top of page

21 Best Online Transcription Sites that Hire Beginners in 2024

Updated: May 31


Best transcription sites for beginners
Best transcription sites for beginners

If you are looking for ways to make money at home, transcription is one of the most viable options. It is an easy and flexible job, perfect to supplement your income.


Even if you are just a newbie in this field, you can find your way to success through the best transcription sites for beginners.


Whether you need flexible working hours or want to work from your home while growing professionally, becoming a transcriptionist is one of the best-suited and well-paying jobs today.


In this article, let's explore the 21 best transcription sites for beginners.


These sites offer competitive rates and some of them also offer training programs to level up your skills.


21 Best Transcription Sites For Beginners


Transcriptionists are crucial for the development of documents and knowledge base management. They help companies save time by transcribing audio and video files into textual formats.


Here is a comprehensive list of the best transcription sites you must check out as a beginner:



Shall we look at them one by one?


1) TranscribeMe


TranscribeMe is one of the best transcription sites hiring beginner-level full-time and freelance transcriptionists to work from home.


If you want to join them as a full-time employee, visit the TranscribeMe Jobs page to sign-up. If you want to join them as a freelancer, go to the TranscribeMe Freelancers page to register yourself.


Does TranscribeMe really pay?


TranscribeMe pays around $15 to $22 per audio hour for beginners. As you become an advanced transcriptionist, you can earn as much as $60 to $70 per audio hour.


The company pays you every Thursday and the minimum payout is $10.


Read this article on how much TranscribeMe pays for more information on your earning potential with this company.


Is TranscribeMe good for beginners?


TranscribeMe is one of the best and legit transcription sites for beginners. The major advantage of working with TranscribeMe is that you can even opt for very small clips consisting of 2 to 4 minutes. You can work on as many such short clips as you want and make money easily on the go.


To become a freelance transcriptionist at TranscribeMe, all you need to do is just create an account, provide your PayPal information and pass a quick test.


2) GoTranscript


GoTranscript is another best transcription site for beginners. Since this is a freelance job, you have the complete flexibility in choosing when and how much you want to work.


Does GoTranscript really pay?


At GoTranscript, you can earn up to $0.60 per audio/video minute by working as a freelancer from the comfort of your home.


If you are a polyglot, you can even choose to work in multiple languages and earn more.


How do you get paid from GoTranscript?


The company pays out every Friday through PayPal. With a steady inflow of a variety of projects, you are sure to get continuous work, grow professionally and make money at GoTranscript.


To become a freelance transcriptionist, just register at the GoTranscript Sign Up page and complete your test at the GoTranscript Jobs page.


3) Scribie


Scribie is another popular transcription site for beginners that pays around $5 to $20 per audio hour via PayPal.


Working with Scribie is much easier compared to other companies since they support you with automated transcripts.


Does Scribie really pay?


As a beginner, you can easily make around $400/month from home, with most of your work automatically completed with their Artificial Intelligence tool.


You also receive a monthly bonus of $5 for every 3 audio hours of work completed each month. Read the Scribie Transcription Guidelines for detailed information.


As you gain experience and become an advance transcriptionist, you can earn $1600/month.


4) GMR Transcription


If you are US or Canada-based, then GMR Transcription is another best transcription site to look forward to as a beginner.


You have the flexibility to work at your availability and the freedom to choose what projects to work on.


To work at GMR Transcription, no experience is needed. You just have to pass a one-minute typing test to get selected.


How much does GMR Transcription pay?


You can earn between $1000 and $3000 a month depending on the difficulty rate and the turnaround time of the projects you take.


Visit the GMR Careers Page to apply for General Transcriptionist and Spanish Transcriptionist positions.


5) Rev


To work with Rev as a Transcriptionist, you need to pass a grammar quiz and submit a transcription sample. Beginners are welcome. No prior experience or special qualifications are required.


At Rev, you can make more than $1400 a month by working on your own schedule with just your computer. Rev processes payments every week through PayPal.


Check out the Rev Freelancers page to sign up as a transcriptionist and start making money!


6) CastingWords


CastingWords is another well-known transcription site for beginners. They hire freelance transcriptionists from their CastingWords Workshop page or at Upwork.


How much can you earn at CastingWords?


For each audio minute, you can earn anywhere between 8.5 cents to a dollar, depending on your skill level. Payment is made every Friday via PayPal. The minimum payout is $1.


Make sure to read the CastingWords FAQs page to learn their guidelines and to check if your country and state are supported by them.


7) Speechpad


Another best transcription website for beginners is Speechpad.


How do you become a transcriptionist on Speechpad?


To become a transcriptionist at Speechpad, just go to the Speechpad - Apply page and submit your application.


How much can you make with Speechpad?


As a transcriptionist at Speechpad, you can earn around $0.25 to $2.50 per audio/video minute.


Check out the Speechpad Getting Paid page to learn more about how much you can earn as a transcriptionist at this company.


