At A Glance
- Typing jobs are real, and we found the legit ones. This guide cuts through the noise to help you avoid the junk and focus on real opportunities.
- Most people start with companies that pay per task. These entry-level platforms don’t require experience, but pay starts low and depends on how fast you work.
- Higher-paying work requires specialization. Roles like medical and legal transcription often need training or certification, and most people get there by building skill and speed over time.
Typing is a broad term in online job listings, often used to describe everything from data entry and transcription to captioning and content editing.
Some typing jobs pay more than others, and certain roles require training, certification, or specialized tools. Still, the field remains accessible for beginners, and many people use it as a stepping stone into higher-paying legit online jobs.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and where to find real opportunities.
Who Hires Typists?
A wide range of clients hire typists, but the most consistent demand comes from medical professionals, legal teams, media companies, and small business owners.
- Medical professionals often outsource transcription to turn spoken notes into accurate patient records. While some clinics use AI tools, many still rely on human typists for accuracy, formatting, and compliance with privacy laws.
- Legal professionals use typists and transcriptionists to prepare case files, hearings, depositions, and correspondence. These roles often require attention to detail and familiarity with legal language.
- Small business owners frequently hire typists to help with data entry, emails, internal documents, and recordkeeping.
AI has automated many typing tasks, such as meeting transcripts and basic voice-to-text. But human typists are still important for reviewing and correcting AI-generated content, handling poor audio quality, or working in sensitive fields like healthcare and law.
How Much Do Typists Make?
Earnings for typists vary widely depending on skill level, type of work, and where you’re hired.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical transcriptionists earn a median wage of around $22.68 per hour, with most earning between $15 and $29 per hour. Court reporters and captioners tend to earn more, with additional details available on the BLS court reporter page.
On freelance platforms, pay is usually lower and tied to productivity.
At Rev, transcriptionists earn about $0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute, and subtitlers can earn $1.50 to $3.00 per minute, translating to roughly $5 to $20 per hour depending on your speed. According to Rev, top earners can make up to $900 per month, though many freelancers report earning $100 to $200 per month part time.
While AI has made entry-level jobs more competitive and less predictable, typists with strong accuracy, formatting skills, and niche experience (like legal or medical) still command reliable pay. But it’s important to recognize that growth in the field is stagnant, and long-term success often depends on specializing or pairing transcription with complementary skills.
Best Companies Hiring Typists
We reviewed dozens of typing platforms and evaluated how they hire, what skills they expect, and how much real work is available. To keep things simple and practical, we organized the companies into two groups that reflect how the typing field actually works today.
Here’s the process we used:
- We reviewed each company’s application requirements and testing process.
- We checked Glassdoor ratings, worker feedback, and client reputation.
- We compared pay structures, workflow stability, and how beginner-friendly each option is.
- We looked for companies still hiring humans for real work—not just AI-assisted cleanup.
1. Rev
Rev is one of the most widely used platforms for freelance transcription, captioning, and subtitling work. It’s open to beginners and offers flexible, on-demand tasks through a self-serve job board.
Glassdoor Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars (based on 424 reviews)
Experience Needed: No prior experience required. Applicants must pass a grammar quiz and submit a short transcription sample to qualify.
Pay Model: Freelancers are paid per audio or video minute. Transcription and captioning typically pay $0.30 to $1.10 per minute, while subtitling pays $1.50 to $3.00 per minute.
2. TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe is a well-known transcription platform offering short-form audio tasks and tiered advancement into specialized fields like medical and legal transcription. It’s considered a strong entry point for beginners looking for flexible, part-time work with advancement potential.
Glassdoor Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars (based on 164 reviews)
Experience Needed: No experience required for general transcription. Applicants must pass a short entrance exam. Advancement to “Special Teams” requires consistently high performance and additional testing.
Pay Model: Starting pay is $15 to $22 per audio hour for general transcription. Special Teams (medical, legal, and other niches) can earn $60 to $70+ per audio hour. Payments are made weekly via PayPal.
3. GoTranscript
GoTranscript is a UK-based global transcription platform that hires freelancers in over 140 languages. It’s known for consistent workflows and transparent pay structures. While the English-language pool is currently paused, the company continues to hire actively for other languages and roles.
Glassdoor Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (based on 284 reviews)
Experience Needed: No formal experience required for standard transcription. Applicants must pass a short skills test. High-quality writing and grammar are expected, and formatting accuracy is emphasized.
Pay Model: General transcription pays up to $1.11 per audio/video minute. Top earners can make up to $3,600 per month. Pay is issued weekly via PayPal or Payoneer.
4. Scribie
Scribie is a long-running transcription company known for offering flexible, task-based work on short audio files.
