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Caption Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Research, write, and edit engaging social media copy and content across platforms, ensuring ... Upload and caption videos to client YouTube channels and other video platforms as needed * Assist ...

Photo Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $80K/yr

... and caption accuracy * Experience working with wire services (AP, Reuters, Getty) and stock ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate decisions ...

Showing results 21-32

Caption Writer information

See Washington salary details

$16

$43

$65

How much do caption writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for caption writer in Washington is $43.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $55.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a caption writer?

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Are caption writing jobs in high demand?

Caption writing jobs are increasingly in demand due to the growth of online video content and accessibility needs. Many companies and content creators seek caption writers to improve viewer engagement and comply with accessibility standards, making it a viable freelance or remote opportunity.

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, the complexity of the work, and whether they work as freelancers or for a company, often involving skills in editing and familiarity with captioning tools.

How much does a caption writer make?

The average salary for a caption writer ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and whether they work freelance or full-time. Many caption writers earn additional income through freelance platforms or by working with media companies, and strong skills in transcription and editing can influence earnings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Caption Writer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Caption Writer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Caption Writer jobs in Washington?

For Caption Writer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Caption Writer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,020 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Newsroom Summer Internship Program 2027: Digital Desk Editor

The Washington Post

Washington, DC • On-site

$1.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Application Instructions

Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.

Join the future of news

We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is seeking college juniors, seniors and graduate students for the newsroom's flagship summer internship program. Our interns report and write articles, edit copy, take photographs, shoot and edit video, create graphics, produce audio, design on multiple platforms, develop audience strategy and do data analyses. They work alongside and learn from award-winning journalists, and we treat them as staff members during their internship.

What Motivates You

  • You're driven to capture the stories that inform, educate, inspire and delight audiences, using different formats and mediums.

  • You thrive in fast-moving environments and on deadline.

  • You are eager to work across a large, ambitious, collaborative newsroom.

How You'll Support the Mission

  • You will edit stories across news, features and enterprise with a commitment to accuracy, clarity, fairness and accessibility.

  • You will write and refine headlines, summaries and photo captions that are tailored for digital audiences.

  • You will help program The Post's homepage and app, delivering a compelling reader experience across devices.

The Skills and Experience You Bring

  • You must be a college junior, senior or graduate student enrolled in a degree program by the application deadline, which is noon Eastern time on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

  • You have a strong understanding of style, grammar and sentence structure, and are able to edit for clarity.

  • You are able to work calmly under intense deadlines.

  • You have a commitment to accuracy, clarity and journalistic rigor.

Applications should include a resume, autobiographical essay (which should be no more than 500 words), and up to six examples of news or feature stories that you have edited, preferably files that include a headline and caption(s) for web. Please include an explanation of your role in the clips. The portfolio should be contained in one PDF or link on your application form. Cover letters are not required. Materials can be submitted as links or documents to the same field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples.

The deadline to apply is noon Eastern on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

This position will be based out of our Washington, D.C., headquarters. Interns are paid $1021.13/week.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.