Top 5 Online Transcription Jobs that Require NO Experience or Test 

(earn upto $5 to $20 per hour)

Transcription is one of the biggest side hustles that you can do in order to earn some extra cash. For some skilled professionals it is their biggest source of income but if you don’t have experience transcribing, there are still websites and clients out there that will pay you to convert audio into text (transcribe) for them.

Most of the transcriptions sites make you go through a preliminary set of tests and only approve you if you pass all their tests. These tests are made for beginner level and are almost always easy to clear if you have a good hold on English Language, including grammar and spellings, and also have a fast typing speed.

Requirements for Transcription:
1) Computer
2) Fast typing speed
3) English language (grammar and spellings)
4) Internet Connection
5) E-Money System (mostly Paypal)

Some websites which hire only professional transcriptionist require you to own a foot pedal and a transcribing software as well.

However, if you are a beginner with no experience, some of the tests offered by certain sites might be difficult for you to clear especially if you have a slow typing speed. So for that reason, I’ll list top 5 transcription sites which you can join, to not only earn money but to improve your skills as a transcriptionist, especially if you are looking to make it a viable career option.

1) Youtube:

Now you can become one of the people to earn money from Youtube as well but not as a vlogger but rather a transcriptionist.
Youtube offers CC (closed captions) but they are auto-generated and seldom correct. Search on Youtube for a channel related to fitness, money making etc. and see if they have CC on. In case they do not, send them an email offering your service to transcribe their videos in order to help them reach audience worldwide. Make a compelling pitch so they can’t say no to your offer. To find a channel’s email look in the description box below each Youtube video or at the top of their channel in their channel banner.

Payment: As a beginner, your payment rate should not be more than $1 per audio minute. Always use Paypal for such transactions.

 2) Fiverr:

As a freelancer, your best bet to get online work/gigs would be via fiverr. They have no preliminary requirements. Just sign up, make an account, create a transcription gig and upload a sample of your work in order to attract more buyers. Promote your gig on social media to get more orders.

Payment: Fiverr pays via Paypal, direct bank accounts (U.S only) and Payoneer. A good gig package as a beginner would be to offer 5 audio minutes transcription per $5.

3) People Per Hour:

Another option for freelance transcriptionist would be people per hour. You need to have a good command on English to impress them with your application in order to get accepted and that is their only requirement. They also have a higher pay rates compared to Fiverr. You can either create an hourlie here (similar to a gig on Fiverr) or you can send proposals to offers already posted by individuals that require your services.

Payment: Payment is via Paypal or direct bank transfer.

4) Upwork:

Upwork requires an initial application approval but even if you get rejected the first time you can keep applying as many times as you like until you get accepted. Make sure to go through their guidelines in order to understand their approval criteria. Once you get approved, select the category of writing/translating as transcription falls under it. After this, enter your skills and then send proposals or bid on the tasks already listed by the clients. Make sure to list your skills and the price that falls within the client’s listed budget.

Payment: Payment is via Paypal.

5) Indeed:

Lastly, you can search for at home or remote transcription jobs at Indeed.com. You will have to send your resume that must include your email address and phone number as that is how you will be contacted if you get selected for a job. This does require you to have some experience as it will need to be included in your resume. Still you can search for beginner level transcription jobs as that are always popping up on this site as well.

Payment: Payment will be via the method selected by the company that hires you.


These are all of the for-sure methods to get started as a transcriptionist with minimal or zero experience and without the hassle of passing a test. You can make a substantial side income as a freelance transcriptionist if you are determined to learn new things.

Have you ever worked as a transcriptionist? Leave your comments down below about your experiences in the transcription industry.