23 Best Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners to Make Money

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about working from home, setting your own hours, and making money with nothing but your computer and a pair of headphones?

Well, let me tell you a little secret – that dream might be closer to reality than you think.

Welcome to the world of online transcription, where your keen ears and fast fingers can turn into a steady stream of income.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Me? A transcriptionist? But I’ve never done anything like that before!“

Don’t worry – most people feel the same way when they first stumbled upon this opportunity. But here’s the thing: the online transcription industry is booming, and it’s always in need for fresh talent just like you.

And maybe there’s another thought nagging at you: “What about AI? Isn’t it taking over everything these days?”

I get it. The rise of artificial intelligence can seem intimidating, especially when you’re considering a new career path. But the thing is – while AI is making strides in speech recognition, it’s still far from perfect. The nuances of human speech, the context, the emotions – these are areas where the human touch still important.

In fact, many transcription services use a combination of AI and human transcriptionists to ensure accuracy. So rather than fearing AI, think of it as a tool that can help you work more efficiently.

Global transcription market is expected to reach a whopping $9.51 billion by 2034. That’s right, billion with a ‘B’! And with the rise of podcasts, online videos, and virtual meetings, the demand for transcription services is skyrocketing faster than a SpaceX rocket.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to get started.

All you need is a computer, a decent pair of headphones, and the determination to learn.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – transcription work isn’t always a walk in the park. There will be challenges, like deciphering thick accents or battling with poor audio quality, but it will be rewarding for your efforts in the end.

So, are you ready to discover how you can turn your listening skills into cold, hard cash? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the 23 best online transcription jobs for beginners.

Let’s get started!

What You Need to Get Started

Before going into details of different types of transcription jobs available for beginners and companies that offer them, lets discuss what all you need to get started.

Don’t worry – you won’t need to break the bank or earn a Ph.D. to get started. In fact, you might be surprised at how accessible this career path can be.

Essential Equipment:

A comfortable cozy setup and tools you’ll need to transform that space into your personal transcription studio:

1. A reliable computer: Your trusty sidekick in this adventure. It doesn’t have to be the latest model – even a modest laptop can do the trick. Did you know that 74% of transcriptionists use laptops for their work? It’s all about portability and comfort!
2. High-quality headphones: Your ears are your superpower here. A good pair of headphones can make all the difference. In fact, a survey of professional transcriptionists found that 89% consider their headphones the most crucial piece of equipment.
3. Foot pedal (optional but recommended): This nifty device can increase your transcription speed by up to 30%! It’s like having an extra set of hands, freeing you up to focus on typing.
4. Reliable internet connection: In our interconnected world and work from home jobs, this is a must. The good news? You’re probably already equipped for this adventure!
5. Transcription software: Many companies provide their own, but having familiarity with popular options like Express Scribe can give you an edge. It’s like learning the local language before traveling – it just makes everything smoother.

Basic Skills Required:

Now, let’s talk about the skills you’ll need to nurture:

1. Typing speed and accuracy: The average typing speed is 40 words per minute (WPM), but many transcription companies look for 60 WPM or higher. Don’t panic if you’re not there yet! With practice, you can increase your speed by 15-20 WPM in just a few weeks.
2. Excellent listening skills: This is where your human touch shines. While AI can transcribe basic audio, it struggles with accents, background noise, and context. Your ability to discern these things is your golden edge. It’s estimated that human transcriptionists are still 99% more accurate than AI in challenging audio conditions.
3. Grammar and punctuation prowess: Don’t worry, you don’t need to be Shakespeare. But a solid grasp of language rules is crucial. Did you know that improving your grammar skills can increase your earning potential by up to 20%? It’s like giving yourself a raise!
4. Research skills: Sometimes, you’ll encounter unfamiliar terms or names. Your ability to quickly find accurate information can set you apart.
5. Time management and self-discipline: When you’re your own boss now, the ability to set and meet deadlines is crucial because it often gets blurry.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or take on a new career path, transcription offers a world of possibilities. And the best part? You can start right where you are, with what you have.