Glassdoor Rating: 2.9 out of 5 stars (based on 73 reviews)
Experience Needed: No experience required for entry-level transcription, though accuracy is essential to remain on the platform. For their current hiring, Scribie is looking for experienced transcriptionists (current or former Scribie workers) to step into Part-Time Operations Manager roles.
Pay Model: Transcribers earn $5 to $20 per audio hour depending on speed, file difficulty, and performance bonuses. For the manager role, pay isn’t listed publicly, but the position is remote, flexible, and focused on workflow oversight, team coordination, and quality control.
5. 3Play Media
Offers transcription, captioning, and real-time editing gigs. Contractors can work on a variety of media, including education, TV, sports, and marketing content for major global clients.
Glassdoor Rating: 3.4 / 5 (based on 256 reviews)
Experience Needed: Entry-level applicants can start as editors or captioners with strong language skills. Advanced roles in live captioning, subtitling, or audio description typically require prior experience.
Pay Model: Paid per project based on complexity, with weekly payouts. Rates vary depending on turnaround times, file type, and project scope.
6. CastingWords
Task-based transcription platform where freelancers can claim short jobs and complete them at their own pace. Projects include transcription, editing, and quality review.
Glassdoor Rating: 2.8 / 5 (based on 132 reviews)
Experience Needed: No formal experience required. Open to beginners who pass a short qualification process.
Pay Model: Paid per task, with earnings varying by job type and quality rating. Payouts are processed via PayPal.
7. Upwork
Upwork is a global freelance marketplace where individuals can apply directly to thousands of posted jobs across industries—including transcription, data entry, and virtual assistance. While competition is high, especially for new freelancers, there are legitimate, long-term opportunities for those who can demonstrate reliability, communication skills, and work quality.
Client companies also receive reviews from freelancers, so it’s worth checking a company’s past ratings to assess their credibility before applying. Many clients prefer U.S.-based freelancers, which can affect hiring chances and expected rates.
If you’re new to the platform, see our guide to getting your first job on Upwork for tips on building a standout profile, writing effective proposals, and landing entry-level gigs.
8. Fiverr
Fiverr works differently from Upwork. Rather than applying to job listings, freelancers set up service listings (called “gigs”) that clients can purchase directly—e.g., “I will transcribe 60 minutes of audio for $30.” The platform is ideal for beginners testing the waters, as you can start with low-risk, one-off tasks and build credibility over time.
Fiverr is often best used as a starting point to build portfolio pieces, earn reviews, and get a feel for freelancing. Higher earnings and steady client relationships are more likely to develop elsewhere, but it’s a solid launchpad.
New to Fiverr? Check out our step-by-step guide to landing your first job on Fiverr to learn how to structure your gigs, price them competitively, and get traction early on.
9. AccuTran Global
AccuTran Global is a Canadian-based transcription and real-time captioning company serving clients in finance, law, and media. They contract experienced transcriptionists, voice writers, and editors for high-accuracy, deadline-sensitive work.
AccuTran isn’t always hiring, and opportunities may be limited to specific departments or client needs. Check their careers page regularly for open roles.
Glassdoor Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 18 reviews)
Experience Needed: Contractors are expected to have strong typing skills and the ability to follow complex formatting instructions.
Pay Model: Pay varies based on the type of work, file complexity, and turnaround time. While specific rates aren’t listed publicly, roles like voice writing and real-time captioning tend to command higher compensation. Contractors are paid per project.
10. Kendall Creek Communications
Kendall Creek Communications is a Montana-based legal transcription staffing agency that connects independent transcribers with court reporting agencies, attorneys, and government contractors. They work with agencies handling sensitive content for federal entities like the IRS, Immigration, SSA, DOJ, and more. The company operates entirely with independent contractors, and all transcription work is legal in nature.
Glassdoor Rating: 3.4 / 5 (based on 12 reviews)
Experience Needed: Prior experience in legal transcription is strongly recommended. Some government-related projects may require security clearance or fingerprinting. Transcribers are expected to follow strict formatting and turnaround guidelines.
Pay Model: Payment is typically $1.50 to $2.00 per double-spaced page for legal work, or per audio minute for political content. Contractors invoice weekly and are paid via direct deposit on Fridays.
Apply to Kendall Creek Communications
11. Axion Data Services
Axion is a U.S.-based data services company offering data entry, verification, and online research support to clients across healthcare, finance, government, and other sectors. They’re known for maintaining a small, stable team of long-tenured independent contractors.
Glassdoor Rating: 4.6 / 5 (based on 2 reviews)
Experience Needed: Applicants must have prior data entry experience. U.S. citizenship and residency are required. Positions are rarely open, so interested candidates should register in their applicant database and wait for notification.