Speechpad pays twice a week and there is no minimum payout. Payments are made twice a week via PayPal.


8) Speakwrite


Speakwrite hires General, Legal and Spanish transcriptionists all around the year.


If you can dedicate 4 hours or more a week, Speakwrite is one of the best websites for your transcription career.


Is Speakwrite a legitimate company?


Yes, Speakwrite is a legitimate transcription company where you can kickstart your transcription career even as a beginner.


To get selected as a transcriptionist, you need to follow the Speakwrite Application Steps and pass a quick test on typing speed and accuracy.


9) Daily Transcription


Whether you are a beginner or an experienced transcriptionist, Daily Transcription is one of the best transcription sites if you are a resident of the US and Canada.


Daily Transcription takes pride in paying more than its competitors. They also provide you with the required training to hone your transcription skills.


Does Daily Transcription pay well?


If you are a high-performing transcriptionist, you can easily earn from $350 to $950 per week. To get selected, you need to pass a skills assessment test and a transcription test.


What is the payment method for Daily Transcription?


Daily Transcription pays weekly by check.


10) Ubiqus


Ubiqus is a certified ISO 9001:2015 transcription website which is also beginner-friendly. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, graduate student or a writer, you can become a freelance transcriptionist on this platform.


To get selected as a transcriptionist in this company, you need to pass any one of these tests:

  • Legal transcription test

  • Medical transcription test

  • Corporate transcription test


The test lasts for about 2 hours.


Read the Ubiqus FAQs page for more information on the application process.


11) Transcription Hub


Transcription Hub is yet another transcription site for beginners where you can sign up, get evaluated, take up transcription projects, and get paid for the work you complete.


Visit the TranscriptionHub Transcriber Registration page to create your account.


Transcription Hub gives you the flexibility to work from your home, but you need to complete and submit your transcription within 24 hours of taking up the project.


If you do not deliver the completed work within 24 hours, your payment will be denied for that project.


12) Allegis Transcription


Allegis Transcription is among the best transcription sites that encourage budding transcriptionists who want to work remotely.


To get selected as a transcriptionist, you need to undergo their quality development program and take up assessments.


You will also be paid for the transcription work you do as part of the quality development program.


Read the Allegis Program Guidelines to learn about their grading and payment information.


13) Happy Scribe


Happy Scribe is another popular transcription site that hires beginners.


Does Happy Scribe pay?


As a best-performing transcriptionist at Happy Scribe, you can earn up to 3000 Euros a month. Payment is on a bi-weekly basis by bank transfer in your currency.


Register at the HappyScribe Sign Up page to get started! Once you sign up and complete a proofreading test, you are all set to take up projects!


14) Verbit Go


If you are based in the UK, VerbitGo (formerly TakeNote) is one of the best freelance transcription sites to consider.


How do you become a transcriber at Verbit?


To become a transcriber at Verbit, you need to pass a typing speed test, an English proficiency test, and a transcription test. You must have a typing speed of at least 65 words per minute.


How much do Verbit transcribers make?


Verbit Go pays you for every audio minute you type. Payment will be done via bank transfer.


There is no minimum payout and you get paid for every audio minute you complete. You have complete flexibility in choosing how many hours you want to work in a week.


15) Transcription Staff


Transcription Staff is one of the well-paying transcription sites for beginners. By just passing a 2-minute transcription test, you can become a freelancer and start making money.


How much can you make at Transcription Staff?


At Transcription Staff, you have the potential to earn up to $20.40 per audio hour. Payment is made weekly via PayPal. The minimum payout is $6.


Although you have complete flexibility in the number of hours you put in, you need to complete at least 2 audio hours a week for your account to be active.


16) Focus Forward


Focus Forward pays $0.40 per audio minute for beginners.


To become a Focus Forward Transcriber, you need to first download the audio file to be transcribed and pass the transcription test.


Focus Forward will get back to you on your application within 48 hours of you taking the test.


17) Quicktate


Quicktate is another option for beginner level transcription jobs. This site requires you to undergo a background check once you sign up and pass their skill assessment.


Applicants need to bear the $20 cost of the background check.


How much does Quicktate pay for transcription?


For Quicktate general transcription, you get 1 cent for every 4 words. For Quicktate medical transcription and iDictate transcription, you get 1 cent for every 2 words.


Payment is made weekly via PayPal.


18) Tigerfish


If you are a US citizen or a legal resident, Tigerfish is another website to consider joining as a freelance transcriptionist.


It is to be noted that their transcription time-coding software supports only Windows-based computers and not Mac.


So ensure that you own a Windows computer before applying to this website.


Visit the Tigerfish Transcription Jobs page to learn their guidelines.


19) Way With Words


Way With Words is another transcription website where you can apply as a beginner.


How much does Way With Words pay for transcription?


WayWithWords pays around $0.45 - $1.73 per audio minute on average. The rate however depends on various factors like the type of the transcription work and its deadline.