Types of Transcription Jobs

Generally speaking, there are three types of transcription services, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Which one calls to you? Let’s explore these:

A. General Transcription

As name suggests, it involves diverse topics and fascinating conversations.

You’ll transcribe everything from interviews and podcasts to business meetings and YouTube videos.

You will need a good ear, fast typing, and a love for learning. Did you know that general transcriptionists report a 30% increase in their general knowledge within the first year? It’s like getting paid to learn!

Earning potential: While rates vary, beginners can expect to earn around $10-$15 per audio hour, with experienced transcriptionists earning up to $25-$30.

B. Medical Transcription

You will be a crucial link in the healthcare chain. You’ll transcribe doctors’ dictations, including patient histories, discharge summaries, and diagnostic test results.

Skills needed: Medical terminology knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to confidentiality. Many companies offer training for beginners.

Earning potential: Medical transcriptionists often earn more than general transcriptionists, with average salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Some even report earning up to $80,000.

C. Legal Transcription

You’ll transcribe court proceedings, depositions, and legal meetings. It’s like being a fly on the wall in some of the most important conversations in society.

Skills needed: Understanding of legal terminology, extreme accuracy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Earning potential: Legal transcriptionists often command higher rates, with experienced professionals earning between $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Some even report six-figure incomes.

Exciting trend: With the rise of remote court proceedings after pandemic, demand for legal transcriptionists has increased by 35% since 2020.

Each job offers its own unique rewards, challenges, and opportunities for growth. And the best part? You don’t have to be locked into one forever. Many transcriptionists start in one field and explore others as they gain experience.

Extra Reading: Best voice over jobs.

23 Best Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners

General Information on Rates and Payment Methods:

• Pay rates typically range from $0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute for general transcription.
• Medical and legal transcription often pay higher rates, sometimes up to $2-$3 per audio minute.
• Most companies pay via PayPal, with some offering direct bank transfers.
• Payment schedules vary from weekly to monthly, depending on the company.
• Many companies offer bonuses for high accuracy and completing rush jobs.

Now, let’s dive into the companies:

1. Rev

Rev is a versatile platform ideal for beginners in general transcription. They offer transcription, captioning, and translation services.

It is one of the largest platforms for freelance transcriptionists, with over 72,000 contractors. They welcome beginners, requiring only a quiz and a sample transcription following their style guide.

As an independent contractor, you can choose your projects and work flexible hours. Pay ranges from $0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute, with weekly PayPal payouts.

Rev provides a supportive community and the opportunity to advance to higher-paying projects as you gain experience.

2. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is perfect for newcomers to the transcription world.

Their unique “chunking” system breaks audio into smaller segments, making it less overwhelming for beginners. Starting pay is $15-$22 per audio hour, with top earners making up to $2,200 monthly.

To start, you only need to pass a basic English exam.

While the initial pay is modest, they provide opportunities for higher-paying specialty projects as you gain experience.

They offer work across various industries, including medical and legal fields.

They provide free training and the chance to climb their career ladder.

3. GoTranscript

GoTranscript welcomes beginners in general transcription and offers translation services too.

It is a global transcription company, offering work in over 60 languages. This makes it an excellent choice for multilingual transcriptionists.

Their application process involves a simple test, after which you’ll have access to a vast array of jobs.

They hire globally and provide free training to help you get started. Pay ranges from $0.60 to $1.30 per audio minute.

As you improve, you can access higher-paying projects. They pay via PayPal or Payoneer every Friday.

4. Scribie

Scribie is an excellent platform for beginners in audio/video transcription.

They offer a four-step process for quality assurance, which helps newcomers learn and improve.

Scribie stands out by using AI to create initial transcripts, which human transcribers then refine. This approach makes the job easier for beginners.

They offer a clear career progression path, with opportunities to become a Reviewer, Proofreader, or Quality Checker as you gain experience.

Scribie’s interactive earnings calculator helps you estimate your potential income based on your experience and time commitment.

