15 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners (Worth Your Time)

The best transcription companies to work for are the ones that treat their workers well, have plenty of work, and pay a pretty good wage. Basically, the only ones that are worth your time. In this post, you’ll learn the best online transcription jobs that meet those goals.

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Today we’ll go over the best online transcription jobs for beginners, lightly-experienced, and anyone in-between.

You’ll learn:

• The best transcription companies to work for as a beginner and when you’ve gained some experience.
• Why they’re the best.
• How much you can REALLY make with each company.

Let’s get to ’em.

The Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners – summary

How I Picked The Best Transcription Companies

If you’ve searched for the best transcription jobs you can do from home, there’s one thing you’ll notice right away:

There’s way more to finding a job than just picking one off a list.

To figure out the best online transcription jobs for beginners AND those who have some experience, I looked at a lot of sites and did a ton of research.

Besides the basic equipment and skills I talk about in this post, here are the 3 main points I looked at to determine the best transcription companies to work for…as a beginner:

#1  How is the overall feedback ?  It has to be pretty good to make this list. And, as a matter of fact, I looked at several employment sites and read through hundreds of reviews from current and former transcribers to create this list.

#2  How much do they REALLY pay ?  The pay has to be more than just a few pennies – even for someone who has no transcription experience. And I’ll go further and say that if the pay isn’t better than the average rate of any level transcriber, the company has to rank well in overall feedback.

#3  Are these transcription sites actively hiring ?  Not only must the entry-level transcription jobs be suitable for real beginners, it’s important that all of them are currently hiring regardless of your experience level.

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15 Places to Find the Best Online Transcritpion Jobs

#1  GMR Transcription

Pay:  $7.50 to $10.00 an hour.

GMR doesn’t disclose their pay rates until you’re hired, but they do tell us that you’re paid based on turnaround time, number of speakers per file, and the quality of audio.

Based on my research, transcribers for GMR earn $0.75 to $1.00 per audio minute, which translates to $45.00 to $60.00 per audio hour.  So, looking at my calculation of how much you can make as a beginner transcriptionist, this means you can earn $7.50 to 10.00 an hour if you’re a beginner or $11.25 to $15.00 if you have gained some experience and can work faster.

Overall Impression

One of the easiest transcription jobs to get is with GMR. It’s also one of the highest-rated transcription companies to work for, with top-rating given to work/life balance and overall management.  In fact, you have the flexibility to work wherever you want to and pick-and-choose your transcription assignments.

That said, there are two stipulations:

1. A probation period, where you must transcribe at least two hours of audio before you’re paid.
2. You must do at least 4 hours of audio each month to continue working with GMR.

Applying to work with GMR is simple, just go to their careers page and submit your resume. Once submitted, you’ll automatically be emailed a test with instructions on how to take it.  Submit the test, be graded, then hopefully they’ll get back with you within 2 weeks and you can begin working.

You can apply for a job with GMR Transcription here.

#2  Go Transcript

Pay: $6.00 an hour.

They pay up to $0.60 cents an audio minute, with top earners making up to $1,215 per month. Sounds good, but what is the pay for the average person ?  If you can type 60 words a minute that would come to a pay rate of $36.00 an hour.

But that’s if the audio files are perfect and if you have plenty of files to work on and if you are a perfect typist with a perfect ear for all spoken accents.

Figuring in the transcription rate calculation I wrote about earlier, it could take a beginner 6 actual hours to do one audio hour. So, a $0.60 cent audio minute translates to a 36 dollar audio hour. If it takes 6 real hours to transcribe, that comes to a pay of $6.00 an hour.

Overall Impression

Despite the low pay, I rated Go Transcript as 2nd place because my research showed that people really like working for this company.  Overall, there seems to be enough work to go around and the Editors who review the transcribed work give constructive feedback and positive reviews.

To see if you’ve got the chops, for your skills test GoTranscript intentionally gives you an audio file that contains non-native English speakers. And, because they say a lot of their files are like that, you can expect to have a lot of somewhat difficult files to transcribe.

You can apply for a job with Go Transcript here.

#3  3Play Media

Pay: Project based, equivalent to $10.00 to $30.00 per hour.

3Play Media is our #1 pick for the transcription site that pays the most for true beginners. But there’s more to this company than just the pay.  The overall feelings towards job security and management style play a big role in ranking 3Play Media.

Overall Impression

As far as available jobs, the work load has its share of highs and lows. There are times of the year when more work is available and when it is, you have to be quick to grab it because jobs are claimed on a first-come / first-served basis.

The training is pretty long.  I suppose that could be a good thing, though.