Payment is made every month via PayPal.


New registrations for transcribers are open from time to time in this company, so budding transcriptionists should keep an eye on the WayWithWords Jobs page to grab the opportunity.


20) eScribers


eScribers hires remote legal transcribers regularly. Prior experience is not required to work in this company.


Payment is done weekly and you also get bonus opportunities all around the year, making it one of the best transcription sites for those with no previous experience.


To become a transcriber in this company, you must be legally eligible to work in the United States.


What is the payment method for eScribers?


eScribers pays its transcribers to their U.S. bank account.


Note: If you are from the UK, you can apply for transcription jobs at eScribers - UK.


21) Flexjobs


Flexjobs is a popular job board that has many transcription jobs listed by various companies. Do check out the Flexjobs transcription category to find your dream transcription job!


Once you gain experience, you can also apply for transcription jobs at the following sites in addition to the above-mentioned list:



You Will Also Like:



FAQs On Working As a Transcriptionist As A Beginner:


#1. What is transcription?


Transcription is a process in which speech is converted into text. A transcriptionist is a person who transcribes recorded speech or other sounds into written form.


Transcription work is done on audio and video recordings, in various fields such as education, medicine, and legal.


#2. How do I get started with transcription?


If you have good listening and typing skills, access to a computer, and the willingness to learn, you can easily get started as a transcriptionist.


To work as a transcriptionist, you need to sign up with transcription companies, pass a skills test and get the equipment needed.


#3. How much can I earn by transcription as a beginner?


Transcription pay rates vary from company to company, depending on the difficulty level, audio/video quality, and urgency of the project.


As a beginner, you can expect to earn around $0.40 to $0.60 per audio minute. After gaining experience, you can negotiate to make more depending on your skill level.


#4. Can you be a transcriptionist with no experience?


You don't need to be experienced to get started as a full-time or freelance transcriptionist. If you have good language proficiency and fast typing speed, most transcription companies will hire you.


This is also why being a transcriptionist is one of the best ways to make additional income.


#5. What are the four major skills needed for transcription?


You generally these four major skills needed for transcription:


  • Typing skills

  • Computer skills

  • Language proficiency

  • Listening comprehension


#6. How fast should I type to be a transcriber?


Each transcription company has its own rules when it comes to how quickly you have to type. In general, your typing speed should average around 50 to 65 wpm.


#7. How long does it take a beginner to transcribe 1 hour of audio?


The time it takes to transcribe one hour of audio is dependent on the individual's speed. Nevertheless, it generally takes anywhere from 4 hours to 6 hours.


#8. What are the types of equipment needed for a transcriptionist?


As a transcriptionist, you will need:



#9. What certification is required to become a transcriptionist?


Most companies don't require certification when hiring transcriptionists. However, becoming a certified professional can create an edge in your career and help you negotiate better pay rates.


AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) offers certification programs for transcription.


To receive the Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) credential from them, you need to pass a test that assesses you on transcription, general court practices, and vocabulary.


For those in the UK who have gained more than 3 years of transcription experience, the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters (BIVR) offers an Accredited Audio Transcriber Exam (AAT).


All of these certifications can elevate your transcription career to the next level.


#10. What qualities are required for a successful transcriber?


To become a successful transcriber, you must:


  • Have attention to detail

  • Be accurate in your job

  • Have a love for languages

  • Meet strict deadlines

  • Have a professional attitude


#11. What are the different types of transcription jobs?


Whether you are looking to work as a freelancer or as part of a larger team, understanding the different types of transcription jobs can help you find the right fit for your skills and experience.


Some common transcription jobs are:


  • Medical Transcription

  • Legal Transcription

  • Media Transcription (YouTube videos, for example)

  • General Transcription


As a transcriber, you need to have unique skills and expertise for each of the above types to ensure accuracy and clarity in the final output.


Don't Miss:



Must-Read Books On Transcription:


Reading books is essential whether you are a beginner-level transcriptionist or an experienced one.


Here are some book recommendations to enhance your knowledge of transcription and stay updated to get hired by the best online transcription sites:



Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase from them, you will help me get a tiny commission at no cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products that will tremendously help side hustlers and small business owners. Hope you find it helpful.


Best transcription sites for beginners
Pin for later - Hover over image at top left corner!

Final Thoughts On The Best Transcription Sites For Beginners


Transcription is an exciting and rewarding career path for many people. It is also not a difficult one to get into.


If you like to listen to audio recordings, such as lectures, conferences, and interviews, and also typing, then transcription is the best job for you.


This role is also perfect for people who want to be a part of the content creation process without having to deal with writing original content.


Hope this article provided you with the right guidance on the best transcription websites to kickstart your transcription career. So, are you ready to kickstart your transcription journey?


Like this post? Please share it to show your support!

Subscribe to my blog to receive updates to your inbox!


Check out our Get Paid page for fun ways to make money!


Don't Miss:



bottom of page