your hourly rate.

A good relationship with several transcription companies will help you to keep your job schedule full.