3Play Media has jobs for English and Spanish Transcript Editors and all the typical requirements apply, including the necessity to type at 75 words per minute.

Applying for this job is pretty easy – you just fill out the online application, transcribe the audio file test that floats on the left / bottom of your computer screen and then wait for them to grade your test and get back with you.

You can apply for a job with 3Play Media here.

#4  Daily Transcription

Pay: $7.50 to $8.50 an hour, paid weekly by check.

Daily Transcription tells us that the $0.75 cents to $0.85 cents per audio minute = $45.00 to $51.00 per audio hour.  Taking into account that it can take up to 6 hours for a beginner to transcribe an hour of audio, the actual pay comes to $7.50 up to $8.50 per hour.

Overall Impression

Welcoming entry-level transcribers who live in the USA or Canada (only), you don’t need to be the fastest typist…50 words per minute typing speed is acceptable.  But the faster and more accurately you are, the better your chances or earning on the higher end of the pay spectrum.

They have a training video, style guides and a whole bunch of practice jobs.  I strongly recommend you do as many as you can to get your skills just right.

This company got a lot of positive feedback from current and former transcribers who felt management was pretty gracious when it came to answering questions and providing support.  However, job security comes and goes as the need for transcribers fluctuates.

You can apply for a job with Daily Transcription here.

#5  Rev

Pay: $3.00 to $11.00 an hour paid weekly via Paypal.

Rev pays every Monday via PayPal at the rate of $0.30 cents to $1.10 per audio/video minute.  and because we know it will take longer to actually transcribe a minute than to listen to one, we can figure the true pay to be $3.00 to $11.00 an hour.

Overall Impression

Rev used to be one of the leading transcription companies for beginners to work for, but they have changed their pay rates and I have read a lot of negative reviews from current and past workers claiming management isn’t too helpful and there’s not much work to do.

But there are opportunities to move-up from Transcriptionist to Captioner and earn $5.40 to $11.00 an hour.

I know from personal experience that the application process starts with a quick little typing test.  Followed with a 10 minute grammar test, where you select the right answer to a series of questions and statements, and ending with you doing a sample transcription.

Don’t worry, the tests aren’t too hard. And if you don’t pass the test you can re-take it 45 days later.

After a while, when you get more experience, you can apply to be a captioner or a translator.  These positions earn a few pennies more per minute of work.

You can apply for a job with Rev here.

#6  Dictate Express

Pay: Potentially $9.00 per hour

They don’t share how much they pay but my research uncovered this thread from indeed.com which states pay is $.03 cents per line, down from $.07 cents per line.  Apparently, voice recognition (VR) software is used, speeding up the actual typing / transcription speed of an audio file.  Based on my experience, a ‘line’ can take a few seconds to transcribe and I can easily do 5 lines in a minute.

Overall Impression:

Working as an independent contractor for Dictate Express, you choose when you want to work.  However, there is a minimum production requirement of 45 audio minutes per day with much of the work is related to law enforcement.

Some of the skills and requirements you need are:

• High speed internet.
• Windows 7 (or a newer version).
• Microsoft Word 2003 (or a newer version).
• Intermediate to advanced skills using the above software, internet, FTP, and email.
• A foot pedal

To save both you and them time, they require testing before your application is accepted.  The 4 tests grade you on spelling, comma use, use with confusing words, and a 4-minute audio transcription test. These tests are “open book,” so passing scores are high (100% for Spelling, 90% for Comma Use and Confusing Words, and pass/fail review of the transcription test). You must pass each test in order to proceed to the next test. Be sure to read the instructions for each test carefully!

#7  Transcription Wing

Pay: Around $9.00 per hour.

They pay up to $.60 cents per recorded minute which can equal around $9.00 an hour if you’re an average beginner.

Overall Impression:

Transcription Wing is a general, legal and medical transcription company that pays better than the average entry-level transcription company.

To be honest, there’s not too much info. about the jobs with Transcription Wing but I do know they hire worldwide and you don’t need much experience.

In fact, this is what their website tells us:

Even if you haven’t worked for a number of years, we still want to hear from you! We’ll give you helpful documents and instruction guides to make sure you are comfortable with the transcription process before we begin.

#11  Transcription Divas

Pay: $20.85 an hour on average.

From the Transcript Divas website:

As an example, in September 2019 our highest rate was $2.98/minute of recording transcribed (our lowest rate was $0.84/minute). The average rate over the month was $1.39/minute. 

So, to figure out how much you’ll earn, we have to use the ‘experienced transcribers take 4 hours to complete an audio hour’ calculation:

Highest rate:  $2.98 audio minute = $178.80 audio hour = $44.70 an hour pay.

