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Caption Writer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Armada Ltd

Multimedia Specialist III

Arlington, VA · On-site

... caption writing, video editing, videography, video producing and still photography services in a public affairs/corporate communications environment. Products include internal and external ...

Armada Ltd

Multimedia Specialist III

Arlington, VA · On-site

... caption writing, video editing, videography, video producing and still photography services in a public affairs/corporate communications environment. Products include internal and external ...

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All JobsCaption Writer JobsCaption Writer Jobs in Virginia

Caption Writer information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$38

$57

How much do caption writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for caption writer in Virginia is $38.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $48.37 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.
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Caption Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caption Writer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 95% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,674 per year, or $38.3 per hour.
Assessment Specialist -Closed Captioning - FCC Compliance (Remote, Part Time)

Assessment Specialist -Closed Captioning - FCC Compliance (Remote, Part Time)

TestPros

Sterling, VA • On-site, Remote

$40 - $70/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

TestPros delivers innovative independent IT assessment solutions to critical challenges facing the nation and the world. We support the U.S. Federal Government and Commercial clients within the continental USA. TestPros is dedicated to making lives better, safer and more secure.
TestPros is seeking Accessibility Assessment Specialists with an analytical, customer-focused mindset and experience in usability, customer experience (CX), and accessibility compliance testing.
Start: Future projects late 2026 or 2027 (not an immediate job opening)
Type: Part-time consulting
Overview
Focus: Closed Captioning Quality and Caption Settings Accessibility for Television Devices
Regulatory Basis: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) closed captioning requirements
Location: Remote, with occasional travel to customer sites or TestPros labs in Sterling, VA
This role evaluates television devices for compliance with FCC closed captioning requirements, focusing on caption quality during video playback and the accessibility and usability of closed caption display settings within the TV user interface. The specialist performs hands-on device testing, documents compliance gaps, and provides actionable remediation guidance.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate closed captions for accuracy, synchronicity, completeness, and placement. Test live, linear, and on-demand content as applicable. Identify caption timing, truncation, speaker attribution, and placement issues. Capture test evidence and document defects with clear reproduction steps and severity ratings. Assess accessibility and usability of caption display settings, including discoverability, customization options, consistency across apps and inputs, preview functionality, and interaction via standard remote controls. Develop and execute test plans mapped to FCC requirements, produce compliance assessment reports with remediation recommendations, validate fixes, and collaborate with QA, engineering, product, and compliance teams.
Required Skills
  • 5+ years of experience in accessibility testing, QA, compliance testing, or video/TV device testing
  • Hands-on experience evaluating closed captioning quality
  • Strong understanding of FCC closed captioning principles (accuracy, synchronicity, completeness, placement)
  • Experience testing physical TV devices using remote controls
  • Ability to document findings clearly with supporting evidence
  • Strong written communication and reporting skills
Preferred Skills
  • Experience testing smart TVs, set-top boxes, or streaming devices
  • Familiarity with caption customization features and UI discoverability testing
  • Knowledge of CVAA or device-level accessibility requirements
  • Accessibility or QA certifications (CPACC, WAS, or similar)

Work Environment: Hands-on device testing role. Remote-friendly when device access is available, with occasional on-site or hybrid work as needed.
Rate: $40-70/hr (1099 or Corp. To Corp.). This range represents a good-faith estimate and is not a guarantee; final compensation is determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, and government contract labor rate requirements and may fall outside the stated range.
Equal Opportunity Employer
TestPros is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.
Offer Considerations
TestPros considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.
Federal Compliance
As a federal contractor, TestPros is subject to all federal and state mandates and/or other customer requirements.

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