Closed captioning is valuable for TV broadcasters, OTT platforms, and many other businesses because it makes their content accessible to a broader audience.
Besides that, closed captioning helps TV networks and platforms meet legal requirements for video accessibility, making these captioning jobs unavoidable and in demand.
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Many opportunities are available online if you want to pursue a career in closed captioning. Many agencies and OTT platforms often hire freelance closed captioners to work remotely, so it’s possible to earn a good living from home doing this type of work.
On top of that, closed caption jobs pay decently well. Isn’t that great?
What are Closed Captioning Jobs?
Closed caption jobs involve transcribing the dialogues as well as other sounds of a film or television show ((e.g., “(door slams)”) into written form so that deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers can follow and understand what is going on.
This text is then synchronized with the audio track so viewers can follow along. The captioner needs a sharp ear for detail to accurately capture the dialogue and sound effects and a good understanding of grammar and punctuation to format the captions correctly.
There are different types of captioning jobs, but most closed captioning jobs involve either live or pre-recorded captioning. We will discuss that in a bit.
Are Closed Captioning Jobs the Same as Subtitling?
Even though both closed captioning and subtitling jobs involve translating spoken dialogue into written text, the similarities end there.
Subtitling is a relatively straightforward process of transcribing and translating the dialogue into the target language. Closed captioning, on the other hand, is a much more complex task that requires transcription, translation skills, and a deep understanding of a scene’s audio and visual elements.
Captions must describe the dialogue and any non-verbal sounds (such as doorbells or gunshots) and visual cues (such as actions or expressions) that are essential to understanding the scene. As a result, closed captioning jobs are typically more challenging and, therefore, more rewarding than subtitling jobs.
What are the Different Types of Closed Captioning Jobs?
There are two main types of closed captioning jobs: real-time and offline.
Real-time captioning is for live events, such as speeches, conferences, and broadcasts. It requires high accuracy and speed; you must type the text while the event happens.
Offline captioning is for recorded videos, TV shows, and movies. It is generally less demanding than real-time captioning, as you can take your time to transcribe the audio. However, it still requires high accuracy, as even a tiny error can be very noticeable when viewing the captions.
Whether you’re captioning in real-time or offline, it’s essential to be accurate and efficient to provide a good experience for viewers.
How Much Do Closed Caption Jobs Pay?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Closed Captioning is $34,360 annually in the US.
What Equipment Do You Need to Start Closed Captioning Jobs?
You will need a computer, reliable internet, and high-quality headphones to start working closed captioning jobs from home.
Besides, some companies and online jobs may require you to have captioning software and pedals that connect to the computers.
In addition, many captioners find it helpful to take classes or attend workshops on captioning techniques. While not required, this training can give you the skills to be a successful captioner and opportunities to work with more prominent brands. With the right equipment and training, you can start closed captioning jobs and begin to earn more.
11 Top Companies With Captioning Jobs for Beginners
1. Netflix
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms, with a wide variety of content for viewers across the globe to enjoy. That means they will benefit from making their content accessible to all.
They have several positions (both freelancing and full-time) available for captioning, subtitling, and other audio/video editing roles. For those interested in captioning jobs from home with Netflix, checking frequently and applying when jobs become available is the best strategy.
2. VITAC Captioning Jobs
If you’re looking for a captioning job, VITAC is an excellent option. They’re North America’s largest provider of media accessibility solutions and hire for both real-time and offline closed captioning jobs. Accuracy is essential for this job, as is efficiency.
Some known clients are BBC America, Fox, Discovery Channel, Food Network, CNBC, and CNN. If you get hired, you may get to work on one of these brands.
According to Glassdoor, VITAC pays $19 per hour for closed captioning jobs and approx. $27 per hour for broadcast captions.
3. Aberdeen Broadcasting Services
Aberdeen is a leading provider of transcription work and captioning services. They are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join their teams.
Some of the requirements for live online captioning jobs include the following:
- Typing speed of 180-220 WPM.
- Real-time closed captioning software
- Two computers; one for backup, and
- High-speed internet connection
Captioning jobs with Aberdeen can be either live or closed captioning and will mostly be fully remote.
Feel free to apply for a job with Aberdeen if you have what it takes to be a successful captioner. Once you apply for a job, you must submit a resume highlighting relevant education and experience. If they like your resume, you must pass a captioning test with at least 98% accuracy.
4. Rev Captioning
Rev Captioning is a popular provider of transcription services and captioning jobs. You can pick your preferred jobs, such as TV shows, videos, or movies, from the list and get paid weekly via PayPal.
The job requires excellent English skills and knowledge of grammar and punctuation. In addition, you must be able to type quickly and accurately. To start,
- Sign up and get approved to caption: Take a grammar quiz and submit a captioning sample to demonstrate your English language and grammar skills.