Lowest rate: $0.84 audio minute = $50.40 audio hour = $12.60 an hour pay.

Average rate: $1.39 audio minute = $83.40 audio hour = $20.85 an hour pay.

Overall Impression

Transcript Divas has very high standards because their #1 goal is to provide the best work to their clients.  If you filled out the application but have not heard back, they’re probably not interested in having you work with them.  If they do want you, they’ll contact you to set up a test and phone interview.

You can apply for a job with Transcript Divas here.

#12  Ubiqus

Pay: Possibly $14.00 an hour, realistically $7.00 an hour.

Ubiqus pays for every word transcribed but they’re pretty tight-lipped about their compensation.  My research tells me a new transcriber can make up to $14.00 an hour but this is only my research, which is limited.

I’m a little skeptical with the $14.00 an hour because it’s pretty high for a beginner transcriptionist. And honestly, when people talk about transcription pay per hour, they don’t understand that pay per hour is different than an hour of audio.

So let’s figure this through, using my typing skills an an example:

I can type 60 words a minute.

That would equal 3600 words an hour of constant typing.

To earn $14.00 an hour means I would be paid .0039 cents a word. Which, honestly, isn’t too out of reality.

BUT…

There is no way I would be typing constantly for an entire hour.  Mistakes, having to play back the file because I didn’t understand what was said, and glitches all contribute to slower typing speed.

So I’m going to reduce my total words typed down to half.  1800 total words typed in an hour means $7.02 earning per hour.

That sound more realistic.

Overall Impression

Even though Ubiqus seems to be one of the better payers, they do want you to have some experience. In fact, this is what their jobs page states:

1-5 years of relevant experience (i.e. editing/proofreading work with a publishing company, secretarial experience, work in education, etc.) or current transcription student status. If lacking experience in this regard, explain why your personal pursuits have given you the aptitude to be successful in this position.

They only hire US residents who have a computer, headphones, and strong internet connection.  A foot pedal isn’t necessary but would make transcribing a lot easier.

#13  Pioneer Transcription

Pay:  At least $1.00 per audio minute for general transcribers and a per-page rate for legal transcribers.

Overall Impression

A woman-owned transcription service, Pioneer Transcription states: “We hire independent subcontractors who strive to meet our high level of excellence…We also prefer to only test those who already have a foot pedal and are ready to begin working as soon as possible.”

So yes, this is a company that hires experienced transcribers.

#14  eScribers

Pay:  According to eScribers, their page rates are highly competitive and their transcribers are paid weekly, upon timely submission of an invoice.  That said, I’ve read elsewhere that the pay is over $1.00 per audio minute which can potentially (and realistically) be $20.00 to $30.00 an hour.  Pay is weekly.

Overall Impression

eScribers claims to be one of the largest legal transcription and reporting companies in the country and is continuing to grow.   Right now, they are seeking experienced legal transcribers, proofreaders and electronic and stenographic reporters to add to our team of independent contractor service providers.

What’s cool about this company is you don’t necessarily need Legal Transcription experience; as long as you have some experience as a transcriber in a different industry, they’re happy to consider you.

As far as your work schedule is concerned, you can set it two weeks in advance.

Besides transcription experience, here are the other requirements of eScribers:

• A Windows computer equipped with Microsoft Word 2010 or higher.
• You have a high-speed Internet connection.
• You understand and use correct English punctuation.
• You’re comfortable with researching names and terms on the Internet.
• You can be committed to proofing your work to audio to ensure files are accurate upon completion.
• You can commit to meeting all deadlines.
• You’re able to upload and download files and use other basic computer functions.
• You’re legally eligible to work in the United States.
• You have a current U.S. bank account to receive contract payments.

#15 Averbach Transcription

Pay: One of the best paying transcription companies, Averbach pays $1 per audio minute for regular assignments and $1.50 per audio minute for fast turnaround jobs.  They claim their transcriptionists earn roughly $20-30 per work hour.

Overall Impression

Averbach Transcription expects all their applicants have a minimum of 2 years transcribing experience and to pass the skills test, which consists of a 5-minute audio file…which you must complete within 25 minutes.

You can choose your own working hours, accept or decline work, and work whenever you want as long as you have transcription software such as the free version of Express Scribe or something comparable.

Online Transcription Jobs FAQs

What You Need to be a Transcriptionist

Transcribing involves more than just being able to type fast. You have to be accurate and a good listener, too. Here are a few more requirements you need to be a transcriber:

➡ Good grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills are a must.

➡ You have to be able to manage your time wisely. Transcription requires a lot of stop-and-go so you have to be able to set blocks of time dedicated to transcribing.

