ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Caption Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Production Editor

Houston, TX · Hybrid

Page editing, including headline and caption writing, photo selection and trimming stories to fit. * Proofing pages * Typesetting pages in time for deadline. Depending on the size of the newspaper ...

DAWSON

Photographer/Secret Clearance

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

Perform post-production editing, caption-writing, and formatting of raw media files into final deliverables. * Catalog, metadata-tag, and archive digital media files into the designated EXWC ...

LAUKOA

Photographer/Secret Clearance

Oxnard, CA · On-site

Perform post-production editing, caption-writing, and formatting of raw media files into final deliverables. * Catalog, metadata-tag, and archive digital media files into the designated EXWC ...

LAUKOA

Photographer/Secret Clearance

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

Perform post-production editing, caption-writing, and formatting of raw media files into final deliverables. * Catalog, metadata-tag, and archive digital media files into the designated EXWC ...

DAWSON

Photographer/Secret Clearance

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

Perform post-production editing, caption-writing, and formatting of raw media files into final deliverables. * Catalog, metadata-tag, and archive digital media files into the designated EXWC ...

Acquisition.com LLC

Writer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$65K - $75K/yr

The Writer is the voice behind our written content - captions, scripts, newsletters, promotional ... caption quality improves measurably in engagement and CTR data Scripts and long-form assets are ...

The Banner

Visuals Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Strong caption writing, reporting, assignment brief and visual research skills. * Experience with archival research, licensing, copyright permissions and proper image usage. * Fluency in Photoshop ...

The Banner

Visuals Editor

Baltimore, MD

Strong caption writing, reporting, assignment brief and visual research skills. * Experience with archival research, licensing, copyright permissions and proper image usage. * Fluency in Photoshop ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCaption Writer Jobs

Caption Writer information

See salary details

$14

$38

$57

How much do caption writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for caption writer in the United States is $38.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a caption writer?

To become a caption writer, you typically need strong writing and editing skills, proficiency with captioning tools or software, and a good understanding of timing and accuracy. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in transcription, closed captioning, or related fields, and some may require certification or training in captioning standards. Building a portfolio of captioning work can also improve job prospects.

What Does a Caption Writer Do?

Caption writers transcribe the words spoken in television shows and movies. These stenotyping services provide closed-captioning for the hearing impaired or translations for foreign films. You utilize stenotype machines with shorthand keys that accelerate your typing speed to give accurate transcriptions for the audience. Your captioned words help programming stations follow the requirements set forth by the Federal Communications Commission. You may work on previously recorded material, which allows you to repeat scenes and review your work to ensure accuracy, or you may transcribe live broadcasts to document everything that is said in real-time.

How does a Caption Writer collaborate with video editors and content creators during the production process?

Caption Writers typically work closely with video editors and content creators to ensure captions accurately reflect spoken dialogue, sound effects, and important on-screen text. Communication is key—Caption Writers often review scripts, clarify unclear audio, and adjust caption timing to match the video's pacing. This collaboration helps maintain the video's accessibility and enhances viewer engagement. Effective teamwork ensures captions are delivered on schedule and meet quality standards required for broadcast or digital platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caption Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caption Writer, you need excellent language proficiency, strong grammar skills, and attention to detail, typically supported by a background in communications, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with captioning software, video editing tools, and knowledge of accessibility standards such as FCC or ADA guidelines is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate, engaging, and accessible captions that enhance content reach and viewer comprehension.

What is a caption writer?

A caption writer creates descriptive or explanatory text for images, videos, or social media posts to enhance understanding and engagement. This role often requires strong writing skills, creativity, and attention to detail, and may involve using editing tools or content management systems.

Can I get paid to write captions?

Yes, caption writers can earn money by creating captions for social media, videos, or advertisements. Payment varies based on experience, project scope, and whether they work freelance or for a company, often involving skills in editing and familiarity with captioning tools.

What are caption writers?

Caption writers are professionals who create written descriptions or subtitles for visual content such as photographs, videos, or television broadcasts. Their work involves writing concise, accurate, and engaging text that explains or adds context to images or spoken content, making it accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Caption writers must have excellent language skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of the subject matter to ensure clarity and relevance. They play a crucial role in media, journalism, and entertainment industries.

What is the difference between Caption Writer vs Subtitle Editor?

AspectCaption WriterSubtitle Editor
CredentialsBasic writing skills, familiarity with captioning softwareSame as Caption Writer, often with language proficiency
Work EnvironmentMedia companies, broadcasting, online contentMedia companies, film and TV industry, online platforms
Industry UsageCreating captions for videos to aid accessibilityEditing and synchronizing subtitles for films and shows
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for captioning rolesFocuses on editing existing subtitles

While both Caption Writers and Subtitle Editors work with video text, Caption Writers primarily create captions from scratch, ensuring accessibility and clarity. Subtitle Editors focus on refining and synchronizing existing subtitles for accuracy and timing. Both roles require strong language skills and familiarity with media tools, but their main tasks differ in creation versus editing.

How much do caption writers make?

Caption writers typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the content. Freelance caption writers may also charge per project or per minute of video, with rates varying accordingly.
More about Caption Writer jobs
What cities are hiring for Caption Writer jobs? Cities with the most Caption Writer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Caption Writer jobs? The most popular types of Caption Writer jobs are:
What states have the most Caption Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Caption Writer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Caption Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Caption Writer jobs are:
Caption Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caption Writer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 5% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,364 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Production Editor

Production Editor

Hearst

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 67 rated media

Job description

Production Editor (6-Month Temporary Position)

A production editor serves in a variety of capacities to prepare editorial content for Hearst Newspapers print editions, including:

  • Page layout and section organization
  • Wire news decision-making
  • Copy editing for print
  • Page editing, including headline and caption writing, photo selection and trimming stories to fit.
  • Proofing pages
  • Typesetting pages in time for deadline.

Depending on the size of the newspaper, depth of editing and other factors, the production editor may perform all of these tasks for a page, set of pages or a section; or play one or two of these roles on a section or set of pages. Often, production editors will serve in one or two of these roles for part of a shift, and in other sets of these roles for another part of the shift.

Being flexible, adaptable and able to flex between the roles and vary the depth of editing and finishing is a crucial part of this role.

Key qualifications

  • Page layout and section organization.
  • Copy editing, including headline writing and caption writing 
  • Savvy to finish and typeset a page on time
  • Experience in print news production
  • Ability to work with multiple products and multiple people with a customer-service focus.

Specialty Skills

  • Newspaper editing, headline writing and caption writing
  • Aptitude in sports story and page editing a plus
  • Newspaper page proofing
  • Excellent literacy in English
  • CUE/CCI experience plus.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. 

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories - growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms - to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.  

Be a part of something bigger - your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

#LI-KR1  #LI-Hybrid

What Hearst employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply