27+ Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners & Pros in 2023

Searching for companies with the best transcription jobs hiring beginners and pros? You’re in the right place!

I’ve researched and compiled a list of legal, medical, and general transcription companies offering transcription jobs from home for beginners (and everyone else).

Many don’t require prior transcription experience and offer flexible working hours.  You work whenever you want and however much you want.

Most companies pay via PayPal on a weekly basis, but others prefer bi-weekly payments.

I also wrote another detailed post on work at home jobs that pay weekly.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, read our affiliate disclaimer or privacy policy for more information.

Best Transcription Jobs Training

Before we head over to the companies, I would like to introduce you to this free transcription course for beginners. 

Getting proper transcription job training will not only shorten your learning curve, but it will help you to earn more money quickly.

Janet Shaugnessy is an experienced transcriptionist and she created an online training course: Her Best Free 7-Lesson General Transcription Mini-Course that is suitable for work from home transcriptionists, just like you.

It will help you to understand what transcription is all about, and you will find out if it’s the perfect career that you can pursue from home.

Feel free to check it out at Transcribe Anywhere.

Transcription Job Requirements for Beginners

When applying for transcription jobs, each company will have its own set of rules and requirements.

But the most common ones required by all companies for paid transcriptionist who work from home are:

• A computer in good working condition
• A high-speed internet connection
• A high-quality noise-canceling headset
• Express Scribe Pro Software, and
• Foot Pedal.

The pedal is optional, especially for beginners, but if you have some experience, I would encourage you to get one.

You will type faster and have an awesome transcription experience.

A bundle of a headset, foot pedal, and express scribe pro software usually costs fewer than $100 over at Amazon.

Online Transcription Jobs Frequently Asked Questions

Are Transcription Jobs Worth It?

Yes, transcription jobs are worth it, in my opinion. Sure, you are bound to get a lower salary as a beginner, but as you gain experience and start getting high-paying clients, the amount of money you earn online will be worth the effort. 

Also, the work is done online and transcriptionists get to set their own working hours, and decide on which projects to work on anywhere in the world. A company like Rev has a transcribing dashboard that allows you to select the type of audio files to transcribe on a daily basis. 

How Much Do Transcription Jobs Pay?

Most transcription companies and clients pay between $15 to $30 per hour. As a beginner transcriptionist, expect to start with that rate but a company like Rev pays as high as $45 per audio hour for experienced transcriptionists, who handle difficult transcription work.

What Are the Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners to Work Online?

The best transcription jobs for beginners found online can be located at these companies: Rev Transcription, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, Scribie, SpeedPad, Appen Global, GRM Transcription, Accutran Global and Fiverr.com.

These are my top picks for online transcription jobs for beginners at home – these 10 companies are always hiring transcriptionists to work from home!

We have several companies offering the best transcription jobs online that require no experience.

But it’s important to understand that these opportunities pay by the audio hour.

This means that you will earn the same amount of money for transcribing a 3-minute audio clip, whether it takes 10 minutes or two hours to complete.

To earn a good income in the transcription industry, you will need to practice many hours to improve your listening skills and typing speed.

How Much Money Can I Possibly Make As a Transcriptionist?

As a transcriptionist, the amount of money you make will depend on your skill level, experience and the project at hand. But generally speaking, transcriptionists get paid around $15 to $45 per audio hour, as I mentioned earlier.

The low rates are for beginners and the higher rates are for experienced transcribers. This means that, in a good month, if you transcribe 2 audio files per day, you can earn between $1,200 to $2,500 per month.

Now, let’s head straight to the companies!

Best Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners – Top  10 Companies & Sites Hiring!

Check out this first list of ten companies with the best remote transcription jobs from home – for beginners that are hiring worldwide, and no much experience is required.

1. Rev Transcription – Top Transcription Site!

Rev has the best transcription jobs for new and experienced transcriptionists to work from home, in my opinion.

This is a San Francisco-based transcription company and site that is always hiring for general transcription work.

If hired, you will transcribe files in academic realms, focus group meetings, business transcription, and more. Transcribers can earn up to $1,500 per month.

They have an easy-to-use platform for claiming transcription jobs and submitting completed transcripts.

They also have a forum where transcribers can share and express their views on how best they can serve the customers.

Payment is weekly via PayPal and work is available 24/7.

