The most sought-after work-from-home jobs that I get asked about all the time are online transcription jobs for beginners.
Transcription jobs have been the most popular at-home jobs for a very long time now. This is because many transcription companies offer online jobs for transcribers, and this role has a lot of flexibility.
Transcription does require basic equipment like a good working computer, headphones, a foot pedal, etc. On a general note, if you are searching for transcription roles, then having a good typing speed is a must.
If you are only searching for typing roles, you will find this post helpful.
I am listing over 25 transcription companies that hire both beginner and experienced transcriptionists to work from home. If transcription is your thing, then you might find today’s post perfectly suitable for you.
What are the different types of transcription?
Transcription jobs are mainly of three types: medical, legal, and general transcription. General transcription is the most beginner-friendly if you are new to this career.
Apart from these categories, transcription is further classified into verbatim, edited, and intelligent transcription. In verbatim, you need to convert every small detail, like background noise, emotions, mumbling, etc. This is the type of transcription that requires a lot of attention to detail.
Edited transcription is where you omit the unnecessary part of an audio file and type out the rest. This type of transcription is used mostly for speeches and events. Intelligent transcription is a lot like edited transcription, except it requires more formatting and editing.
What are the skills needed for transcription jobs?
Some of the basic skills required for transcription are
- Good typing and accuracy (60–80 words per minute)
- Researching skills
- Grammar and punctuation
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Listening skills
- Computer skills
Apart from this, you should be well-versed in terminology related to the transcription field you work in.
Top Picks
Transcribe Anywhere – The most trusted transcription training in the industry that will jumpstart your transcription career.
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FlexJobs – One of the most legit job boards, with over 50 categories of jobs and features like interview tips, career counseling, résumé tips, etc.
CareerStep – Learn transcription, medical coding, veterinary assisting, and more healthcare career programs online.
27 Best Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners:
#1. GMR Transcription
GMR Transcription hires beginner and experienced transcribers for online legal, general, and medical transcription jobs. After applying online through its website, there is an audio test that you need to pass to get recruited. It also hires for Spanish translation roles.
Pay:
$0.70 to $1.25 per audio minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US applicants.
Related:
- 13 Best Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginners in 2024
- 23 Legit Online Typing Jobs from Home for Beginners in 2024
- 95 Legit Work-at-Home Jobs Hiring Now in 2024
#2. AccuTran Global
AccuTran Global has both transcriptionist jobs and occasional data entry roles. It hires for general and medical transcription projects. The requirements are a minimum typing speed of 60 wpm and good English language skills, and knowledge of the medical field is preferred.
The hours are flexible, and you need to take a transcription test after applying online.
Pay:
$0.004 to $0.40 per word depending on the assignment.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
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#3. Quicktate
Quicktate will pay you to transcribe audio files, voicemail messages, legal files, medical files, conference calls, etc. The work is flexible, and you can log in whenever you want.
The requirements are good spelling and punctuation knowledge and background experience in transcription. You also need to take a series of tests before getting hired for this company.
Pay:
$0.25 to $0.5 per word.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#4. Rev
As a Rev transcriptionist, you will be working mostly on general transcription. The company hires both beginners and individuals with experience from anywhere in the world.
The requirements are that you must have a good command of the English language and the ability to follow guidelines. You need to follow its style guide and take an online assessment test. Once you successfully pass the test, you get recruited.
Recommended reading:
Pay:
$0.30 to $1.10 per audio/video minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#5. Tigerfish
With Tigerfish, you can transcribe files even as a beginner. It hires only from the US, and there are around three tests that you need to pass to get hired.
The hours are quite flexible, but the work might not be very continuous.
Pay:
$0.005 per word.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#6. TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe pays around $20 per audio hour, and the work is mostly medical, legal, or general transcription.
You will have to take a transcription assessment to test your accuracy and audio skills. There is a style guide and training before you start working. It hires beginners as well.
Recommended reading:
Pay:
$15 to 22 per audio hour.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#7. Pacific Transcription
Pacific Transcription hires for positions related to general, legal, and medical transcription jobs. You need to have a minimum of a 60 wpm typing speed to apply.
It employs transcriptionists from many countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, the Philippines, New Zealand, India, and South Africa. It hires only experienced transcriptionists, and you can apply online through the website.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
3 to 5 years of previous transcription experience are required for different transcription categories.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#8. Appen
If you are someone who is just getting into transcription, then try Appen. It hires beginners, and the application process is pretty simple.
You need to fill out your details online and take a couple of assessment tests to show your accuracy. You can do the work in your own time. It is a perfect choice for entry-level transcription jobs.
