Remote Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where technology has rendered geographical boundaries meaningless, the role of a remote captioner has become increasingly significant.

As communication continues to evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can deliver, interpret, and transcribe our digital dialogues grows exponentially.

So, what exactly does a remote captioner do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to draft the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of remote transcription and captioning,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a comprehensive and customizable remote captioner job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Remote Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Remote Captioners translate spoken words and sounds into written form for those with hearing impairments.

They may work for various industries such as television, movies, and live events.

They primarily focus on providing accurate, timely, and complete written transcripts of spoken communication and sound effects.

Their key responsibilities and duties include:

• Listening carefully to audio and visual content, converting spoken words and sounds into written text
• Ensuring the accurate reflection of the speaker’s tone, emotions, and intent in the captions
• Editing captions for grammatical and spelling errors
• Ensuring synchronization of captions with spoken dialogue
• Working efficiently to provide real-time or near-real-time captions
• Adhering strictly to confidentiality and privacy guidelines when handling sensitive materials
• Researching terminologies, names, or places to ensure accurate spelling and context
• Communicating effectively with team members or clients to address any concerns or issues
• Updating and maintaining captioning software and equipment for optimal performance
• Reviewing and revising work based on feedback or quality control processes

 

Remote Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a competent Remote Captioner to accurately interpret and transcribe spoken language into text for live or recorded events.

The Remote Captioner’s responsibilities include listening to audio content, transcribing the information accurately, and synchronizing captions with video content.

Our ideal candidates have an excellent command of the English language, great listening skills, and an understanding of relevant terminologies for different fields.

Experience with captioning software and platforms is a must.

Ultimately, the role of the Remote Captioner is to provide accurate and timely text interpretation of audio content, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

 

Responsibilities

• Listen to audio content and interpret the spoken words into text form.
• Ensure accuracy of transcriptions and synchronization of captions with the video content.
• Proofread and correct transcriptions as necessary.
• Use captioning software and equipment proficiently.
• Follow guidelines and standards for captioning and subtitling.
• Adapt to different fields and terminologies quickly.
• Work under tight deadlines.
• Ensure client confidentiality and information security.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a captioner or related role.
• Excellent command of the English language, including vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Proficiency in using captioning software and platforms.
• Strong listening skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good understanding of terminologies in various fields.
• High school diploma; additional certification in Office Management is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Remote Captioner
• Work Environment: Work from home or any quiet environment with a stable internet connection.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Manager or Team Leader.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time, Contract-based
• 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 Remote Captioner Do?

A Remote Captioner primarily works from home or any location outside the traditional office space providing captions for various types of digital media.

This can include television programs, movies, video games, or online videos.

They transcribe the spoken dialogue into written form in real time and may also describe important non-dialogue audio, such as background noises or music, to provide context.

This service is particularly beneficial for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Accuracy, speed, and a strong understanding of language, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary are essential in this role.

Remote Captioners need to be familiar with a wide range of topics, accents, dialects, and slang in order to accurately capture the dialogue.

They also need to be able to handle potentially sensitive or difficult content and ensure that the captions are timed correctly to match the audio.

Their role also includes reviewing and editing captions for clarity and accuracy, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

The ability to work independently, excellent listening skills, and strong attention to detail are key characteristics of a successful Remote Captioner.

They often use specialized software and equipment to perform their duties.

 

Remote Captioner Qualifications and Skills

Remote Captioners use a combination of technical skills, language skills, and industry knowledge to provide accurate and timely captions for various forms of media, including:

• Excellent command over the language they are working with, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in order to accurately caption verbal communication.
• Fast and accurate typing skills, often requiring to caption at a speed of 180-220 words per minute.
• Listening skills to accurately interpret and transcribe spoken words and sounds, and the ability to understand various accents and speech patterns.
• Technical proficiency to manage captioning software and hardware, including troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
• Time management and multitasking skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as listening, typing, and editing captions in real-time.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in captions, as well as to comply with specific style and format guidelines.
• Knowledge of the subject matter being captioned to understand context and ensure appropriate captioning.
• Ability to work independently as most remote captioners work from home or remote locations.

 

Remote Captioner Experience Requirements

Remote Captioners are typically required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in transcribing or captioning, with a particular focus on live events or broadcasts.

This can be gained through part-time roles, internships or freelance work in transcription services, closed captioning or real-time stenography.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience may have honed their skills in handling a variety of content, such as news broadcasts, sports events, or corporate meetings.

They are typically adept at using captioning software and have a solid understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a proven track record in delivering accurate and timely captions.

They may have specialized in a particular industry or type of programming and have advanced typing speed and accuracy.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered experts in their field.

They may have managerial or supervisory experience, leading teams of captioners, or overseeing quality control in their previous roles.

Such candidates are often considered for senior or lead captioner positions.

 

Remote Captioner Education and Training Requirements

Remote Captioners typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, but a Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, or a related field is often preferred.

They must have excellent typing speed and accuracy, and a strong command of the English language, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

In-depth knowledge of the subject matter they will be captioning, such as news, sports, or medical topics, may also be required.

Many employers require captioners to have completed a captioning training program, which can be found at certain community colleges or online.

These programs provide training in the use of captioning software and equipment, as well as techniques for transcribing spoken words into written text in real time.

Certification as a Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) can also be beneficial.

This certification requires passing a skills test, as well as completing an orientation program.

Experience in a similar role, such as transcription or court reporting, can also be valuable.

Continuous professional development is important in this role, as technology and industry standards can change rapidly.

 

Remote Captioner Salary Expectations

A Remote Captioner earns an average salary of $60,000 (USD) per year.

This amount can vary depending on factors such as experience, the complexity of the work, and the company for which they are working.

Some freelance remote captioners may also be paid on a per-minute or per-project basis.

 

Remote Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Remote Captioner need?

A Remote Captioner needs to have excellent listening skills and a deep understanding of the language they are working with.

They must have fast typing skills, often required to type 200+ words per minute accurately.

Attention to detail is crucial to ensure correct spelling and grammar.

They should also have good research skills to look up correct spellings or meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases.

 

Do Remote Captioners need a degree?

A degree is not strictly required for a Remote Captioner, but a background in linguistics, English, or a related field can be beneficial.

Most importantly, they need to have excellent language skills and fast typing speed.

Some companies might require certification from organizations such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

 

What should you look for in a Remote Captioner resume?

Look for evidence of fast and accurate typing skills, such as a certificate from a typing course.

Experience in transcription or a similar field can be a good sign, as it shows they’re used to listening and typing at the same time.

Proficiency in more than one language can be an advantage, especially for companies that deal with international broadcasts.

 

What qualities make a good Remote Captioner?

A good Remote Captioner is patient, detail-oriented, and has excellent language skills.

They should be able to stay focused for long periods and work under pressure, as they often have to caption live broadcasts.

In addition, they should be comfortable working independently, as the role is often remote.

 

What are the daily duties of a Remote Captioner?

A Remote Captioner typically starts their day by checking their schedule and preparing for any live broadcasts.

This might include researching the topic of the broadcast to familiarize themselves with any specialized vocabulary.

During the broadcast, they listen carefully and transcribe what they hear, adding captions in real-time.

They might also caption pre-recorded broadcasts.

At the end of the day, they often review their work for any errors.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a remote captioner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about transcribing dialogue.

It’s about providing an essential communication service, one word at a time.

With our handy remote captioner job description template and practical examples, you’re well on your way to initiating your next career move.

But why not go a step further?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating razor-sharp listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every word you transcribe is part of a greater narrative.

Let’s create that story. Together.

How to Become a Remote Captioner (Complete Guide)

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