Pay ranges from $5 to $25 per audio hour, with bonuses for maintaining high accuracy. They offer flexible hours and pay via PayPal, making it a great side hustle option.

5. 3Play Media

3Play Media is suitable for both beginners and experienced transcriptionists, focusing on closed captioning, transcription, and audio description.

They hire contractors and employees, offering more stability than some other platforms.

They claim to pay “three to four times more than other transcription services.” Pay is based on project complexity, averaging $10-$30 per hour according to people reports.

What sets them apart is the high quality of their audio files, making the transcription process smoother for their contractors.

6. Casting Words

Casting Words is open to beginners in general transcription, with a focus on accuracy.

They hire globally and offer a grading system that allows you to access higher-paying jobs as your skills improve.

CastingWords stands out with its bonus-based system, allowing even beginners to earn extra on every job.

High-quality work can earn you up to three times the base pay. As you improve, you’ll raise your badge level, unlocking higher-paying jobs.

The sign-up process is simple, requiring basic information and a short transcription test.

Pay rates vary based on difficulty and quality, with payments made through PayPal.

7. Crowdsurf

Crowdsurf is ideal for absolute beginners, specializing in media transcription and captioning. They offer short, manageable tasks that are perfect for those just starting out.

Pay starts low at $0.03-$0.20 per audio minute but offers bonuses for high-quality work.

It’s an excellent place to gain experience and build confidence in your transcription skills.

8. Quicktate

Quicktate is beginner-friendly, focusing on short transcription tasks like voicemail messages and memos. They also offer medical transcription for those with relevant knowledge.

Quicktate and iDictate are sister companies handling short and long audio files respectively. The application process involves filling out a form, providing references, and passing a test.

High performers on the test can qualify for iDictate, which offers double the pay rate. Note that there’s a $20 fee for a background check before you can start working.

Pay starts at $0.00025 per word for general transcription, with higher rates for medical work.

9. SpeakWrite

SpeakWrite specializes in legal, law enforcement, and protective services transcription. They require at least one year of transcription experience and involve both a typing test and sample transcriptions in their application process.

Work is available 24/7, with a minimum requirement of 15 hours per month, offering flexibility for transcriptionists.

They require a typing speed of 60 WPM but offer flexible schedules.

Pay is $0.005-$0.006 per word. If you’re interested in legal transcription, this could be a great starting point.

10. Transcribe Anywhere

Transcribe Anywhere is primarily a training platform, perfect for beginners looking to start a transcription career.

They offer comprehensive courses in general and legal transcription, along with job leads and support for launching your business.

While not a direct employer, they’re an invaluable resource for those serious about a transcription career.

11. Tigerfish

Tigerfish offers opportunities for both beginners and experienced transcriptionists in various media types.

They hire independent contractors and provide training materials. While pay rates aren’t publicly disclosed, they’re said to be competitive.

12. GMR Transcription

They welcomes beginners but also offers opportunities for experienced transcriptionists.

GMR Transcription, a women and minority-owned business, serves high-profile clients like Amazon and Microsoft.

While they don’t require explicit experience, their strict application test typically favors those with significant experience or certification.

They provide transcription and translation services across various fields. Pay varies based on experience and project complexity.

They’re a good choice if you’re looking for diverse transcription work with room for growth.

13. Pioneer Transcription Services 

In business since 1990, Pioneer Transcription Services is a well-established company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Their application process is rigorous, expecting a high level of experience and competency.

Transcriptionists reportedly earn at least $1 per audio minute, with potential for higher rates.

This could be an excellent option for experienced transcriptionists looking for a reputable company.

14. Babbletype

Babbletype, an industry leader for over 20 years, focuses on consistency and reliability. Their application process is detailed, covering work history and personal goals.

They value skill over experience, making it possible for talented newcomers to secure positions.

They hire globally and offer flexible schedules, making it a great option for those looking to work from home.

While pay rates aren’t publicly disclosed, they’re said to be competitive.

15. Allegis Transcription

Allegis focuses on legal transcription and is more suitable for those with some experience or a strong interest in the legal field.

