Home-Based freelance transcriber

Researchers and students, small businesses, podcasters, journalists, coaches and consultants who need recordings written up.

Price per audio minute or per finished hour of recording, with extra for poor audio, multiple speakers, timestamps or fast turnaround.

• Fast, accurate typing
• Strong spelling and grammar
• Careful listening and attention to detail
• Keeping client material confidential

• Confidentiality: clients may expect a signed non-disclosure agreement and secure file handling
• Research and health recordings may involve privacy rules, check what applies in your province
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check how to set aside tax as a sole proprietor
• Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and ask an insurer what suits you
• Poor audio and heavy accents take longer, so quote for difficulty to protect your hourly earnings

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $200 to $1,000, depending on the computer, headphones and transcription software you already have or need to buy for the work.

Clients may expect a signed non-disclosure agreement and secure file handling. Check privacy rules for research and health recordings in your province, whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.

Monthly revenue estimates are typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on hours worked and clients. Poor audio and heavy accents take longer, so quote for difficulty to protect your hourly earnings.