- Choose from the available closed captioning jobs: You’ll find hundreds of caption jobs on the platform. Select jobs you’re interested in and work as little or as much as you prefer.
- Payment: Every Monday for all the work completed the previous week.
You get $0.54-$1.10 per audio/video minute for captioning jobs.
5. 3Play Media
If you’re looking for a captioning job that offers flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home, 3playmedia is an excellent option.
As a leading provider of video accessibility services, 3Play Media offers both full-time positions and freelance captioning jobs if you’re interested in applying for an online job with them.
Captioning jobs with 3Play Media typically pay $10 to $30 per hour, and the company requires excellent English grammar comprehension and spelling skills.
6. Vanan Captioning
If you’re looking for captioning jobs, Vanan Captioning is another excellent option. They offer services in over 100 languages, so you can find one that fits your skills well.
They also work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Netflix, Amazon, and Vimeo. As a result, you can be confident that you’ll be able to find exciting and challenging work. So if you’re looking for a captioning job that fits your lifestyle, Vanan Captioning is worth checking out.
While we couldn’t find the average pay, a review on Glassdoor claims the payment is as low as $2 hourly.
7. Capital Captions
Capital Captions is also an excellent option if you’re looking for captioning jobs. The company offers various captioning services, from live event captioning to post-production work.
To work with them, you need to have the following;
- At least two years of subtitling experience
- Typing speed of at least 65 WPM
- Subtitle creation software
- Internet connection
- File conversion and video editing software
Whether you’re an experienced captioner or just starting, Capital Captions is worth checking out. However, they prefer to hire someone with a relevant education.
8. Daily Transcription
Daily transcription offers an excellent opportunity for those seeking captioning jobs. In addition, they frequently have positions for offline captioning, which is a great way to get started in the field.
The pay is competitive, and they provide all the necessary training. However, they require you to have some experience in captioning or subtitling and access to subtitling/captioning software.
9. Classroom Captioning
Classroom Captioning is a great place to start if you’re looking for captioning jobs, especially real-time captioning jobs, which means you can work while the events occur.
To be eligible for these jobs, you must be CART certified and have a typing speed of at least 180 words per minute. The pay is $35 an hour, which is very competitive. Classroom Captioning is worth checking out if you’re interested in captioning.
However, you won’t find a career or a job page on their website. Instead, you can find jobs with them on Linkedin and Glassdoor.
10. HappyScribe
If you’re looking for a captioning job, HappyScribe is an excellent option. They have offline captioning jobs available, and all experience levels are welcome.
The pay is €1.10 per video minute with an average of €450 a month, which is very competitive. Some of their popular clients are BBC, Forbes, Spotify, etc.
The process:
- The first step is to submit your application. You are required to take an assessment test and complete the questionnaire.
- After that, you must select a file and start working on it.
- Once your work is approved, you will get paid by bank transfer on a bi-weekly basis.
11. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a platform that curates and features telecommuting, part-time, freelance, and other flexible jobs. You can search for positions by keyword or browse through the job categories.
In addition, FlexJobs hand-screens each job listing to remove scams and other dubious positions. As a result, it is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a legitimate, flexible job.
However, Flexjobs is not free to use. We recommend you sign up for it, which will ease your job search.
Closed Captioning Jobs FAQ’s
How Do I Get a Job as a Closed Captioner?
If you’re interested in becoming a closed captioner, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
- First, work on your typing skills. You’ll need to be able to type quickly and accurately to keep up with the video’s audio.
- Second, get the necessary captioning equipment, including software, hardware, or both. What you need will depend on what kind of captioning job you have and the client’s requirements.
- Third, get experience by captioning videos for practice or getting gigs from Fiverr or Upwork. It will help you get a feel for the work and hone your skills.
- Fourth, consider certification or some training. While only sometimes required, a certificate can show potential employers you’re serious about your career as a closed captioner. It will help you land a lot more captioning jobs.
How Much Do You Get Paid for Closed Captioning?
On average, closed captioners earn $20 per hour to over $75 per hour. However, the pay can vary depending on experience, skills, and the type of work you’re doing.
For instance, live captioning jobs tend to pay more than post-production work. So, if you’re interested in becoming a closed captioner, research the different types of captioning jobs to see which one is right for you.
Is Closed Captioning a Good Job?
Closed captioning is one of the best online jobs for anyone looking to work from home, and it’s also a great way to earn extra money.
However, it’s essential to remember that closed captioning is a fast-paced job requiring excellent typing skills. So, if you’re not a fast typist, there may be better jobs than closed captioning.
Are You Ready?
Plenty of opportunities are available if you’re interested in becoming a closed captioner.
Remember to brush up on your typing skills, get the necessary equipment, and keep learning. And if you want to stand out from other captioners, getting certification or training can help you land more captioning jobs.
