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Did you know you can use typing skills to earn money without specialized knowledge or expensive software? From data entry services to legal transcription, there’s a whole world of opportunities where you can get paid to type. Apps or platforms like Fiverr and GoTranscript offer various jobs for typists, with wide-ranging tasks and solid pay rates.
I’ve discovered the top nine websites you can try if you want a side hustle to make extra money with your keyboarding skills.
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1. Rev
What it is: Rev is a speech-to-text company that accepts transcribers, captioners, and subtitlers for audio and video files. Freelancers are paid per audio or video minute, with weekly payouts via PayPal.
Rev is a good choice for people who are both good listeners and fast real-time typists. Rev is a good choice if you’re interested in transcription or captioning work as a typing job.
How to get started: To be eligible to work for Rev, you must complete a basic grammar test and pass an audio transcription test. While you don't need special equipment, I recommend a good pair of headphones to ensure efficiency.
How much could you earn?
According to Rev, transcriptionists can make $0.30-$1.10 per audio minute, which equates to $6-$22 per hour.
Tip
It takes the average transcriptionist 2-3 hours to complete 60 minutes of audio, so I used three hours as the threshold to determine the hourly rate. As you get more experienced, you may work faster and increase your hourly rate.2. TranscribeMe
What it is: TranscribeMe is a transcription platform offering part-time and full-time jobs. It pays per hour for completed transcriptions, ranging from $15 to $22 per audio hour.
It’s an excellent option for freelancers who prefer shorter typing or transcription jobs, usually between 2 and 4 minutes.
How to get started: To start working at TranscribeMe, you must pass an entrance exam. TranscribeMe does not require special equipment, but headphones will make the job easier. Once accepted, you can log in and start working immediately, with no limit to your daily hours.
How much could you earn?
According to TranscribeMe, transcriptionists can make $15 to $22 per audio hour, which equates to $5 to $7.33 per hour.
3. GoTranscript
What it is: If you want to work as a freelance transcriptionist, captioner, translator, or subtitler, GoTranscript is a good option. The company pays its freelancers per audio or video minute (not per hour of work), but you can choose from short- or long-term projects depending on your preferences.
GoTranscript suits fast and accurate typists who want to make money by working from home.
How to get started: To work for GoTranscript, register on their website and pass the transcription test. They require an accuracy rate of 95%, so you should take some time beforehand to prepare. If you know several languages, including English, you can earn more money working as a foreign subtitler.
How much could you earn?
According to GoTranscript, transcriptionists can make up to $0.60 per audio hour which equates to $12 per hour.
4. Scribie
What it is: Scribie is another transcription platform that allows you to work as a freelance transcriber, reviewer, proofreader, or quality control (QC) specialist. Scribie pays per audio minute, ranging from $5 to $20 per audio hour at the higher rates. You’re not for actual hours worked. For example, a 6-minute file would earn you anywhere from $0.50 to $2.
This is a good option for freelancers who want to start their careers as transcriptionists or are interested in quality control.
How to get started: To get paid to type at Scribie, you must create an account and submit a test file. Scribie will then grade your test for certification. Additionally, to work for Scribie, you will need a laptop or desktop computer, a good pair of headphones, and a verified PayPal account.
Tip
Scribie is currently revamping their system, and while they do, they have paused hiring new freelancers. They are also changing the application process to make it a more seamless process for freelancers.How much could you earn?
According to Scribie, transcriptionists can make $5 to $20 per audio hour, which equates to $1.67 to $6.67 per hour.
5. Mechanical Turk
What it is: Amazon Mechanical Turk is an Amazon platform for people looking for gigs that involve small micro-tasks, such as data entry and transcription. It works through the concept of crowdsourcing, where tasks that artificial intelligence can't do become available to a pool of gig workers to complete for a small fee.
Mechanical Turk is a good option for people who prefer quick tasks and variety in their typing work.
How to get started: You must set up an account with Amazon and then register for Mechanical Turk. You may also have the chance to get paid more if you participate in its Premium Qualifications feature. After you are set up, you can apply for tasks that interest you.
How much could you earn?
Because they are microtasks, MTurk doesn’t pay much. According to MTurk, users can make $1 to $10 per day, depending on how much they do.
6. Clickworker
What it is: Clickworker is another crowdsourcing platform that focuses on completing short individual tasks called “micro-jobs.” These tasks are usually data-oriented and require quick and accurate completion. Some jobs may require more complex tasks, such as data categorization, tagging, and web research.
Clickworker is a good choice for people willing to invest more time in understanding the tasks before they start work.
