Online transcription for interviews and meetings

University researchers, journalists, podcasters, market research firms, consultants, and councils or organisations that record meetings.

Charged per audio minute or hour of recording, with higher rates for poor audio, multiple speakers, technical subjects or fast turnaround.

• Excellent listening and typing accuracy
• Comfortable with transcription software and foot pedals or hotkeys
• Good understanding of different accents
• Discretion with sensitive recordings

• Confidentiality: interviews can include sensitive or personal information, so check privacy obligations and use secure file transfer
• Research clients may need a signed confidentiality agreement or ethics requirements
• Check whether professional indemnity insurance suits your work
• AI transcription tools have lowered prices for simple jobs, so specialise in difficult audio, accuracy or specialist topics
• Long periods of typing and listening, so plan breaks to protect your hands, wrists and hearing

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your software, equipment and any insurance you choose. Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500 as an estimate, depending on how much work you win and how specialised it is.

Interviews can include sensitive or personal information, so check your privacy obligations and use secure file transfer. Research clients may need a signed confidentiality agreement or have ethics requirements. Also check whether professional indemnity insurance suits your work.

You need excellent listening and typing accuracy, comfort with transcription software and hotkeys, and discretion with sensitive recordings. As an estimate, plan at least around 8 hours a week. AI tools have lowered prices for simple jobs, so specialise in difficult audio or specialist topics.