Closed Captioning Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern broadcasting landscape, the need for closed captioning technicians is increasingly paramount.

As media consumption continues to rise, the demand for skilled professionals who can transcribe, synchronize, and ensure the quality of our closed captions grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a closed captioning technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of closed captioning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable closed captioning technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Closed Captioning Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Closed Captioning Technicians are primarily responsible for creating, editing and syncing text that matches the audio in video content.

They play a crucial role in making video and broadcast content accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Transcribing and synchronizing dialogue to match the audio of the video content
• Editing captions for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors
• Ensuring captions follow specific style guides and standards
• Revising and correcting existing captions as needed
• Operating and maintaining captioning and subtitling software
• Coordinating with production teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery of captions
• Adjusting caption timing to ensure synchronicity with the video and audio
• Providing live captioning for broadcasts, which may involve using stenotype machines or voice recognition software
• Creating descriptions of non-dialogue audio, such as sound effects and music, when needed for context

 

Closed Captioning Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Closed Captioning Technician to provide accurate and timely captions for our multimedia content.

The Closed Captioning Technician is expected to transcribe dialogues, identify speaker changes and accurately note non-verbal information to ensure accessibility to the hearing impaired audience.

The ideal candidate will have excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing abilities, and a solid understanding of English grammar and punctuation.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribe and sync captions for live and pre-recorded broadcasts
• Edit and correct errors in existing captions
• Comply with formatting and style standards
• Use specialized software to place captions at the appropriate timing
• Maintain a thorough understanding of FCC closed captioning requirements and regulations
• Perform regular maintenance on captioning equipment
• Coordinate with producers and other team members to address any captioning concerns
• Provide real-time closed captioning for live events
• Proofread and revise captions as necessary

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a closed captioning technician or similar role
• Excellent typing speed and accuracy
• Strong understanding of English grammar and punctuation
• Proficiency in using captioning software
• Knowledge of FCC closed captioning regulations
• Good hearing and listening skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Closed Captioning Technician
• Work Environment: This role may be performed in a studio or remotely, based on the needs of the organization.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Broadcast Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Captioning Technician Do?

Closed Captioning Technicians work in the broadcasting and entertainment industry.

They play a crucial role in making audiovisual content accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers.

They are responsible for transcribing spoken dialogues into written captions, which are displayed on the screen.

These captions also often include non-dialogue information such as sound effects or music notation that are relevant to the storyline.

Closed Captioning Technicians ensure that the captions are synchronized with the audio, ensuring a smooth viewing experience for those relying on the captions.

They need to be precise and quick, especially when working with live broadcasts such as news or sports events.

They also review and edit captions for accuracy, grammar, and adherence to the captioning guidelines.

In some cases, they may use special software to automatically transcribe speech, which they then proofread and correct as necessary.

They often work closely with other members of the production team, such as video editors or producers, to ensure that the captions match the intent and tone of the content.

Their role is essential in promoting inclusivity and making content universally accessible.

 

Closed Captioning Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Closed Captioning Technician should have the skills and qualifications that match the responsibilities of the role, which include:

• Detail-oriented and exceptional listening skills to accurately transcribe dialogues, sound effects, and other relevant sounds.
• Excellent typing skills and speed to keep up with the fast pace of spoken language in real-time or prerecorded broadcasts.
• Proficiency in grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure accurate transcriptions and high-quality captions.
• Knowledge of various captioning software and technologies to facilitate efficient and effective work.
• Good time management skills to meet strict deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of cultural idioms, slang, and colloquial expressions to accurately represent the intended message.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with video editors and producers to ensure accurate synchronization of captions with the video content.
• Understanding of FCC closed captioning rules and regulations, ensuring compliance in all work produced.
• Good communication skills to liaise with clients and understand their specific captioning needs and requirements.

 

Closed Captioning Technician Experience Requirements

Closed Captioning Technicians typically require a combination of education and practical experience in the field of broadcast technology, communications or related fields.

Entry-level candidates typically require 1 to 2 years of relevant experience.

This could be gained through part-time roles, internships or relevant coursework in areas such as video editing, broadcasting technology, or transcription services.

Familiarity with software related to closed captioning and transcription is also beneficial.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience should have developed their technical skills, including working with different captioning software and formats.

They should also have an understanding of FCC guidelines and regulations related to closed captioning.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the field may be expected to have some leadership experience.

They might be ready to undertake senior roles such as Closed Captioning Supervisor or Manager.

Experience in training new technicians and ensuring quality and compliance in a team environment would be advantageous for these roles.

Continued professional development and keeping up to date with changes in technology and regulations are also important aspects of experience in this field.

 

Closed Captioning Technician Education and Training Requirements

Closed Captioning Technicians typically have an associate degree or certificate in court reporting or broadcast captioning.

These programs often include courses in English grammar and phonetics, legal procedures, and captioning technology.

They must have excellent typing skills, with a minimum speed of 180-225 words per minute for real-time transcription.

Experience in broadcasting or journalism can be beneficial, as this role requires understanding of live broadcast production and post-production processes.

A thorough understanding of the English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation is essential.

Technicians must also be proficient in using closed captioning software and equipment.

Although not a necessity, some Closed Captioning Technicians may choose to become certified through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) which offers the Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC) credential.

Continued professional development is also important for staying up to date with the latest technologies and practices in the industry.

Some positions may require additional training or experience in a specific area such as live news, sports, or entertainment captioning.

 

Closed Captioning Technician Salary Expectations

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

The actual salary may vary based on factors like the level of experience, the type of employer, and the geographical location.

 

Closed Captioning Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Closed Captioning Technician need?

Closed Captioning Technicians require excellent listening skills and fast, accurate typing to transcribe audio content into written form.

They also need good grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, as well as a keen attention to detail.

Proficiency in using captioning software and knowledge of television production processes can be beneficial.

 

Do Closed Captioning Technicians need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, having a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Media Studies or English can be beneficial.

However, most important is the transcription speed, accuracy, and a good understanding of the technical aspects of television broadcasting.

 

What should you look for in a Closed Captioning Technician resume?

Check for experience in transcription and familiarity with closed captioning software.

Proficiency in the English language and fast, accurate typing skills are essential.

Experience in television production or broadcasting can be a plus.

Any additional languages they can transcribe could be beneficial, depending on your needs.

 

What qualities make a good Closed Captioning Technician?

A good Closed Captioning Technician is accurate, fast, and highly attentive to detail.

They should have excellent listening skills and a solid understanding of grammar and spelling.

They must be able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and be flexible to adapt to changes in schedules or content.

 

How can a Closed Captioning Technician keep their skills up to date?

They can regularly practice their typing to increase speed and accuracy, stay updated with changes in captioning software, and continuously improve their language skills.

Attending industry workshops or seminars can also help them stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in the field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on the vital role of a closed captioning technician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about typing out dialogue.

It’s about creating accessibility, one subtitle at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive closed captioning technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why hold back?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate aid in crafting exacting job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every caption makes a difference in someone’s viewing experience.

Let’s bridge the communication gap. Together.

How to Become a Closed Captioning Technician (Complete Guide)

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