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Captioning Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digital Content Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Digital Content Specialist We are seeking an exceptional Digital Content Specialist to lead and ... captioning, editing). * Proven success working with cross-disciplinary creative teams (design ...

The specialist will review content for accessibility issues, perform remediation, provide guidance ... Working knowledge of WCAG, accessible document practices, and captioning requirements. * Strong ...

Be Seen First

Public Affairs Specialist On-site position responsible for: Photos, Graphics and Print, Written ... captioning, and formatting for digital distribution. * Support live streaming, webcast, and ...

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Captioning Specialist information

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$22.5K

$76.5K

$110.5K

How much do captioning specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for captioning specialist in the United States is $76,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are captioning jobs in high demand?

Captioning specialist jobs are experiencing steady growth due to increased demand for accessible media and remote work opportunities. Skills in transcription, familiarity with captioning software, and attention to detail are important, and many roles offer flexible schedules. Overall, the job market for captioning specialists remains competitive but expanding as media accessibility becomes a priority.

What are Captioning Specialists?

Captioning Specialists are professionals who create written transcriptions of spoken words and sounds in various media formats, such as television programs, movies, live events, and online videos. Their work ensures that content is accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as to those who prefer or require captions for other reasons. Captioning Specialists typically use specialized software and must have excellent listening, typing, and language skills. Their work may include both real-time (live) captioning and post-production (pre-recorded) captioning.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior captioning specialists, media directors, or executive producers can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills in editing or production, and sometimes certifications or leadership responsibilities.

Can I get paid to write captions?

Yes, Captioning Specialists are paid to create accurate and timely captions for videos, often working as freelancers or for companies that produce multimedia content. The job typically requires good listening skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with captioning tools or software. Compensation varies based on experience, project complexity, and whether the work is freelance or full-time.

How much money do captioners make?

Captioning specialists typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and the type of content they work on. Many work freelance or part-time, with some earning additional income through certification and proficiency in captioning tools. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of projects and the employer or platform used.

What is the difference between Captioning Specialist vs Transcriptionist?

AspectCaptioning SpecialistTranscriptionist
Required CredentialsTyping speed, language proficiency, sometimes certification in captioningTyping speed, language proficiency, often certification in transcription
Work EnvironmentLive or pre-recorded media, broadcast or online platformsAudio or video files, various industries including legal, medical, general
Employer & Industry UsageMedia companies, broadcasters, online content providersLegal firms, medical offices, media companies

Both roles involve converting audio to text, but Captioning Specialists focus on creating real-time or pre-recorded captions for media content, often requiring familiarity with captioning software and standards. Transcriptionists typically work with audio files across various industries, emphasizing accuracy and detail. While overlapping skills include fast typing and language proficiency, the main difference lies in the media focus and work environment.

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

To thrive as a Captioning Specialist, you need excellent language proficiency, strong grammar and spelling skills, and attention to detail, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with captioning software, transcription tools, and sometimes knowledge of accessibility standards like ADA compliance is typically required. Outstanding listening skills, time management, and the ability to work independently make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate, timely, and accessible captions that support diverse audiences and comply with legal requirements.

What are some common challenges Captioning Specialists face when working with live events or broadcasts?

Captioning Specialists working with live events or broadcasts often encounter challenges such as rapid speech, overlapping dialogue, and unpredictable changes in content. Maintaining accuracy and timing in real-time requires strong listening skills, fast typing, and adaptability. Collaboration with producers and audio engineers is crucial to ensure captions are synchronized and meet accessibility standards. Overcoming technical issues, such as audio delays or software glitches, is also a part of the role, making problem-solving skills essential.
More about Captioning Specialist jobs
Infographic showing various Captioning Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 51% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,465 per year, or $36.8 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

Re-posted 5 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.