You may not realize it, but transcription is very important. In fact, it’s all over the place! Do you see those subtitles on your favorite show on TV or Netflix? A transcriptionist does the job! Someone wrote those subtitles, and who knows!? You might just end up writing subtitles for your favorite series or movie! All you have to do is apply for entry level transcription jobs. We assure you, there are many of them! You will not run out.
Do you feel excited about what we have just told you? Well, we are too! Imagine watching your favorite show and knowing that you actually did work on its subtitles!? That is really cool!
But transcription jobs is not only about writing down subtitles, there is actually more to it, and we are going to talk about that later, along with other relevant information you should know especially if you are new to this thing (which we thought you are since we assume you are here because you are looking for entry level transcription jobs).
Later on, we are also going to share with you some of the best sites where you can find entry level transcription jobs. Yes! We are like your one-stop-shop – giving you almost all of the very important information you need to know. By the way, rest assured that the sites we are sharing with you are some of the websites that really pay well. Some of which also provide free transcription training, which would be very helpful for newbies like you!
Anyway, so, first thing first. Let’s define what the work is all about.
Defining Transcription
The definition of the job is actually quite simple – transcription is all about transcribing or writing/typing down what you hear in an audio file (which could be interviews, movies, series, podcast, etc.). That’s it! Very short, simple, and concise!
Although the definition looks very simple, the job can be quite a challenge especially if you are new to this industry. It actually takes enough hard work, determination, and training for you to be able to work as a transcriptionist.
Furthermore, becoming a transcriptionist entrails certain skills. If you aim to be really good in this job, you must possess the following skills:
– Fast typing speed
– Excellent listening skills
– Very good attention span
– Determination
Do not be harsh on yourself though. Keep in mind that like anyone else, if you are a beginner, it takes time before you get to master the craft. It takes a lot of time and practice. Eventually, you will just be surprised by your improvements, especially with your typing speed.
Tools Needed in Transcription Jobs
It is understandable that people looking for entry level transcription jobs also look into or make sure that they are aware of the requirements of the job.
Apart from the skills and other qualifications needed for the job, there are also what we call technical requirements for the job. These are basically the thing you will need to get started with transcription. These are:
– A good quality laptop or desktop computer
– A reliable and high-speed internet connection
– A high-quality headphones
Furthermore, if you intend to really build a transcription career, we highly recommend investing in some other tools, which are equally important and helpful to be more efficient in doing the job. These tools include the following:
– Foot Pedal
To help improve your transcribing speed and competence, we highly suggest buying a foot pedal. It really helps a lot. By using a foot pedal, it allows you to play, pause, fast-forwards, as well, as rewind the audio files you are listening to with your feet.
If you intend to pursue a transcribing career, a foot pedal will sure make life easier and will help you accomplish more tasks faster. Just a little reminder though, there are some transcription job sites that use web-based transcription software, which is usually not compatible with a foot pedal. In this case, this tool won’t be helpful. But then again, this is a very rare case anyway.
– Training
Although we mentioned earlier that transcribing can be learned as you go along the way, if you have the intention to really make this a source of your income, we suggest you attend transcription training. Attending training is very helpful especially to those new to this industry. Also, getting professionally trained helps you earn more. Yes, because at the end of the day, companies pay more to those who are experienced.
You do not need to look any further as there are online sites that offer transcription training. All you have to do is Google them up.
Pros and Cons of Getting Into Transcription Jobs
As a newbie in this field, we thought it is also best that before you even get serious in finding entry level transcription jobs, you are fully aware of the industry you are getting yourself into.
With that said, here are some of the pros and cons of being a transcriptionist:
PROS
– The ability to work anytime, anywhere. Being a work from home transcriptionist allows you to have the flexibility of time, which basically means, you can work anytime and anywhere you like. Yes, anywhere as long there is a reliable internet connection!
– You can set your own pay rate. The good thing about working as a transcriptionist, you have the freedom to decide how much you make in every project or every transcription job. The thing is, the more experienced you get, and the more you are able to raise your pay rate. But of course, when charging your work, make sure that you are fair enough with both yourself and your client.
– You are able to help other people. As a transcriptionist, you are able to help other people in transcribing audio files. While other people may see it as nothing, this we say, your job creates a big impact. Imagine watching a foreign movie without subtitles, wouldn’t that be hard?
– It helps in your personal development. For some people, they see transcription jobs as nothing compared to other work from home jobs, but to be honest, it is equally important like any other job out there. If you aim to make this work really seriously, you will get to develop certain skills that would really be helpful not only in your transcription career but all throughout your life.
CONS
– Transcription job has the tendency to get boring. As a transcriptionist, you will be tasked to listen to audio files for long hours, which means sitting still as well for a couple of minutes or hours. If you are not used to this, there is a tendency that you will get bored. However, for some people – especially the introverted ones, this kind of job is something they love doing.
– Entry level transcription jobs pay low. If you are a beginner in this field or industry, do not expect to earn big. The reality about this industry is, most job sites offer low salary rates. So, if you are expecting earn big amount of money by doing transcription jobs, well, learn to manage your expectations. Here’s a tip though, if you really want to earn more, you better look for private transcribing clients.
– It has a tendency to be lonely. Just like any other work from home jobs, transcription jobs can be lonely at times. Well, if you think about it, you are just at home, working alone. With that said, we suggest that from time to time, take a break and connect with friends and/or fellow transcriptionists online. Join transcription communities or groups on Facebook. That way, you do not succumb to the feeling, and your work will not get affected by your emotions.
Transcriptionists’’ Pay Rate
How much does a transcriptionist make?