Recommended reading:
Pay:
$0.005 per word.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#9. CastingWords
CastingWords has freelance transcription jobs. It hires from many countries.
After completing your online registration, you will need to take a transcription test, through which you will gain an understanding of the style guide. The work is flexible and can be done in your own time.
Pay:
$0.08 to $1 per audio minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#10. Terescription
Terescription handles transcription work mainly in the entertainment industry. You will be transcribing media files. It only hires in the US.
You need to register online through the website and download a sample test to test for accuracy, grammar, and English-language skills. The basic requirements are having high-speed internet, a good computer, headphones, and a foot pedal.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#11. Scribie
With Scribie, you can transcribe anything from podcasts to interviews to videos. You can apply through the website, and once invited, you can take the transcription test.
The work is flexible and is done on a first-come-first-served basis.
Recommended reading:
Pay:
$5 to $20 per audio hour.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#12. Daily Transcription
Daily Transcription hires transcribers for various legal, postproduction, and academic transcription projects. You will be working as a freelance transcriber, and it hires beginners as well.
The work is on call or on an as-needed basis. It recruits from the US and Canada. Once you fill out the form online, you will need to take a transcription test.
Pay:
$0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US and Canada applicants.
#13. BAM! Transcription
If you love the entertainment industry and are looking for transcription jobs, then BAM! Transcription is the perfect fit for you. BAM! primarily offers projects that are related to the entertainment industry. It also offers general transcription and translation roles.
Pay:
$0.75 per audio minute.
Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of experience is needed.
Open to:
US applicants.
#14. Neal R. Gross Co., Inc.
Neal R. Gross hires experienced legal transcribers for part-time and full-time roles. You should be able to type a minimum of 60 wpm with good accuracy and a quick turnaround time. You can apply online through its website.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#15. Acolad
Acolad hires for legal, medical, and general transcription jobs from home. You can apply if you can type at least 70 wpm, and it accepts both beginners and experienced transcribers. You can upload your résumé and cover letter to the website to start your application process.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US and Canada applicants.
#16. GoTranscript
If you are looking for a transcription company that hires worldwide, then GoTranscript is the right choice. It hires freelance transcriptionists who don’t have much experience.
You can apply online and take the transcription test to get hired.
Recommended reading:
Pay:
$0.60 per audio or video minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#17. Focus Forward
Focus Forward hires transcribers globally. You will be working as an independent contractor. The work is pretty flexible.
There is a 10-minute transcription test that you need to take before you are recruited. You will be transcribing TV logs, focus groups, etc.
Pay:
$0.40 per audio minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#18. SpeakWrite
You can work on general and legal transcription projects with SpeakWrite. It only hires in the US and Canada. The basic requirements are a minimum typing speed of 60 wpm and good knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
It only hires experienced transcribers in both fields.
Pay:
$0.005 per word.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US and Canada applicants.
#19. American High-Tech Transcription and Reporting
This company occasionally hires independent contractors for general transcription jobs. It only recruits from the US, and it does a background check before recruiting.
A laptop and an internet connection are the basic requirements. It only hires native English speakers. You can send your résumé via email to frontoffice@htsteno.com.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#20. Allegis
Allegis hires freelance transcribers for insurance industry projects. It only hires from the US and accepts both entry-level and experienced transcriptionists. You need to have a minimum of a 75 wpm typing speed with excellent spelling and grammar skills.
You go through a training program once you are selected. If you are interested, you can apply online through its website.
Pay:
$11 to $16 per hour depending on the category of transcription.
Experience:
Hires both entry-level and experienced transcribers.
Open to:
US applicants.
#21. Net Transcripts
Net Transcripts has online transcription jobs for law enforcement projects. You must have previous experience in transcription in the law enforcement industry. The minimum typing speed required is 70 wpm.
You will be assessed before you are ready for client work. There is also a background check required after you are selected.
Pay:
$12 per hour.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#22. Pioneer Transcription Services
Pioneer occasionally hires general and legal transcribers with prior experience. You need to have good English grammar and punctuation skills.
You are expected to have your own transcription software and hardware. It usually pays per page. You can fill out its online form to apply.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#23. Way With Words
Way With Words hires experienced transcribers from all over the world for legal, general, and medical transcription work.
The application process is said to be quite strict. You can apply online through its website.
Pay:
$0.40 per audio minute for beginner transcription jobs.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
Worldwide applicants.