➡ Being able to follow instructions is important because companies differ in how they want you to transcribe

➡ Understand the different transcription methods: verbatim, where all spoken words are transcribed, including non-speech sounds like “um” and “ah” and non-verbatim, where non-speech words are filtered out, making a clean transcription that gets to the main point.

➡ All Transcribers need an updated computer with a strong internet connection.

➡ New Transcribers can usually work with a simple set of ear buds and the software that comes with the transcription company.

➡ Experienced Transcribers choose to use high-quality headphones, a foot pedal, and transcription software to help with speed be more productive.

Are Online Transcription Jobs Worth It ?

Yes, doing transcription is worth it the demand for transcribed documents is not limited to the medical and legal fields – many well-known blogs have their video work transcribed to written text.  Not only is this a very flexible and easy job, you can make pretty good money, too.

I want to talk to the beginner transcribers for a minute:

A lot of experienced transcribers will tell us that doing transcription with these companies is not worth your time because the pay is pretty low.

But let’s face the facts:

You’re a beginner just getting started.  And you have to start somewhere, right ?

Which is why I backed up my list of the best transcription companies with real research so you don’t waste your time with companies that are not worth it.

And don’t worry.  You can quickly go from inexperienced to pro. and make more money.  In fact, here’s my post that shows you how to become a transcriptionist and start making a lot more money.

But until then, here’s my suggestion:

– Take a look at this list and pick one or two of these companies to work for.

– Stick with it for a few weeks, maybe a month.  Remember, you’re gaining experience, which you need if you want to make more money.

– Then, after a few weeks, apply for transcription work with companies that pay better and prefer some experience.  I’ll go into more detail on them later in this post; for now, though, let’s stick with the transcription companies that take beginners.

How Much Does A Transcriptionist Make ?

Entry-level transcription jobs are known for not being the best payers even though on the surface it looks like you can make $18.00 to $60.00 an hour.  Truth is, that 18 – 60 is incorrectly calculated using the audio minute, not working minute, therefore how much transcription really pays is anywhere from $3.00 to $20.00 an hour.

An experienced transcriptionist, on the other hand, can make a whole lot more but that’s if you get a job with a company that pays you what you’re worth.

And that’s why I wrote this post because there are only a few transcription companies worth your time, which I’ll go over in a minute.

In the meantime, you can read my other post that explains how much transcription jobs really pay.  I researched exactly how transcription payment is figured and paid.  This will help you see if doing transcription is worth it.  It’s pretty interesting.

So now let’s take a look at the best entry-level transcription company to work for so you can focus your effort on the jobs that are worth your time.

The Best Transcription Training Courses

By now you have some entry-level transcription experience and you don’t hate it.  You even applied to work for one of the ‘experienced preferred’ companies.

But if you want to make even MORE money as a transcriptionist, you need in-depth transcription training. Here are my recommendations:

So you have a few choices:

▶ Choice #1: stick with these easy transcription companies and work your butt of,

…or…

▶ Choice #2, learn how to become a professional transcriptionist and make a lot more money without working your butt off.

I like choice #2 but the only way to do that is with some really good training, like these 2 courses:

#1 One of the best – and most affordable – online transcription for beginners training courses:  Learn Beginning To Advanced Transcription Skills.

I promise, you’ll be glad you did because there’s more to becoming a transcriptionist than just knowing how to type.

But I need to be honest here.  It’s a good course and gets you over the beginner hump but if you really want to get in on making decent money doing online transcription, you need even better training.

So…

#2  The most thorough transcription training course is Transcribe Anywhere. It covers everything you need to know about General and Legal transcription, from start to finish. In fact, I go into greater detail about this transcription course in this post, so I’ll just go over the highlights here:

• Full understanding of the basics + punctuation knowledge necessary for transcription.
• Video-based training with 7-level practice systems.
• Lifetime access to the course, including updates.
• Lifetime membership on the active Facebook group (with tips, leads, and support).
• Inclusion in the “Official Graduate Directory” so companies can find you.
• You’ll learn the right tools…software and headphones that are used by the pros.
• You’ll learn all about shortcuts and ‘hot keys’ to make you a faster transcriber.
• You’ll learn about style and format.
• You’ll get after-the-class care
• You’ll discover where to find high-paying clients.
• Marketing tools and tips.

Both of these courses are great if you’re ready to become a high-paying transcriber.

Ready To Start with One Of These Online Transcription Jobs?

Now that you have a good idea of what you can expect to earn with beginner-level transcription companies, and you still want to give it a try, go ahead and fill out the applications and take the tests. Start making money today – even if it starts out as just a little extra cash.

Feel free to leave a comment below if and when you start a new job doing online transcription.