How Rev Transcription Works

• Sign up and get approved by taking the Rev transcription test
• The approval process takes 48 hours
• If approved, a Rev account will be created for you
• Sign in using your username and password
• Choose available transcription jobs from the work portal as much as you like
• Get weekly payments (on Mondays) for work completed the previous week

Rev Transcription Summary

• Set your own schedule
• Choose the type of audio files to transcribe
• Get paid weekly

I worked for Rev as a transcriptionist for about 2 years. I can proudly say that Rev is the best transcription company to work for because it has the best transcription jobs for beginners.

See the screenshot below!

Learn more about Rev transcription jobs by reading this detailed Rev review.

Rev is not one of the easiest transcribing companies to get hired to work for. Keep reading and apply to more sites like Rev below.

Related: How to Become a Transcriptionist and Make Money From Home

2. Go Transcript 

GoTranscript is another top transcription company known to have transcription jobs for beginners.

This company doesn’t  require prior transcription experience and accept transcriptionists from all over the world.

As a transcriptionist, you get to set your own working hours and you can work whenever you want and however much you want.

If you are searching for transcription jobs available worldwide that you can do online, I would encourage you to give GoTranscript a chance.

They pay up to $45 per audio hour via PayPal or Payoneer. Learn more about the Payoneer card application here.

How GoTranscript Works

To get started as a transcriber with GoTranscript:

• Create your Gotranscript account 
• Make sure to use the correct names and email address
• You will be taken to the GoTranscript dashboard
• Complete a short quiz
• Take the GoTranscript audio test using the GoTranscript transcription guidelines
• Transcribe the video as fast and as accurately as you can and submit it for review
• A representative will get back to you in a couple of days with the results
• If you pass the test, an email will be sent to you on how to start working on transcriptions.

I found Gotranscript audio test answers video on YouTube. I believe that it can help you pass the initial quiz with ease. Good luck!

GoTranscript Transcription Summary

• You do transcription jobs from home – get a computer and a reliable internet connection
• Flexible working hours – work whenever you want
• Get paid weekly via PayPal
• You get to choose which projects to work on
• Transcription jobs are online 24/7
• Great support team to handle all your transcription related issues
• You get regular feedback that helps you to grow your transcription skills

Interested in working with GoTranscript?

Click here to join GoTranscript and start earning by taking transcription jobs from home!

Also, feel free to check out this detailed GoTranscript review for further reading.

3. Scribie

Scribie (previously Callgraph) is among the top transcription companies known for hiring both experienced and beginner transcriptionists worldwide.

Scribie pays the lowest in the industry but it’s a great place for beginners to start their transcription careers.

You will get paid $5 – $25 per audio hour. The amount you make per audio hour will depend on your skill level, experience, and how fast you submit finished transcripts.

The files to be transcribed are short, mostly 6-minute segments and they comprise of telephone calls, interviews, and speeches.

Scribie has a 2-hour TAT for each file to be transcribed. TAT means turnaround time (the amount of time it takes to convert an audio file into a transcript). 

Scribie Transcription jobs are very convenient. You work whenever you want and you also get an opportunity to choose which files to work on.

If you select a file and don’t like it, you have the option to click on the next one and claim it instead.

How Scribie Application Works

• Apply to become a transcriber and an application number will be assigned to you.
• Scribie will then send you a link to confirm your email
• You will be put on the waiting list and your application will be reviewed within 1 business day
• If you qualify, your Scribie account will be created then you will be invited for a short transcription test
• You complete the transcription test by transcribing the file assigned then send it back
• A reviewer will have a look at your work and decide whether you become a certified transcriber or not
• Once you are certified, you will get paid for the test plus gain access to all available transcription jobs.

The highest earners get $1000 per month. All payments go out via PayPal and you must have a verified PayPal account before any work is assigned.

Click here to get Scribie jobs and start earning today!

Or, check out this detailed Scribie review for more information.

4. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is among the best transcription websites and a legit company with lots of online transcription jobs for beginners.

The company has entry-level transcription jobs and no prior transcription experience is needed. You just need to have a strong command of the English language and a decent typing speed.

To get started, you will need to complete a short TranscribeMe exam and if you pass, your account will be activated and you can head over to the work hub to take transcription jobs.

If not, you’ll get another chance to redo the test in a couple of days.

You salary as a new transcriptionist will be about$15 per audio hour, but you’ll get an opportunity to take more TranscribeMe exams which allows you to earn more money.

