SpeakWrite is a transcription service whose typists are based in the US and Canada and work around the clock for business, legal and government clients. Unlike most platforms, it pays transcriptionists per word rather than per audio minute. It asks for experience, a typing speed of 60 words per minute or more and high accuracy, and it runs background checks.
At a glance
| What it is | Transcription service with US and Canadian typists |
| Pay basis | Per word |
| Pay rate | About $0.005 to $0.006 per word, per reviews |
| Payouts | Twice a month by direct deposit or check |
| Requirements | About a year of experience, 60+ wpm, 90% accuracy |
| Checks | Background checks and confidentiality rules |
How it works
You apply, pass SpeakWrite’s typing and accuracy tests and complete its background checks. Once accepted, you set your own schedule and transcribe client audio, often business dictation and legal recordings, to SpeakWrite’s standards.
What you earn
Reviews put pay at about $0.005 to $0.006 per word. SpeakWrite has said its average transcriptionists earn $300 or more a month, with top earners above $3,000. Because pay is per word, fast talkers and dense audio pay more per minute than slow, sparse audio.
Per word versus per minute
Per-word pay rewards speed directly: the faster you type accurately, the more you earn per hour. It also means pauses and silence in the audio don’t cost you anything, which helps on dictation files.
Getting paid
SpeakWrite pays twice a month by direct deposit or check.
Confidentiality
SpeakWrite’s clients include legal and government work, so it applies background checks, training and confidentiality policies. Expect to agree to strict rules on handling files.
Common mistakes
Applicants sometimes underestimate the accuracy bar. Check your work carefully, since quality matters as much as speed.
Getting started
Make sure you meet the experience and speed requirements, practise with business dictation and legal audio, and apply when you can commit regular hours.
Is it worth it?
For fast, experienced US or Canadian typists, yes. Beginners should build speed elsewhere first.
Building speed
Because pay is per word, every gain in typing speed raises your hourly earnings directly. Practise regularly with dictation and legal audio, and use text expanders for repeated phrases.
Equipment
Good headphones, a quiet space and a comfortable keyboard make long sessions easier. A foot pedal can help on dictation files.
Tracking your real rate
Note your words per hour on different file types to see where you earn most.
Taxes
As a contractor, you’re responsible for reporting your own income.
Combining platforms
Even with steady work, many transcribers keep a second account elsewhere for quiet periods. Experience on SpeakWrite’s business and legal files also helps when applying to other professional companies.
Avoiding scams
SpeakWrite doesn’t charge applicants. Apply only through its own site and be wary of anyone offering SpeakWrite work through other channels or asking for personal details by email.
Owen’s take
SpeakWrite’s per-word pay is unusual and rewards fast, accurate typists well. It’s not a beginner platform, but it’s a solid upgrade.
Who it suits
It suits experienced typists in the US or Canada who type quickly and accurately. It suits less well beginners or anyone outside those countries.
Similar options
- Verbit pays freelancers to edit legal transcripts.
- Ubiqus offers corporate and legal work.
- Rev is a large transcription platform.
- Transcribe Anywhere teaches legal transcription.
More options are in Transcribing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Per-word pay rewards speed
- Payouts twice a month
- Business and legal clients
Cons
- Experience required
- US and Canada only
- Background checks needed
FAQ
How does SpeakWrite pay?
Per word, about $0.005 to $0.006, according to reviews.
When does SpeakWrite pay?
Twice a month by direct deposit or check.
What are the requirements?
About a year of experience, 60+ words per minute and 90% accuracy.
Who can work for SpeakWrite?
Typists based in the US and Canada.
How much can I earn?
SpeakWrite has said average earnings are $300+ a month, with top earners above $3,000.
