Transcribers create written versions of audio or video recordings, meetings, and conversations. This job involves listening to audio and translating it into long-form text, reviewing drafts of written transcriptions, and liaising with clients to make sure they’re happy with the final documents. Transcribers typically work in an office-based environment, although there is an opportunity with this job to work remotely and on a freelance basis. Transcribers usually work during regular business hours, but can work part-time as well, especially if working as a freelancer. This job is well suited to people who are detail oriented, have excellent writing and listening skills, and can communicate well with clients and colleagues, both verbally and over email.

Transcriber Duties and Responsibilities

Transcribers carry out a range of different responsibilities depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, duties typically involve:

Interpreting Audio Recordings

Transcribers listen to recorded dictations to interpret and transcribe them, translating any industry-specific jargon into long-form text, such as medical terminology or legal terms.

Reviewing Drafts

Transcribers review drafts prepared by speech recognition software, ensuring that it’s correct and complete, and making any edits for accuracy and consistency in style.

Identifying Inconsistencies

A key part of this job is to spot any inaccuracies and errors, and to add in missing information within the final report. Transcribers check that every aspect of the document is correct, particularly if they’re in a medical or legal setting, as discrepancies can have a negative impact.

Submitting Work to Clients for Review

Once the work is complete, transcribers send it to the client for their review. If they have any edits, transcribers will carry out the additional work for final approval.

Following Confidentiality Guidelines

Transcribers can work for a variety of industries, from medical organizations to legal practices, so a key part of this role is to follow patient and client confidentiality guidelines.