Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of digital content, the importance of captioners has never been greater.

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can craft, refine, and ensure the accuracy of our captions grows stronger.

But what does a captioner’s job really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the world of captioning,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable captioner job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Captioners provide essential text interpretation of audio content in various settings such as television, movies, online videos, and live events.

They are responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and complete transcription of speech and sounds into readable text.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Listen to audio and transcribe it into text format
• Ensure that the captions are synchronized with the spoken dialogue or actions on the screen
• Include non-verbal elements, sound effects and other pertinent audio information in captions
• Edit and correct any errors in the captions
• Review the final version of the captions to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Follow specific captioning guidelines and rules as per the requirement of different platforms
• Operate captioning software and equipment proficiently
• Work closely with other production staff to ensure the quality of final product
• Meet strict deadlines while maintaining quality of work
• Keep up-to-date with language trends, terminologies and slang to ensure relevance and accuracy in captions

 

Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Captioner to provide accurate and timely captions for our multimedia content.

The Captioner’s responsibilities include transcribing spoken dialogue and sound effects, ensuring that captions match the audio, and maintaining the context and tone of the original dialogue.

Our ideal candidate possesses excellent listening skills, strong command of English language, and proficiency in using captioning software.

Ultimately, the role of the Captioner is to ensure accessibility, accuracy, and quality in all forms of our multimedia content.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribing audio content of videos into written captions
• Ensuring captions match the spoken dialogue and are synchronized with the audio
• Providing descriptive captions for sound effects and music
• Using captioning software and equipment to perform tasks efficiently
• Proofreading and editing captions for accuracy and clarity
• Maintaining the tone and context of the original dialogue
• Adhering to specific styles and guidelines
• Ensuring all work is completed within the given deadline

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Captioner or similar role
• Excellent listening skills and strong command of English language
• Proficiency in using captioning software
• Fast typing speed and accuracy
• Attention to detail and excellent proofreading skills
• Ability to work under strict deadlines
• High school diploma; degree in English, Journalism or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Work-from-home opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Captioner
• Work Environment: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Has the option for remote work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Multimedia Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Captioner Do?

Captioners, also known as stenocaptioners, provide captions for live or pre-recorded broadcasts, films, or online video content.

They play a crucial role in making media accessible to audiences who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and for those who are learning the language.

Captioners transcribe the spoken content into written words, matching the timing of the dialogue so the captions appear on the screen in sync with the audio.

They may also provide descriptions of non-dialogue audio elements such as sound effects or musical cues.

Some captioners specialize in live captioning, a real-time process where they listen to the audio and transcribe it as it happens.

This type of captioning is commonly used for news broadcasts, live events, and sports.

Captioners also need to have excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing skills, a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, and a comprehensive knowledge of the language they are transcribing.

In addition to providing captions for broadcast media, captioners may also provide services for conferences, classrooms, and other public events.

They may work for television networks, captioning service providers, or as freelance professionals.

 

Captioner Qualifications and Skills

A professional captioner should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Exceptional listening skills to accurately understand and transcribe the spoken content in real-time.
• Fast and accurate typing skills for creating captions that are in sync with the spoken words.
• Deep understanding of grammar, punctuation and vocabulary to produce clear and accurate captions.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in spelling, grammar, and context.
• Basic technical knowledge to work with captioning software and troubleshoot common issues.
• Understanding of confidentiality and privacy standards, especially in cases where sensitive information is being transcribed.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during live events to ensure smooth and accurate captioning.
• Good research skills to verify technical terms, names or unfamiliar phrases.
• Knowledge of different languages can be beneficial for providing captions in multiple languages.
• Ability to work flexibly as live events may occur outside of traditional office hours.

 

Captioner Experience Requirements

Captioners generally start their careers with a degree or certification in Broadcast Captioning, Court Reporting, or a related field.

These programs offer practical training in transcription and the use of captioning software, which provides the foundational skills necessary for a career in this field.

Entry-level captioners may start with 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in broadcast companies, news agencies, or media companies.

They usually work on real-time captioning, offline captioning, or transcription services.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are expected to have developed their speed, accuracy, and understanding of technical terminology in a variety of fields, such as medical, legal, or technical.

They may also have experience in specialized forms of captioning, such as CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) or D-Scriptive Captioning.

Captioners with more than 5 years of experience often possess a high level of proficiency in using advanced captioning software and equipment, and may have some managerial or supervisory experience.

They may be ready for roles like Captioning Supervisor or Manager, where they oversee a team of captioners and ensure the quality of captioning services.

 

Captioner Education and Training Requirements

Captioners typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some companies preferring candidates who have completed a degree in English or Communications.

They are expected to have excellent language and writing skills, and many employers also require some level of typing speed, generally around 180 to 220 words per minute.

Many captioners gain their skills through a combination of on-the-job training and formal education, such as a certification program in court reporting or broadcast captioning.

These programs may include courses in English grammar and phonetics, legal procedures, and transcription.

The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) offers certification as a Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), which requires passing a written examination and a skills test.

Though not always required, certification can enhance employment prospects.

Continuing education may be necessary to maintain certification.

Some captioners may also pursue specialized training in areas such as real-time captioning or captioning for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This can involve additional coursework or training programs.

Experience with specific software and technology used in captioning, such as voice recognition software, is often necessary.

Many employers provide on-the-job training to familiarize captioners with these tools.

Continued learning and skills development is essential in this role due to evolving technology and standards in the captioning industry.

 

Captioner Salary Expectations

A Captioner earns an average salary of $40,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary based on factors such as experience, the complexity of the work, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a captioner need?

A successful captioner must have excellent listening skills, the ability to type quickly and accurately, and a thorough understanding of the language they are transcribing.

They should have a good grasp of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

It’s also beneficial for them to have strong concentration skills to maintain accuracy over longer periods of time.

 

Do captioners need a degree?

While a degree is not necessary to become a captioner, many professionals in the field have a background in English, communications, or a related field.

Some companies may require captioners to have specific training or certification in captioning, which often includes courses on speed and accuracy in typing, understanding accents, and using captioning software.

 

What should you look for in a captioner resume?

When reviewing a captioner’s resume, look for experiences that demonstrate strong language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

This could include previous work in transcription, writing, editing, or similar fields.

Evidence of formal training or certification in captioning is a plus.

Also, consider their typing speed and familiarity with different captioning software.

 

What qualities make a good captioner?

A good captioner is detail-oriented, patient, and has a strong sense of responsibility.

They need to have excellent hearing and language comprehension skills.

They should be able to work under pressure, as live captioning requires real-time transcription.

Good captioners are also adaptable, being able to adjust to different speakers, accents, and speeds of speech.

 

Is it difficult to hire captioners?

The demand for captioners is increasing, especially with the growing need for accessibility in digital content.

However, finding qualified candidates can be challenging as it requires a unique set of skills including fast typing speed, acute listening abilities, and excellent language proficiency.

Some companies may also require candidates to have specific training or certification in captioning.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the true essence of being a captioner.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about converting speech into text.

It’s about facilitating communication, one caption at a time.

Armed with our go-to captioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a difference.

But why pause there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your one-stop tool for meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every caption plays a vital role in delivering the message.

Let’s bridge that communication gap. Together.

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