Transcription rates do vary, depending on which type of transcription.  So what is the difference in rates of pay between a transcriptionist and a scopist?  And how are they computed?

Transcription rates are all over the map. 

Rates can range from barely making minimum wage for certain types of transcription up to making a very substantial amount of money for other types of transcription.

How about some dollar figures? Sure!  Transcription rates are less than a $1 per page up to $10 or more per page for super fast turnaround, most often of legal transcription.

There are different types of transcription, though.

Transcription rates also vary depending on the type of transcription created.  These are the major categories:

• General
• Medical
• Legal & Law Enforcement

General transcription …

Our experience is that general transcription is generally paid by the audio minute and is paid at a lower rate than some of the other types of transcription.  This type of transcription is usually a good entry point if you are a beginner transcriptionist and is a good place to start your work-from-home career!

Medical transcription …

Once a lucrative field, this type of transcription has been replaced by voice recognition software in many places.  As a result, medical transcription does not command the higher rates as it did in past years, although there are some exceptions.  Medical transcription is usually paid by the line and may or may not be a good choice for you, depending on your situation and your financial needs.

Legal and law enforcement transcription …

However, legal and law enforcement transcription rates are holding steady and are paid by the page instead of by the audio minute or by the line.  Our experience is that, hands down, legal transcription pays the highest of all the various types of transcription.  However, you might find that legal transcription can be a bit challenging if you are new to the transcription profession.

RELATED:  Transcribing or Scoping?

What about scoping rates?

Scoping rates are a little more predictable, with the typical 4-5 day turnaround on basic lay witness testimony being around $1.25 to $1.35 per page, more for expedites, and double rates for same-day delivery of files called “dailies” or “daily copy.”

In addition, many scopists charge more for video depositions, experts, medical witnesses, trials, arbitrations, and other hearings.

So there you have it as far as the average rates.  Each person is different, and you may be able to make an excellent living working from your home with either transcription or scoping!

Check out our courses at Learn to Transcribe™Academy. Begin with one of our free courses to get your feet wet and see if you think transcription from home would fit well with your lifestyle!