Closed Caption Editor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of media accessibility, the demand for Closed Caption Editors has never been higher.

As we progress in the realm of digital content, the need for skilled professionals who can edit, format, and synchronize captions for various media intensifies.

But what really goes into the job of a Closed Caption Editor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the detailed process of closed caption editing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re unveiling a comprehensive Closed Caption Editor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Closed Caption Editor Duties and Responsibilities

Closed Caption Editors play a pivotal role in making audio-visual content accessible to a broader audience, including those who are hard of hearing or non-native speakers.

They transcribe and sync dialogue, sound effects, and other audio elements into text that appears on screen.

The duties and responsibilities of a Closed Caption Editor include:

• Transcribing and synchronizing dialogue, sound effects, and other audio elements into written text
• Ensuring that the captions accurately reflect the audio and are correctly timed with the visuals
• Adapting and editing captions to fit within certain guidelines for reading speed, character limits, and caption timing
• Reviewing and proofreading captions for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting
• Ensuring that the captions adhere to style guidelines and standards for captioning, including FCC regulations for caption quality
• Updating and maintaining a database of common phrases, terminology, and abbreviations related to the content being captioned
• Collaborating with production teams, writers, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate interpretation and presentation of content
• Continually improving captioning skills and knowledge through ongoing training and professional development

 

Closed Caption Editor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Closed Caption Editor to provide accurate and timely captions for a variety of media content.

Your responsibilities will include transcribing audio, syncing captions with audio, and ensuring all captions follow specific formatting and style guidelines.

Our ideal candidate has excellent listening skills, a strong command of the English language, and a thorough understanding of captioning software.

Prior experience in a similar role is highly valued.

The role of the Closed Caption Editor is to enhance the viewing experience for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audience, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in all our media content.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribe audio content accurately.
• Sync captions with the corresponding audio and visual content.
• Follow specific formatting and style guidelines for captions.
• Proofread and edit captions for grammatical and spelling errors.
• Ensure all captions are readable, well-timed, and correctly positioned on the screen.
• Work with the production team to ensure the quality of captioned content.
• Meet deadlines for all assigned projects.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Closed Caption Editor or similar role.
• Excellent listening skills and a strong command of the English language.
• Proficiency in captioning software.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good understanding of the needs and preferences of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in English, Communication, Journalism, or related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Closed Caption Editor
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Post Production Manager or Chief Editor.
• 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 Closed Caption Editor Do?

Closed Caption Editors work in the media industry, particularly for television or streaming platforms.

Their primary role is to ensure that the captions or subtitles align accurately with the spoken dialogues, sound effects, and music in the video content.

They transcribe and synchronize the spoken content into written form so that it is accessible to the hearing impaired or non-native speakers.

In addition to transcribing dialogues, Closed Caption Editors are responsible for ensuring that the captions reflect the tone, emotion, and background noises in the scene.

They also have to manage the timing of the captions to match the dialogue perfectly.

They work closely with the production and post-production teams, and frequently review their work for errors or inconsistencies in the transcription, spelling, or grammar.

Closed Caption Editors also need to adhere to certain standards and guidelines for captioning, such as the maximum length of a caption line, and the amount of time a caption should remain on the screen.

In the case of live broadcasts, they may work with specialized software to provide real-time captions.

Their ultimate goal is to enhance the viewing experience for all audiences, including those with specific accessibility needs.

 

Closed Caption Editor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient closed caption editor should have the qualifications and skills that meet the requirements of the job role, which include:

• Excellent command of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, to provide accurate closed captions.
• Proficiency in using closed captioning software and technology for editing and transcribing video content.
• Strong listening skills and attention to detail to accurately transcribe spoken dialogue and ambient sounds.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and speed.
• Understanding of broadcasting standards and regulations regarding closed captioning.
• Keen sense of timing to sync captions with the corresponding video and audio content.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and correct errors in transcription and caption synchronization.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with team members and clients effectively.
• Knowledge of different types of media formats and the ability to adapt to various platforms.

