What Do Remote Captioners Do?
Remote captioners convert spoken audio into written text for videos, broadcasts, live events, and pre-recorded content. This differs from transcription in that captions are time-synchronized with audio and include speaker identification and sound effects. Captioners work across entertainment, education, legal, and medical industries.
Real-time captioning involves transcribing live events as they happen, requiring specialized equipment and high typing speeds (200+ WPM with stenography). Post-production captioning allows you to work on pre-recorded content at your own pace, typically requiring 60-80 WPM typing speed with high accuracy.
Types of Remote Captioning Jobs
Real-Time Captioner
$25-45/hourCaption live events, broadcasts, and meetings as they happen using stenography equipment or voice writing.
Required Skills:
- • Stenography certification (often required)
- • 200+ WPM typing speed
- • Real-time accuracy under pressure
- • Specialized equipment proficiency
Equipment Needed:
- • Stenography machine ($1,500-3,000)
- • High-speed internet (50+ Mbps)
- • Backup internet connection
- • Quality headphones
Post-Production Captioner
$15-30/hourCreate captions for pre-recorded videos, ensuring accuracy, timing, and proper formatting.
Typical Turnaround:
- • 24-48 hours for standard projects
- • Rush jobs pay premium rates
- • 4:1 ratio (4 hours work per 1 hour video)
- • Flexible scheduling
Software Used:
- • CaptionSync, Rev, 3Play Media
- • Subtitle Edit (free)
- • Aegisub (free)
- • Company-specific platforms
Broadcast Captioner
$30-50/hourProvide captions for TV networks and streaming services, ensuring FCC compliance and broadcast standards.
FCC Requirements:
- • 99% accuracy standard
- • Proper speaker identification
- • Sound effect notation
- • Synchronization requirements
Career Path:
- • Start with smaller networks
- • Build portfolio and reputation
- • Advance to major broadcasters
- • Potential for specialization
CART Provider
$40-80/hourCommunication Access Realtime Translation for educational and legal settings, providing real-time text for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Certification:
- • CART certification required
- • State licensing (varies)
- • Continuing education requirements
- • Professional association membership
Specialization Benefits:
- • Higher pay rates
- • Consistent client base
- • Professional development
- • Industry recognition
How Much Do Captioning Jobs Pay?
Pay Rates by Experience Level:
- Entry-Level: Post-production captioning$15-20/hour
- Experienced: Real-time captioning$25-40/hour
- Specialized: Broadcast and CART$40-80/hour
Pay Models: Per-minute rates ($1-3/minute of finished content) or hourly rates. Rush jobs and specialized content (legal, medical) command premium rates.
Getting Started in Remote Captioning
Required Skills:
- • Typing Speed: 60-80 WPM (post-production), 200+ WPM (real-time with stenography)
- • Accuracy: 98%+ accuracy rate required
- • Grammar: Excellent grammar and punctuation
- • Listening: Strong audio comprehension
- • Attention to Detail: Catch every word and sound
- • Time Management: Meet tight deadlines
Training Programs and Certifications:
- • Court Reporting Schools: Offer stenography and CART training (12-36 months)
- • Online Courses: Captioning fundamentals and software training (self-paced)
- • Certifications: CART certification, broadcast captioner credentials
- • Company Training: Some employers provide paid training for post-production work
Common Software Platforms:
Professional Platforms:
- • 3Play Media
- • Rev.com
- • CaptionSync
- • Vitac
Free Tools:
- • Subtitle Edit
- • Aegisub
- • YouTube Studio (practice)
- • Amara (community)
Building Your Portfolio:
- • Start with free projects on Amara or YouTube to gain experience
- • Create sample captions for different content types (educational, entertainment, news)
- • Take typing tests to demonstrate speed and accuracy
- • Apply to entry-level positions with established captioning companies
- • Network with other captioners in professional associations
Equipment Needed for Captioning Work
Post-Production Setup:
- • Computer: Standard laptop or desktop
- • Internet: 10+ Mbps reliable connection
- • Headphones: Quality over-ear headphones ($50-150)
- • Software: Usually provided by employer
- • Foot Pedal: Optional but helpful ($30-60)
Real-Time Setup:
- • Stenography Machine: $1,500-3,000 (or rent $100/month)
- • High-Speed Internet: 50+ Mbps (hardwired)
- • Backup Internet: Mobile hotspot or secondary ISP
- • Professional Headset: Broadcast-quality ($100-300)
- • Quiet Workspace: Soundproofed area essential