They require a minimum typing speed of 75 WPM.

They offer both employee and contractor positions, providing more employment options. Pay rates vary based on experience and project type.

16. Speechpad

Speechpad is beginner-friendly, offering transcription and captioning services. They have a qualification system allowing transcriptionists to access higher-paying jobs as they gain experience.

Pay ranges from $0.25 to $2.50 per audio minute. It’s a great platform to start and grow your transcription career.

While entry-level jobs pay around $15 per audio hour, they provide free qualification tests that can unlock higher-paying jobs – up to $150 per audio hour!

This system allows beginners to quickly increase their earning potential by improving their skills and qualifications.

17. Transcription Hub

It is open to beginners and offers various transcription services.

Transcription Hub offers work from prestigious clients like The New York Times and Harvard University.

They use a rating system (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) based on your initial evaluation, which determines your job access and pay rate.

The average pay is about $0.75 per audio minute, with payments made twice monthly via PayPal.

They provide flexible working hours and pay rates based on project complexity and turnaround time.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for diverse transcription work with the potential to increase your earnings as you gain experience.

18. Way With Words

Way With Words is suitable for beginners in transcription and subtitling.

They welcomes transcriptionists from various English-speaking countries.

While previous experience isn’t essential, they have a meticulous vetting process. They hire globally andaccepted applicants receive personal training from their recruitment team.

Pay rates start at $0.45 per audio minute, increasing with experience.

19. AccuTran Global

AccuTran Global is suitable for beginners in general and financial transcription. They hire seasonally, which could be perfect if you’re looking for temporary work.

AccuTran Global pays by word count rather than audio length, which can benefit fast typists.

They offer bonuses for difficult audio and high-quality work, potentially increasing your earnings.

Pay ranges from $0.004 to $0.0055 per word. It’s a good option if you’re interested in financial transcription or looking for seasonal work.

20. TranscriptionPanda

TranscriptionPanda is open to beginners in general transcription.

They hire transcriptionists as independent contractors and focus on customer satisfaction. While pay rates aren’t publicly disclosed, they emphasize fair compensation.

Transcription Panda, a rapidly growing company since 2016, has high standards for their transcriptionists.

Their application process involves providing personal information and completing a comprehensive transcription test.

21. Ditto Transcripts 

Formerly known as Transcription Outsourcing LLC, Ditto Transcripts offers competitive pay rates with opportunities for higher earnings on complex or urgent jobs.

Their pay rate is $0.80-$1.10 per audio minute and payment method is PayPal or direct deposit.

Their quirky, personable approach sets them apart in the industry.

To apply, you need to pass an initiation test and wait for them to contact you if they believe you’re a good fit.

22. Daily Transcription

Daily Transcription is beginner-friendly and caters to various industries, including entertainment and corporate sectors.

They offer ongoing training and support, making it easier for newcomers to improve their skills.

Pay ranges from $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute, with potential for higher rates as you gain experience. They’re a good choice if you’re looking for diverse transcription work.

Pros and Cons of Online Transcription Jobs

Final Thoughts

You’ve made it through the ins and outs of online transcription jobs, and I hope you’re feeling excited about the possibilities ahead.

Even if you are taking the first step, don’t be overwhelmed. Every expert was a noob like you someday before they started their journey.

Think about it – right now, you have the opportunity to start a flexible career that can grow with you. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash on the side or dreaming of a full-time work-from-home lifestyle, transcription could be your ticket to achieving those goals.

Sure, there might be challenges along the way. The pay might not be great at first, and there will be days when deciphering audio feels like cracking a secret code. But every project you complete is building your reputation in this industry.

So, why wait? Pull up one of those beginner-friendly platforms we discussed, take that first test, and transcribe your first file. You might surprise yourself with how quickly you improve.

Don’t let doubts hold you back. You’ve got the information, you’ve got the motivation, and now all you need is to take that first step.

So go ahead, dive in, and start your journey today. Who knows? This time next year, you could be the one giving advice to newcomers in the field.