This one’s a very good question. We think this is one of you most awaited topic, right?
Well, just like any other job out there, how much you make as a transcriptionist depends on certain factors. The common ones are:
– Your years of experience as a transcriptionist. (If you are an entry level transcriptionist, expect that you will get a lower rate.)
– Your competence.
– Your dependability.
– Your expertise.
– While it is normally not necessary, your educational and professional background may also be looked into.
– The most important of all, the quality of your work.
We will give emphasis on the last factor. While it is important to be fast in transcribing, making sure that what you are writings accurate and of good quality is definitely far more important. As a transcriptionist, always remember that you are transcribing for actual clients and that these clients trust you to come up with a flawless transcription. It is important to know as well that most transcription job sites suspend accounts that make too many errors.
Now, as with the pay rate, a beginner or an entry level transcriptionist could make around $10 per hour. Experienced transcriptionists, on the other hand, could make $30 per hour or even more.
Now, if you know other languages apart from English, the better. You can make more money with that. Also, transcription companies pay more to those who work on audio files that have a bad quality or contains a speaker with a heavy accent.
Sites that Offer Entry Level Transcription Jobs
So we have come to one your most awaited part – the online site or companies where you can find entry level transcription jobs! The list below is in no particular order.
- Scribie
Although we said this list is in no particular order, we just have to say that Scribie is our number one recommended site for beginners or entry level transcriptionists. Although Scribie is not as high paying as other sites, we think this is the best place to start your transcription career.
To get started, all you have to do is submit your application online, and then take and pass their online test. Another reason why we thought this is where you should jumpstart your transcription career is the fact that most of Scribie’s audio files for transcription only last for at most 6 minutes. It’s definitely a good way to practice your typing skills!
To give you an idea, Scribie pays their transcriptionist on the range of $5 to $20 per audio hour. They payout via PayPal – which means you have to make sure you have a PayPal account if you’re opting to work for Scribie.
- GoTranscript
GoTranscript is another great place to start for entry level transcriptionists. Although they pay lower compares to other sites, we can say that it definitely gives you the feels, and allows you to learn the ropes of the job.
To get started, you have to complete a one test transcribing job. This allows them to see how accurate and how fast you work. But don’t worry, for beginners, they do not set high expectations.
One unique thing we like about GoTranscript is that they have editors who go over every transcription job you did. Then, the editor will rate your work and may leave feedback to help you be better at work. It’s actually nice because it’s like being trained, at the same time getting paid for it, right?
Another thing to love about GoTranscript is you get to listen to the audio file first and then decide whether you are going to take the job or not.
As with the pay rate, the company pays $0.60 per audio minute. You can make an average monthly earning of $150. GoTranscript pays out every Friday via PayPal or Payoneer.
- Accutran Global
If you are a resident of the United States and Canada, then you are qualified to work for Accutran Global. Yes, you read it right, they are exclusive to hiring transcriptionists from the US and Canada regions only.
To get started, all you have to do is complete a test after submitting your application. To land a job in Accutran Global, you must meet their 70 words per minute transcription speed requirement.
What we like about the company is they give you an opportunity to expand the services you offer apart from transcription if you consistently show understanding of the file you are transcribing.
With Accutran Global, you can make $0.004 to $0.0055 per word, or $0.40 per audio minute for longer projects. They also give bonuses for audio filed that contain technical terminology or have speakers with a heavy accent. Unlike the previous companies we mentioned, Accutran payout via direct deposit to your bank account on or before the 15 of every month.
- CastingWords
CastingWords is available in most countries worldwide. However, in order to land a job in this company, you must be at least 18 years old.
To get started, you will be required to take a transcribing test. Don’t worry, it’s just a short audio file. The test helps them gauge your transcription skills. A quick but very important reminder though, make sure to check the quick-start style guide first before taking the test.
One unique thing about CastingWords is that they use a badge system, which basically helps them rank their transcriptionists. The higher-level badges you have, the more jobs you will have access to. If your performance is low or poor, expect to lose your badges. You have to be careful because once you lose your badges in a certain category, you will no longer be able to work on jobs available in that category.
Apart from badges, you will also get a grade for every transcription job you do. Low grades mean running the risk of losing a badge. But for entry-level transcriptionists, do not worry about getting low grades. They are forgiving with newbies anyway.
The pay rate is not disclosed. However, you may request a payout through PayPal every Friday.
- Rev
Rev is definitely another go-to transcription company for entry-level transcriptionists. You do not need any experience to land a transcription job.
To get started, all you have to do is sign up at Rev Website. Once you are done signing up, you will be required to take and pass a grammar and transcription test. Then, you are good to start working!
What we like about Rev is they provide free training, which usually comes in the form of practice jobs and tutorials. You will also receive feedback from professional transcriptionists once you complete a job. Rev also has a very active forum wherein you can discuss, ask or communicate with other transcriptionists.
With regards to their pay rate, the average earnings a Rev transcriptionist make on a monthly basis is $245. Top monthly earning is at $1,495. Rev also pays out on a weekly basis through PayPal.
These are just five of the best transcription websites out there! As we said, there are actually a lot more to choose from. At the end of the day, it’s up for you to decide where you want to get affiliated with.
Final Words
No doubt, transcription is a very good work from home gig. However, the reality of the job is – it is not as easy as everyone thought it to be.
It’s not like you can just apply and then start working. You need to have the right skills and attitude for the job. While some companies are very generous and welcoming to beginners or newbies in this field, you have to make sure you do your part before even applying.
Once you are fully decided that you want to get into the transcription industry, you are sure to find easily an entry level transcription job.
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