Pay Model: Pay is project-based, with compensation set per document or entry. Rates vary by assignment and efficiency, and all work is performed under an independent contractor agreement.
12. GMR Transcription
GMR Transcription is a California-based company offering human-based transcription, translation, and proofreading services. Known for its focus on accuracy, privacy, and client customization, the company works with academic institutions, government agencies, and private clients. GMR hires only U.S.-based transcriptionists and guarantees 99% accuracy on quality audio.
Glassdoor Rating: 4.4 / 5 (based on 68 reviews)
Experience Needed: GMR doesn’t take direct applications through its website. Instead, it recruits transcriptionists via reputable job boards and transcription forums (they mention FlexJobs). Applicants must pass a rigorous test, and high-quality work is expected from day one. The company primarily hires experienced transcriptionists but offers work across industries and audio types.
Pay Model: Rates vary based on file complexity, audio quality, and turnaround time. Pay is issued per audio minute.
Visit GMR Transcription Careers
13. DataPlus+
DataPlus+ is a data services and annotation company known for its work in AI training, speech recognition, and transcription. While the company works globally, it regularly contracts freelance transcriptionists and annotators for short- and long-term projects. Jobs are posted on its recruitment board and typically include language annotation, data entry, speech transcription, and labeling work.
Glassdoor Rating: 4.0 / 5 (based on 18 reviews)
Experience Needed: Varies by project. Some roles require fluency in specific languages or prior experience with tools like LiDAR or audio annotation platforms. Others are open to entry-level candidates willing to follow detailed instructions and meet formatting and quality requirements. DataPlus hires both individuals and pre-formed teams.
Pay Model: Paid per task or per audio minute, depending on the role. Work availability and pay structure can vary significantly by job type and location.
Where to Find Legit Full-Time W2 Typing Jobs
On major job boards, low-quality listings and outright scams are common. Here’s what to keep in mind and where we recommend starting your search.
14. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is one of the few job boards that hand-screens every listing. It charges a small subscription fee, but in return you get access to remote jobs with verified employers across categories like transcription, data entry, and virtual assistance. If you’re serious about avoiding spam and investing time wisely, it’s worth considering.
15. Indeed
Indeed has one of the largest databases of remote and flexible jobs, but it also has a high volume of low-quality listings. Job scams aren’t uncommon. That said, you can still find solid leads by vetting postings carefully.
Tips for Vetting Listings on Indeed:
- Check the company’s website and see if the job is listed there.
Review the company on Glassdoor and the Better Business Bureau. - Look at the email domain used in communications—it should match the official company domain (e.g., john@company.com, not company.hr@gmail.com).
- Be wary of listings that offer unusually high pay for low-skilled work or ask for upfront fees.
Micro Job Data Entry Opportunities
The term “microwork” refers to tasks that can be completed in just a few seconds or minutes. In most cases, the pay per task is very low. That’s in large part because these tend to be tedious, menial tasks that can be performed by almost anyone with a computer — regardless of their skills or education level.
Still, they are a legit way to make some side income in your spare time — especially if that only comes in short and/or inconsistent bursts.
Plus, you may be able to squeeze more value out of the per-minute payout rate if you have exceptional typing skills (as you’ll be able to work faster than other people).
Learn more: In addition to the options below, check out our list of the best micro job websites.
16. Clickworker
Clickworker is a marketplace that lets registered workers complete small data entry and translation tasks. To qualify, you must complete and pass a skills assessment. Task payments vary and can be done anywhere and anytime.
17. Amazon mTurk
This is a section of Amazon that offers small paid tasks, including data entry. While most tasks pay modestly, they don’t require any experience and can be completed very quickly.
18. Microworkers
Microworkers offers micro jobs in areas such as data entry, translation and transcription. It’s a marketplace that connects those who need jobs completed and those who want to do the jobs, making it similar to freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
The Future of Online Typing Jobs
Typing jobs remain a popular online job because they’re accessible, flexible, and built around a skill many people already have.
That said, this is not a fast-growing field.
Many of the easiest roles—especially those with no experience required—are seeing declining availability as AI tools increasingly automate basic transcription, captioning, and data entry tasks.
Still, there’s opportunity for those who treat typing work as a stepping stone rather than a long-term career in itself.
If you’re willing to build complementary skills—like podcast publishing, content formatting, or client communication—you can start earning more and move into higher-value work.
For example, instead of just transcribing a podcast, you might learn to write show notes, upload episodes to platforms, or even manage a podcast’s content pipeline.
It’s also important to set realistic expectations.
You might only earn $100 to $200 per month on platforms like Rev or Scribie at first. But for some, that’s a meaningful supplement—especially when you’re just looking for flexible remote work.
And over time, if you invest in specialization (like legal or medical transcription), it can turn into a steady part-time or even full-time income.
