2021 Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners

If you’re just getting started, here are some other websites and companies that are options for beginners.

1. GoTranscript

• Rate Info: Up to $0.60 per audio minute

• Payment Method: PayPal

• Payment Frequency: Weekly

• Requirements: Pass their test

GoTranscript hires workers from all around the world, and no transcription experience is needed. You will need to pass a test to get started, but if you fail the test you can try again in a few days. There is no word-per-minute typing speed requirement.

You can earn up to $0.60 per audio minute for both audio and video files. Payments are made weekly via PayPal. Average earners make $150 per month with top earners bringing in $1,215 per month.

2. Rev

• Rate Info: $0.40 – $0.75 per audio minute

• Payment Method: PayPal

• Payment Frequency: Weekly

• Requirements: Pass their test

Rev is another one of the better-known transcription service providers. Rev offers transcription for audio files and videos.

In order to get started with Rev you will need to pass their online test. Once you pass the test you will be able to claim work that is available. Payments will vary depending on what you are doing, but generally it varies from $0.40 – $0.75 per audio minute.

According to Rev, the average transcriptionist earns $245 per month, with top earners reaching $1,495. Payments are made once per week by PayPal.

3. Quicktate and iDictate

• Rate Info: $0.0025 and $0.005 per word

• Payment Method: PayPal

• Payment Frequency: Weekly

• Requirements: 3 references and background check

With Quicktate you can transcribe letters, memos, voicemails, legal notes, medical reports, and other short audio files. All of the audio files with Quicktate will be less than 5 minutes in length. iDictate is for audio files longer than 5 minutes like lectures, sermons, conference calls, YouTube videos, and more.

Both are owned by the same company, and as a transcriber, you can complete one application to work for both Quicktate and iDictate.

For the application, you’ll need 3 references (can’t be your family members) and you will need to complete a background check. They do not accept applicants with felony or misdemeanor convictions. There is a $20 fee for the background check.

The pay varies between $0.0025 and $0.005 per word, and payments are made by PayPal.

4. Way With Words

• Rate Info: $0.45 – $1.73 per audio minute

• Payment Method: PayPal

• Payment Frequency: Monthly

• Requirements: Pass their assessment

Way With Words hires transcriptionists from the United States, Canada, United Kindom (and other European Union nations), South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

They pay between $0.45 – $1.73 per audio minute based on the turnaround time of the project. So if you’re able to take projects that require a fast turnaround time, you’ll be able to earn more.

You don’t need to have previous experience to apply, but you will need to pass their assessment. Once you’ve applied and passed the assessment, you’ll be able to work as much or as little as you want, whenever it’s convenient for you.

You’ll be paid monthly by PayPal.

5. Scribie

• Rate Info: $5 – $25 per audio hour

• Payment Method: PayPal

• Payment Frequency: Withdraw any time

• Requirements: Pass their test

Scribie is known to be one of the lower-paying online transcription companies. By working for them you can earn $5 – $25 per audio hour. There are also small monthly bonuses available ($5 for every 3 hours completed). You can withdraw earnings to your PayPal account at any time.

You don’t need any experience to get started, but you will need to pass a test. With Scribie, you’ll be working on short files, 10 minutes or less.

Scribie does not assign work to you. You’ll be able to preview the available jobs and decide which ones you want to take.