Payments are done weekly via PayPal and you can request a withdrawal once you reach the $10 threshold.

It’s not mandatory but TranscribeMe recommends using a foot pedal on their website.

You can find cost-effective foot pedals on Amazon.

TranscribeMe Transcription Summary

• Transcribe whenever and wherever
• Transcribe short audio files – 2 to 4 minutes
• Work is available 24/7
• No need to look for work. It comes to you
• Work as much as you want

Related: How To Get Transcription Jobs from Home on TranscribeMe

5. Casting Words Transcription

Casting Words has been offering transcription services since 2005.

They have open positions for transcriptionists all over the world and their work is very flexible.

Casting Words’ audio files are short just like TranscribeMe’s and they pay every Friday of the week.

Their pay rate is a bit low compared to other online transcription companies but they have a bonus program that rewards top-performing transcribers.

If you fall in the high performing category you will be offered editing opportunities that can fetch you even more money.

CastingWords has a  great forum where transcribers share ideas and ask questions if necessary

So, if you are still looking for transcription jobs available worldwide, Casting Words would be the perfect place to look at this time!

Related: The Best Transcription Tips and Techniques for Professional Transcribers

6. Appen Global

Appen Global (initially Appenscribe) usually has data entry and remote transcription jobs. 

The company is known for hiring raters and general transcriptionists to work remotely.

This is a good starting point for beginners who don’t have much transcription experience.

But, they have simple transcription tests that you must take before getting assigned real work. You will need to commit 10 hours per week once you are hired.

If you are a multilingual speaker that’s an added advantage. You will get more work hence earning more money.

Unlike other online transcription companies we have discussed so far, Appen Global’s work is not consistent. 

Signing up with multiple companies will be a good idea while working here.

Appenscribe has a star rating of 3.6/5 from Indeed.  I encourage you to read through the Appen reviews if you prefer to work here.

7. GRM Transcription

GRM Transcription is a reputable transcription company that started operations in 2004.

GRM is currently hiring entry-level transcriptionists, but you must pass a transcription test, just like the rest of the companies, before getting hired.

The company has flexible working hours but you must commit to taking at least 4 hours of audio every single week.

It’s not clear how much you can earn here but they say that on average a qualified transcriptionist can earn up to $3,000 per month.

GRM Transcription reviews show a star rating of 4.6/5 on Glassdoor. This is definitely a good transcription company to work for.

I did an interview with Jay Prasaad of GRM Transcription and he shared how he was able to build a $1.2 million transcription business from scratch.

8. Accutran Global

AccuTran Global is a Canadian-based transcription company hiring transcribers worldwide.

You can get  at-home transcription jobs here if you are familiar with financial, medical, and legal transcription.

AccuTran pays per word, which is $0.005/word for new transcribers on basic audio and a top rate of $0.0066 for difficult and foreign audio done by senior transcribers.

They have strict guidelines and deadlines that every transcriptionist must adhere to.

9. Speechpad

SpeechPad (initially referred to us SpeechInk) is an audio transcription and video captioning website hiring worldwide.

Their transcription projects are either done on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk or through their SpeechPad Job Board. Most of their work covers insurance company interviews.

Speed has a simple sign up process that takes fewer than 5 minutes. They have a variety of qualification tests that a transcriptionist must pass before getting awarded real transcription work.

They recently introduced a Bonus Program that allows qualified transcribers to earn more money from home.

Visit Speechpad.com to find more details on transcription style guides, transcriber qualifications, and sample transcription documents.

SpeechPad has a star rating of 3.6/5 on Glassdoor. You can go check it out and read the Speechpad reviews on there.

Related: What is a Captioner?

10. Quicktate

Quicktate is a general transcription company that hires transcriptionists to type voice memos, letters, speeches, etc.

No prior experience required as long as you pass the transcription test.

They have a flexible working schedule. You work whenever you want and however much you want.

You basically just log in and start transcribing. Pay is 1/4 cent per word for general and legal transcription and 1/2 cent per word for medical transcription.

They pay weekly via PayPal.

For more opportunities, check out this list of medical transcription companies.

Entry-Level Business Transcription Jobs for Beginners

Here is a list of even more businesses that offer paid transcription work online. You don’t need to have transcription experience for these entry-level jobs like Rev.

11. Tigerfish

TigerFish is looking for trancriptionists who type fast and have a good ear for language.

They have a flexible working schedule that is suitable for work-at-home moms or even dads. For you to qualify, you must be a US citizen or legal resident.

