Complete guide to transcriptionist careers, job requirements, salary expectations, and how AI is changing the industry
A transcriptionist is a professional who listens to audio recordings and converts spoken words into written text. They work in medical, legal, general, and media transcription, earning $15-50/hour depending on specialization and experience.
What Does a Transcriptionist Do?
Core Responsibilities
Primary Tasks
- Listen: Play audio/video recordings
- Type: Convert speech to written text
- Edit: Correct grammar and formatting
- Research: Verify terminology and spellings
- Review: Proofread for accuracy
Work Environment
- Remote work: Most positions are work-from-home
- Flexible hours: Often project-based scheduling
- Quiet space: Requires distraction-free environment
- Equipment: Headphones, computer, foot pedal
- Software: Transcription platforms and tools
Typical Day Example
Sarah, Medical Transcriptionist:
- 9:00 AM: Log into transcription platform, review overnight assignments
- 9:30 AM: Begin transcribing 3 doctor-patient consultations
- 11:00 AM: Research unfamiliar medical terms, verify dosages
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM: Complete transcription of surgical reports
- 3:00 PM: Proofread and submit completed work
- 4:00 PM: Quality review feedback and continuing education
Types of Transcriptionists
1. Medical Transcriptionist
- Average Salary: $37,550/year
- Experience Required: Certificate/training
- Work Setting: Hospitals, clinics, home
- Growth Outlook: Declining (-5% by 2033)
Converts physician dictation into medical reports, patient histories, and clinical documentation. Requires knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and healthcare procedures.
Sample Work: Patient presents with acute abdominal pain radiating to the right lower quadrant. Physical examination reveals positive McBurney's point tenderness consistent with acute appendicitis.
2. Legal Transcriptionist
- Average Salary: $42,000-55,000/year
- Experience Required: Legal knowledge preferred
- Work Setting: Law firms, courts, freelance
- Growth Outlook: Stable
Transcribes legal proceedings, depositions, court hearings, and attorney-client meetings. Must understand legal terminology and maintain strict confidentiality.
Sample Work: Depositions, court proceedings, legal briefs, client interviews, arbitration hearings, and confidential attorney meetings.
3. General Transcriptionist
- Average Salary: $15-25/hour
- Experience Required: Basic typing skills
- Work Setting: Remote, freelance
- Growth Outlook: Growing with remote work
Handles business meetings, interviews, podcasts, academic lectures, and various audio content. Most accessible entry point into transcription work.
Sample Work: Business meetings, academic interviews, podcast transcription, market research, webinar content, and corporate training.
4. Media Transcriptionist
- Average Salary: $18-30/hour
- Experience Required: Media knowledge helpful
- Work Setting: Entertainment, media companies
- Growth Outlook: Growing with streaming content
Creates subtitles, captions, and transcripts for TV shows, movies, podcasts, and online content. Often includes time-stamping and formatting for accessibility compliance.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Typing speed: 75+ WPM minimum
- Listening skills: Ability to understand various accents
- Grammar mastery: Strong English language skills
- Computer proficiency: Knowledge of transcription software
- Research ability: Quickly verify unfamiliar terms
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail: Accuracy is critical
- Patience: Long hours of concentrated listening
- Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information appropriately
- Time management: Meet deadlines consistently
- Self-motivation: Work independently with minimal supervision
How to Become a Transcriptionist
Education Requirements
- General transcription: High school diploma
- Medical transcription: Certificate or associate degree
- Legal transcription: Paralegal training helpful
- Court reporting: Specialized training program
Getting Started Steps
- Assess your typing speed and accuracy
- Choose your specialization area
- Complete relevant training or certification
- Practice with sample audio files
- Build a portfolio of transcription samples
- Apply to transcription companies or freelance platforms
Salary Expectations
Entry Level
- General transcription: $12-18/hour
- Medical transcription: $15-22/hour
- Legal transcription: $18-25/hour
Experienced
- General transcription: $18-28/hour
- Medical transcription: $25-35/hour
- Legal transcription: $30-50/hour
Specialized
- Court reporting: $50-100/hour
- Technical transcription: $25-40/hour
- Media/entertainment: $20-35/hour
AI Impact on Transcription
How AI is Changing the Field
- Automated transcription: AI handles initial drafts
- Quality editing: Humans review and correct AI output
- Faster turnaround: Projects completed more quickly
- Lower costs: Reduced pricing pressure on transcriptionists