Captioning Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of visual media, the demand for Captioning Specialists has never been greater.

As digital content continues to evolve, the need for professionals who can effectively transcribe, synchronize, and enhance our visual experiences grows exponentially.

But what does it truly mean to be a Captioning Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of captioning work,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Captioning Specialist job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Captioning Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Captioning Specialists are responsible for providing accurate and timely captions for various forms of media content.

They play a crucial role in making information accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Transcribing spoken words, sound effects, and musical cues from video or live events
• Ensuring captions are accurate, complete, and sync perfectly with the audio
• Using specialized software for closed captioning and subtitling
• Proofreading and editing captions for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
• Making sure that the captions align with the organization’s style guidelines
• Reviewing and revising captions based on feedback from clients or viewers
• Ensuring that captions are delivered within specified deadlines
• Continuously updating technical skills and knowledge of captioning trends and tools

 

Captioning Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented Captioning Specialist to provide accurate and timely captions for our diverse range of media content.

Your responsibilities will include transcribing spoken dialogue into written captions, ensuring synchronization with audio, and maintaining the tone and style of the original content.

Successful candidates should have excellent listening skills, impeccable grammar, and the ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribe and caption audio content accurately and promptly
• Ensure captions are synced correctly with the audio
• Maintain the tone, context, and style of the original content
• Revise and edit captions based on feedback
• Ensure compliance with all relevant captioning regulations and standards
• Work closely with the production team to understand specific captioning requirements
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in captioning technology

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Captioning Specialist or similar role
• Excellent listening skills and attention to detail
• Superior written communication skills and command of English grammar
• Proficiency with captioning software
• Knowledge of relevant captioning regulations and standards
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• High school diploma; additional certification in Office Management is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Captioning Specialist
• Work Environment: This position may require working in an office setting or from home, depending on the needs of the business.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Captioning Supervisor or Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 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 Captioning Specialist Do?

Captioning Specialists, also known as captioners, work for various industries like broadcasting companies, online platforms, or accessibility services providers.

They can also work as independent contractors.

Their primary task is to transcribe spoken dialogue into written text, also known as captions, for television shows, movies, video games, and online videos.

These captions are designed for the deaf or hard-of-hearing community, but are also used by individuals who prefer to watch videos with subtitles.

They work closely with production teams to ensure that the timing and placement of captions match the on-screen dialogue and actions.

Captioning Specialists are also responsible for accurately representing non-dialogue audio elements such as music or sound effects within the captions.

They must ensure that their captions adhere to industry standards and guidelines for readability, completeness, and synchronization of the captions with the audio.

Captioning Specialists often need to be highly skilled in the language they are working in, have exceptional listening skills, and be able to type quickly and accurately.

They may also need to have some knowledge of the content matter to accurately transcribe industry-specific terminology or jargon.

Additionally, they might be tasked with creating subtitles for foreign language content, which requires them to be proficient in another language or work closely with language translators.

 

Captioning Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Captioning Specialist should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications that enable them to accurately transcribe and synchronize dialogue with visual media, such as:

• Transcription skills to accurately convert spoken dialogue into written text.
• Exceptional listening skills to identify and comprehend different accents and speech patterns.
• A high degree of attention to detail to ensure accuracy in transcriptions and to catch any errors during the revision process.
• Proficiency in software tools and technology used in the captioning industry.
• Fast and accurate typing skills to keep up with the pace of the spoken dialogue.
• Understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling rules in the English language.
• Research skills to verify unfamiliar words, names, or specialized terminology to ensure accurate captioning.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines without compromising on accuracy or quality.
• Understanding of accessibility standards to make media consumable for people with hearing impairments.

 

Captioning Specialist Experience Requirements

Captioning Specialists typically have 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field such as transcribing, subtitling, or translation.

This experience can often be obtained through part-time roles, internships, or freelance work.

Candidates are expected to have proficient typing skills, often with a speed of 60 words per minute or above, and a keen understanding of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Experience with captioning software or similar tools is also beneficial.

Those with more than 2 years of experience in captioning or a related field often have developed the ability to accurately transcribe live or pre-recorded content and might have experience with specialised types of captioning such as closed captions, subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, or real-time captions.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience typically have advanced skills and may have experience in quality assurance for captions, training new captioning specialists, or managing a team of captioners.

They may have also developed expertise in a specific area such as captioning for live events, films, television, or online content.

 

Captioning Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Captioning Specialists typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

A degree in communications, English, or a related field can be beneficial but is not always necessary.

They need strong typing skills, with an average speed of around 180-220 words per minute and excellent accuracy.

Additionally, they should possess excellent grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills.

Professional training programs in court reporting or closed captioning can provide these skills.

These programs often include coursework in voice writing, real-time captioning, and transcription.

Some employers may also prefer candidates with a Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) certification from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

This certification requires passing a written knowledge test and a skills test, demonstrating proficiency in speed and accuracy.

Continuing education and advanced training in new technologies and captioning software may also be beneficial to stay competitive in this field.

In addition to the technical skills, a Captioning Specialist should have good listening skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

 

Captioning Specialist Salary Expectations

A Captioning Specialist earns an average salary of $40,500 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may differ based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of tasks, the employer’s scale, and the cost of living in the particular location.

 

Captioning Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Captioning Specialist need?

A Captioning Specialist should have excellent listening skills and a strong command of the language they are captioning in, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

They should also have the ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines.

Familiarity with captioning software and transcription equipment is also a crucial skill for this role.

 

Do Captioning Specialists need a degree?

A degree is not always necessary for a Captioning Specialist, however, having a degree in a related field such as communications, linguistics, or journalism can be beneficial.

Most important is experience with transcription and captioning, as well as a strong understanding of the language being captioned.

 

What should you look for in a Captioning Specialist’s resume?

A Captioning Specialist’s resume should showcase experience in transcription or captioning, ideally in a professional setting.

Proficiency in using captioning software and equipment should also be highlighted.

Strong language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines are also key qualities to look for on a resume.

 

What qualities make a good Captioning Specialist?

A good Captioning Specialist is detail-oriented and highly accurate, as they must transcribe spoken words, sound effects, and other audio elements precisely.

They must also be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, as real-time captioning demands immediate transcription.

Strong language skills, patience, and concentration are also essential qualities for a successful Captioning Specialist.

 

What are the daily duties of a Captioning Specialist?

The daily duties of a Captioning Specialist typically involve transcribing and captioning various types of media, including television shows, movies, online videos, and live events.

They might be tasked with creating, editing, and syncing captions to match the corresponding audio.

They may also need to perform quality control checks on captions to ensure accuracy and compliance with relevant guidelines.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a captioning specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about transcribing audio.

It’s about weaving stories, one caption at a time.

With our handy captioning specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into this exciting field.

But why settle just yet?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating precision-crafted job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every caption tells a story.

Let’s narrate these stories. Together.

How to Become a Captioning Specialist (Complete Guide)

The Flex Phenomenon: Careers That Break the Time Barrier

Job Scene Heroes: In-Demand Careers That Are Making Waves

Danger as a Daily Dose: Unveiling the World’s Most Fearless Careers

Never Settle for Boring: Exciting Jobs That Pay More Than You Think