#24. Hollywood Transcriptions
With Hollywood Transcriptions, you will be doing legal, general, entertainment, and corporate transcription. It hires occasionally and requires a minimum typing speed of 65 wpm.
You need to be tech-savvy, and you must have a good computer with a reliable internet connection. You can either fill out its online form or send your résumé to jobs@hollywoodtranscriptions.com.
Pay:
Not required.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#25. Same Day Transcriptions
With Same Day Transcriptions, you can do interview and market research transcription. It only hires experienced transcribers from the US.
Your typing skills need to be good to work for this company. You can apply for transcriber jobs online on its website.
Pay:
Not mentioned.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US Applicants.
#26. Aberdeen
From time to time, Aberdeen hires work-at-home transcribers to transcribe video clips. You must have excellent English grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills.
You need to have the required equipment, like headphones, a foot pedal, and a good computer with a reliable internet connection. You can email your résumé, after which there is a transcriber test to see if it is accepted.
Pay:
Up to $1 per audio minute.
Experience:
Not required.
Open to:
US applicants.
#27. 3M
3M has positions open for medical transcription jobs. It only hires experienced and certified transcribers in the healthcare field.
You need to have a laptop and a good internet connection. You can apply online through the website and go through the company’s testing process.
Pay:
Up to $12 per hour per transcribed line.
Experience:
Required.
Open to:
US applicants.
There are many more transcription companies other than the ones above that hire work-from-home transcribers, so I will keep updating the post as I find more. All of the above companies might not be hiring right now, so please check their websites for open positions.
Practice Transcription Tests
If you are a beginner and want to practice some sample audio files before you start applying for online transcription jobs, then Scribie offers some sample tests to check your speed and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need any transcription equipment?
Yes, you do. You will need equipment like headphones, a foot pedal (most of the companies require you to have this), transcription software, etc. It is also helpful to have a time-tracking tool to monitor your time.
Are there any online transcription jobs for complete beginners?
Many of the companies mentioned above hire beginners, like Rev, Transcribe, and GoTranscript. Having good typing speed and certification can help you get a transcription job faster, even without any experience.
How much money can you make as a transcriptionist?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a transcriptionist is around $15 per hour, but it can vary depending on the type of transcription you are doing.
Interested in Learning More about Online Transcription Jobs?
If you are new to this role, then I suggest you take this FREE COURSE that can give you an excellent idea of what exactly transcription entails, how much you can earn, and also why this could be the right job for you.
It could be a great starting point for you to discover this fantastic and very lucrative work-at-home career.
Other Alternatives to Transcription Jobs
#1. Proofreading
If you love working from home, then proofreading is a great option to consider. All you need is a keen eye for detail and an eagerness to learn the skill. There is a huge demand for proofreaders, and it is growing every day. The best way to break into this work-from-home industry is by attending this FREE workshop by Caitlin Pyle. She is an expert in her field with many years of experience as a proofreader.
What’s the income potential for proofreading? Well, Caitlin earned over $43,000 in one year working part-time as a proofreader on her own schedule.
If this is something that interests you, be sure to sign up for this free workshop that will give you loads of information on how you can become a proofreader from home.
Recommended reading:
#2. Voice Acting
Voice acting involves lending your voice to cartoon characters, events, advertisements, or audio book narration. No particular skills or education are required to become a voice actor, but if you have any drama or acting experience, it does help in modulating your voice.
Having the right equipment also makes a big difference in voice acting. Learn more about what you need to get started as a voice actor here.
Voice acting is largely a freelance job, and you can find jobs in places like Voices.com, Bunny Studio, Filmless, etc.
#3. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assisting is a diverse job that lets you work in different areas, and it is super flexible. You can do website management, do data entry, book appointments, write content, and more. Here is a list of services you can offer as a virtual assistant.
Companies like Boldly, Fancy Hands, Virtual Office VA, etc. offer virtual assistant jobs. You can also go the solo route by starting your own virtual assistant business. The earning potential here is around $35 to $50 per hour, and you can work as much or as little as you want.
Recommended reading:
- How to Become a Virtual Assistant and Make $35–$50/HR (Without Any Experience)
- 13 Best Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginners in 2024
- How to Work from Home as a Pinterest Virtual Assistant
- Fancy Hands Review – Work from Home as a Virtual Assistant
Final Thoughts
Transcription jobs are well-suited for work-from-home professionals and can be high-paying if you go freelance. The best part about transcription? You can get started without any experience and with minimal equipment. Whether you are looking for a flexible work-at-home job or trying to break into this new career, transcription is a perfect choice.
You can find more work-from-home jobs on our job board.
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