 

Closed Caption Editor Experience Requirements

Closed Caption Editors typically require a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field as a minimum education requirement.

This role often demands a keen eye for detail, excellent grammar and spelling skills, along with a strong knowledge of language and culture-specific idioms.

Experience requirements can vary depending upon the complexity of the role.

Entry-level positions may require at least 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in transcription services, proofreading, or editing.

This experience could be gained through internships, part-time positions, or freelance work.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are generally expected to have advanced their skills and proficiency in closed caption editing and may have been exposed to a broader range of genres, platforms, and captioning software.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have additional responsibilities, such as training new editors, maintaining quality control, and coordinating with production teams.

They may also have specialist knowledge in areas such as real-time captioning for live broadcasts, or accessibility adaptations for the hearing impaired, and could be suitable for team lead or managerial roles.

Some companies may demand additional certifications, such as the Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) designation, provided by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), to ensure proficiency in the field.

Ultimately, the most successful Closed Caption Editors are those who consistently improve their language skills, stay updated with evolving technologies, and adapt to industry standards.

 

Closed Caption Editor Education and Training Requirements

Closed Caption Editors typically need a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

This role requires strong language skills, including grammar and punctuation, as well as the ability to accurately and quickly transcribe dialogue.

Thus, courses in English, transcription, and typing may be beneficial.

Additionally, Closed Caption Editors should have strong listening skills and a good understanding of various accents and dialects.

Training in linguistics or foreign languages could be an advantage.

They also need to be familiar with closed captioning software and technology.

Some colleges and vocational schools offer courses or certificates in this area.

Professional experience in transcription or a related field could also be beneficial.

Some companies may provide on-the-job training for this position, but familiarity with the processes involved is usually preferred.

Continuing education is important in this field to keep up with technological changes and advancements.

Therefore, Closed Caption Editors may choose to pursue advanced courses or certifications to improve their skills and stay updated.

 

Closed Caption Editor Salary Expectations

A Closed Caption Editor earns an average salary of $51,373 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, the complexity of the work, and the location of employment.

 

Closed Caption Editor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Closed Caption Editor need?

A Closed Caption Editor must have excellent written communication skills, as they are responsible for accurately conveying spoken dialogue in written form.

They must also be skilled in using captioning software and have a good understanding of grammar and punctuation rules.

Attention to detail is crucial for this role, as is the ability to work quickly to meet deadlines.

 

Do Closed Caption Editors need a degree?

While a degree isn’t typically required for Closed Caption Editors, having a degree in English, Communication, Journalism, or a related field may be advantageous.

However, it’s more important to have experience with captioning software and a keen understanding of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

 

What should you look for in a Closed Caption Editor resume?

When reviewing a Closed Caption Editor’s resume, look for experience with captioning software and transcription services.

Any background in editing or proofreading is also beneficial.

Additionally, a good Closed Caption Editor will demonstrate strong typing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

 

What qualities make a good Closed Caption Editor?

A good Closed Caption Editor has a keen eye for detail, as they need to ensure that captions are free from errors and accurately convey the meaning of the spoken word.

They need to have excellent listening skills and a good understanding of the English language.

Good Closed Caption Editors also need to be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

 

Is it difficult to hire Closed Caption Editors?

The difficulty in hiring a Closed Caption Editor can depend on the specific requirements of the role.

If you require an editor with specialized knowledge or skills (such as familiarity with technical language or a second language), it might be more challenging to find a qualified candidate.

However, with the right job description and hiring strategy, you can attract suitable candidates for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look into the life of a closed caption editor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about transcribing dialogue.

It’s about paving the way for accessible media, one caption at a time.

With our comprehensive closed caption editor job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to step up.

But don’t stop here.

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for precision-made job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every caption matters in the grand scheme of things.

Let’s create an inclusive media landscape. Together.

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