12. Verbal Ink

Verbal Ink hires 100% US-based English Language transcriptionists. They have open positions for academic, medical, legal, and market research transcriptions.

You must have a strong command of the English language, be familiar with basic computer programs, and be able to meet deadlines.

Best Online Transcription Jobs that Require Experience

13. Accuro

Accuro is a top transcription company in the United Kingdom. They have transcription jobs for talented and experienced transcriptions.

You get flexible working hours but they prefer UK-based transcriptionists. They mainly focus on legal and medical transcription.

14. Alice Darling

Currently not hiring but you can try in the coming months. They focus on science & technology, academia, business, biotechnology, finance, medicine, film, advertising, and law.

You must have a typing speed of 75wpm, excellent English and grammar skills, experience in transcription, and the ability to stick to a set schedule.

15. Cambridge Transcriptions

Currently searching for experienced corporate and A+ Legal transcriptionists to add to their team.

You must be a fast typist, have a strong grasp of the English language, be detail-oriented, and follow instructions. If you are familiar with word-processing packages, that’s an added advantage.

16. VITAC

Formerly Caption Colorado, VItac is a work from home company that hires transcriptionists and captioners but they prefer US-based contractors.

17. Cyber Dictate

They have general transcription for US-based transcribers only.

Equipment and software required before testing: Headset, Foot pedal, Transcription software (MUST be capable of reading: DSS, DS2, WAV, MP3, DVI, WMV audio files and have AVI and MPEG reading capabilities, at a minimum), Corel WordPerfect, Microsoft Word

18. E Transcription Solutions

eTranscription Solutions focuses mainly on general transcription, financial, medical, and market research.

You must type 80wpm, have experience in typing multiple voices, good grammar and punctuation skills, meet deadlines, and be able to do basic web research.

19. TASK Document Services

Legal transcription. Must live/work in the US. Three years of transcription experience required.

You must be able to transcribe a minimum of 4 or more hours per day, 5 days per week

20. Mulberry Studios

Specialize in business, finance, technology, academia, film, healthcare, medical, and legal. Must have 75 WPM and 2 years transcription experience.

21. Net Transcripts

Legal Transcription. Must type 80 WPM. A full criminal background check is necessary if you are to work as a transcriptionist for this company.

22. Production Transcripts

Production Transcripts only hires highly proficient and experienced transcribers.

They clearly state that they do not hire beginners or students. They have a wide range of transcription projects that they like working on.

Just to name a few: one-on-one interviews, conference calls, focus groups, seminars, panel discussions, podcast transcription, and YouTube transcripts.

23. Transcription 2000

They hire US-based transcriptionists only. Their transcription services range from business to financial and legal transcription services.

24. TSI Transcription Services Inc

General, medical, legal, entertainment, financial. Must type 70 WPM. Must have this transcription equipment: WAVpedal, StopStart, Express Scribe, Olympus. Forward resume to  HR.

25. Ubiqus

They have part-time legit work from home jobs with no fees for transcriptionists.

You must be US-based, native English speaker with at least 1-5 years of transcription experience.

You also need to adhere to strict deadlines, be an excellent communicator, and be familiar with Microsoft Word.

26. We Scribe It

They have open positions for general, legal, and medical transcription.  You must type 55wpm, be detail-oriented, follow instructions, and know how to format formal documents.

27. Wordz Xpressed

They have both medical and non-medical positions available.

7 Hot Tips to Help You Land High Paying Transcription Jobs

Transcription work is not for everyone. But if you have the listening and typing skills required to do work in transcription, then these tips can help you increase your hourly pay.

1. Get Transcription Training

It’s free to get transcription training. It can help you figure out once and for all if a job in transcription is right for you.

Get the Free 7-Lesson Mini Course offered by Janet Shaugnessy over at Transcribe Anywhere.

Janet will teach you what transcription entails, whether it’s a good fit for you, how much you can earn, and why transcription is an in-demand skill right now.

2. Don’t Skim on Transcription Products

Since transcription jobs pay by the audio hour, you get paid more by completing more tasks in a shorter range of time.

Investing in a foot pedal, high-quality headset, and transcription software can help you make money fast.

3. Apply to Multiple Transcription Jobs

When you apply to work for multiple transcription companies, you can skim through them each workday and choose the highest paying opportunities.