How to get started: One of the advantages of Clickworker is that it’s available for desktop and mobile users. You must register and create an account to start searching for tasks. There are no qualification tests, so you can begin working as soon as you set up your account.
How much could you earn?
Because the jobs are so varied, the pay varies too, but according to Clickworker, most users make $5 to $9 per hour on average.
7. FlexJobs
What it is: FlexJobs is a subscription-based platform for remote work. Clients post their jobs on the platform, and you apply for them as you would with a regular job posting. FlexJobs charges a fee to use its services, but it guarantees that all its postings are legitimate.
If you’re willing to spend some money to find legitimate remote typing work, FlexJobs can be a good option.
How to get started: To be eligible for jobs on FlexJobs, you must create an account and pay the subscription fee, which is $2.95 per week for a trial week but then increases to $9.95+ per week, depending on the chosen subscription.
How much could you earn?
Data entry specialists on FlexJobs make an average of $19 per hour, according to their site.
8. Upwork
What it is: Upwork is an online freelancer marketplace, however clients post jobs, and freelancers can submit proposals to complete the work. Like Fiverr, Upwork offers a range of freelance work options for typists and virtual assistants.
Freelancers get paid directly through Upwork, which makes it a relatively secure method for getting paid to type.
How to get started: To start working on Upwork, you need only sign up for a free account, create an impressive portfolio and profile, and set up your payment method. However, after your initial sign up, you may need to purchase what Upwork calls "connects" to bid on available jobs.
Each job requires a different number of connects, so you can decide which ones are worth your time and money.
How much could you earn?
Transcriptionists on Upwork make an average of $12 to $22 per hour, according to their site.
9. Fiverr
What it is: Fiverr is an online platform where freelancers can offer services. It started as a platform for freelancers to offer jobs for $5, but today, you can charge much higher rates, even for typing jobs. There are many categories of typing gigs, including data entry and transcription jobs.
Freelancing on Fiverr is a great side hustle for those with fast typing skills and a high WPM rate. The best part is that you can determine the services you'll offer and what you'll charge. You then use Fiverr as your platform to advertise to potential clients and get jobs.
How to get started: To start selling your services as a typist on Fiverr, sign up for a free account, create a “gig” (a service you are offering), and wait for a client to contact you directly. All communication goes through the Fiverr platform, and the Fiverr staff is there to help with questions or concerns, including disputes with clients.
How much could you earn?
According to Fiverr, freelancers offering data entry on Fiverr make an average of $20.19 per hour. However, you are free to set your own rates.
How to get paid to type
Getting paid to type is a great way to earn extra money, but like any jobs, there are ways to increase the amount you earn, including:
- Practice typing: The faster and more efficient you type, the more you can earn. Many platforms focus on accuracy versus speed, so practicing can help you become a more efficient typer who can take on more complex jobs.
- Showcase your experience: If you’re trying to land jobs on gig sites, like Fiverr or Upwork, consider creating a portfolio of past work. The more experience and expertise you can show, the more likely you are to get hired.
- Meet deadlines: Most typing jobs are under strict deadlines. If you turn assignments in on time or early, you’ll earn higher ratings and have access to higher paying jobs. On the other hand, if you’re always late, you could lose opportunities.
- Consider certifications: You may be able to get certified in certain tasks, such as transcription or data entry to help you stand out to potential employers.
FAQs
What does a typist do?
As a typist, you type out documents according to instructions, typically from a written document or audio recording. This could include data entry jobs, transcription services, and other typing-related tasks.
How much can I make by typing?
According to Indeed, the average hourly rate for typists in the United States is $18.45. Data entry pays an average of $19.16 per hour, and transcriptionists can earn an average of $23.10 per hour. The amount you can get paid to type will depend on your specialty, typing speed, length of experience, and other factors. You typically need an internet connection for work-from-home jobs for typing, and beginners tend to make less than people with faster typing skills.
Are there legit online typing jobs?
Yes, many reliable typing jobs are available, such as transcribing audio into text, copying information from hard copies into digital format, and data entry. Research the company you want to work for to ensure its legitimacy before committing.
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Bottom line
If you’re a fast typer and want to make some cash in your free time as an independent contractor, typing jobs are a great source of extra income. Typing jobs include data entry jobs, transcription work, and copy-typing services.
Whether you prefer working on crowdsourced tasks from Mechanical Turk or Clickworker or you want to start your own freelance typing business on Fiverr or Upwork, there are many job opportunities you can use to make money online just by using your keyboard. To get paid to type, you must decide what type of work you prefer and create an account to offer your services.
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