Plus, working for more companies means a more consistent flow of jobs at all times.

4. Don’t Search for Transcription Jobs Based on Location

When looking for transcription jobs on sites like Craigslist, don’t limit yourself to the cities in your state. Because you are working from home, you can accept transcription jobs from all over the country and even worldwide.

Venture your search out to other big cities, which will give you more chances and opportunities than if you look in smaller towns.

5. Don’t Overlook Low-Paying Transcription Jobs

Most transcription companies that hire beginners tend to pay low. But what sounds like a low pay rate now, might sound much better six months down the road after you’ve increased your transcribing speed.

Plus, the experience you gain from lower-paying gigs now can lead to high paying transcription jobs in the future.

6. Put Together a Killer Transcriptionist Resume

The more companies you apply to work for directly, the best chance you will have to increase your hourly pay.

Gather all of your experience in one place and create a fantastic resume to submit to companies in the future.

When you see an ad that interests you, apply with an inquiry and include a bit of information about yourself, your experience, and attach your resume.

Remember, a good first impression is essential. Make your first impression unique and you just might land the job quickly!

7. Work Directly with Clients

You can often make the most money as a transcriptionist when you work directly with clients. It’s easy to get your first clients using a site like Fiverr, Upwork, or Craigslist.

If you’re interested in getting transcription clients vs. jobs in the transcription industry, here’s how I get clients using Fiverr:

How to Find Transcribing Jobs on Fiverr.com

1) Sign up

Go to Fiverr and click on the ‘Become a Seller’ or ‘Join’ button on the right-hand side of the website.

You can sign up using Facebook, Google, Apple, or an email address. Afterward, you will receive a message in your email telling you that your account has been activated.

Click on your profile on the right-hand side, hover over the ‘sales’ button then click on the ‘create gig’ button. The following page will appear.

2) Create Your Gig

• Create an eye-catching gig title
• Choose a category and a sub-category
• Upload a gig photo
• Write a description
• Set your price
• Specify gig extras (upcharges apply)
• Set tags and keywords that describe your service
• Enter instructions for the buyer
• Publish your gig

Note: The gig description should contain vital points like why the client should hire you.

Here, offer the benefits the client will get if they order from you such as the types of projects you have handled or can handle.

Gig Example

Note: Only 50% of buyers leave reviews. So, my gig has been ordered at least 800 times as of the time of this post.

Fiverr Reviews

When a client leaves you feedback this is what it looks like. These are some of the 5-star reviews that some of my clients left me.

Note: When a client takes his/her time to leave you feedback, be courteous enough to leave one as well, just like I have done above. Doing so encourages repeat orders and referrals.

Top Transcription Job Boards & Forums

If you need additional places to find transcription job opportunities, you can try these job boards and forums to find work in the legal, medical, or general transcription industries.

1. Transcription Essentials Forum

Transcription Essentials says that they are the most comprehensive transcription resource on the web and I can vouch for that.

They have a wealth of information about companies that hire Independent Contractors, with or without experience, for General, Legal, and Medical transcription.

They have company reviews where you are able to see if the company you’re interested in pays on time, how much you’re likely to make depending on your pay rate and how many hours per week you have free. 

Also, they do a really thorough screening when registering to avoid any spam.

2. WAHM

WAHM.com is another great place to find more transcription opportunities. They mainly focus on helping work-at-home moms run successful businesses online.

They have a section for asking questions on any topic, and they have a section for promoting your business if you have one.

Also, they can give you ideas on how to set one up. I think it’s only wise to create a transcription business once you have your feet on the ground.

3. Find Transcription Work

Find Transcription Work is a job board for both transcribers and online transcription companies.

Once you sign up you have the option of updating your profile with the necessary information so the clients can reach out to you easily and hire you. They also send daily updates to their members for available job openings.

4. Transcription Haven

Transcription Haven is similar to Transcription Essentials. You can post and ask questions regarding transcription.

Still Need Online Transcription Training?

Get this Free 7-Lesson General Transcription Mini-Course offered by Janet Shaughnessy over at Transcribe Anywhere.

Janet will teach you what transcription entails, whether it’s a good fit for you, how much you can earn, and why transcription is an in-demand skill right now.

If you prefer medical transcription jobs, then here is a huge list of companies offering remote medical transcription work for experienced transcriptionists.

Have you taken any of these transcription jobs from home? Know other transcription companies hiring?  Share your transcription experience in the comments below.