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Contract Captioning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Contract Captioning information

Can I get paid to write closed captions?

Contract captioning is a job that involves creating written transcripts of audio content for videos, and professionals are typically paid per project or hour. Payment depends on experience, skill level, and the complexity of the content, with many captioners working as freelancers or through agencies. Proficiency with captioning tools and meeting deadlines are important for earning income in this field.

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

In media, high-paying roles such as senior contract captioners or specialized transcription professionals can earn around $150,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in captioning software, and certifications. These positions often require working in fast-paced environments or on high-profile projects, and some may involve freelance or contract work with variable income potential.

Are captioning jobs in high demand?

Contract captioning jobs are experiencing steady demand due to the growth of online media, streaming services, and accessibility requirements. Skilled captioners with good listening, typing, and software skills are often sought after, and remote work opportunities are common in this field.

What is the difference between Contract Captioning vs Court Reporter?

AspectContract CaptioningCourt Reporter
CredentialsStenography or captioning certification, sometimes a degreeOfficial court reporting certification, stenography license
Work EnvironmentRemote or freelance captioning settings, live events, broadcastCourts, legal proceedings, depositions
Employer & IndustryMedia companies, captioning services, freelance clientsCourts, legal institutions, law firms

Contract Captioning and Court Reporter roles both require stenography skills and certification. However, Contract Captioning typically involves providing live or recorded captions for media and events, often remotely, while Court Reporters work in legal settings documenting court proceedings. Both careers demand accuracy and specialized training, but they serve different industries and work environments.

How much money do captioners make?

Contract captioners typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and the complexity of the work. Many work freelance or on a per-project basis, with some earning additional income through multiple clients or specialized skills like real-time captioning.
What are the most commonly searched types of Captioning jobs in California? The most popular types of Captioning jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Captioning jobs in California? For Contract Captioning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Captioning jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Captioning jobs in California are:

Realtime Captioner (Continuous)

California State University

Northridge, CA • On-site

$19.37 - $194.60/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Realtime Captioner (Continuous)
Job no: 552448
Work type: Staff
Location: Northridge
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do, and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place. Learn more: https://www.csun.edu/about-csun.
Major Duties
Under general supervision, the Realtime Captioner facilitates communications by using court reporting methods, a steno machine, real-time technology software, and a laptop computer to create real-time word-for-word text of spoken English. The incumbent facilitates communication by assisting Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing consumers with concurrent participation in the communication process by voicing questions or comments that the consumer has entered into the system.
  • Provides communication access real-time translating services (CART) to consumers such as Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals, and/or other disabled individuals, including students, faculty, staff, and university guests; the consumer(s) reads the text on a laptop computer screen or other display device as it is being created in such settings as the classroom, student-teacher conferences, and/or other academic, instructional or administrative situations.
  • Provides a complete transcription of all spoken words and environmental cues; provides consumer(s) with an electronic disk, e-mail, or hard copy version of the transcript.
  • Provides their equipment and software, including a real-time-capable steno machine, laptop computer, display monitor for consumers, current software for real-time translation, real-time cables, and other items for set up (e.g., extension cords, extra battery, and power surge protector).
  • Researches technical terminology related to assignments and continually develops and modifies custom software dictionaries.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
NOTE: The position will be filled at either the Realtime Captioner (RTC) Range 1A or 2B level dependent upon the applicant's qualifications.
Level 1A:
  • Formal training in court reporting and steno methods is required, with graduation from a court reporting school preferred.
  • Six (6) to twelve (12) months of experience providing real-time captioning services, preferably in a higher education setting.

Level 2B:
In addition to meeting the requirements outlined above, two (2) or more years of captioning experience and must possess one (1) of the following certifications:
1. State of California Certified Shorthand Reporter certificate; or,
2. Court Reporting Certificate of Completion; or,
3. Certified CART Provider through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) (preferred); or,
4. Possess a comparable industry certification.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Thorough knowledge of court reporting methods and theories, real-time software and technology, real-time captioning computer systems and equipment, and the industry-recognized code of ethics; comprehensive knowledge of the English language, including grammatical structures, syntax, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Working knowledge of the language and vocabulary used in the assigned translating situations; and general knowledge of deaf and hard-of-hearing accommodation needs.
  • Ability and specialized skills to: caption at a minimum rate of 180 words per minute with a high level of accuracy; proficiently use, maintain, and troubleshoot court reporting steno equipment, real-time software, and computer systems and equipment; develop, maintain, and proficiently use a thorough dictionary that enables accurate and fluid translation;
  • Effectively listen for continuity, sense, and detail while translating; proficiently write in real time in a conflict-free manner using punctuation and sustaining accuracy in fast-paced stressful situations; use advanced editing skills; work effectively with consumers; and maintain confidentiality.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
  • Classification: Hourly Interpreter/Real-Time Captioner/Computer-Aided Transcriber / 7193 / 0
  • The anticipated HIRING MAX: $47.19 (RTC I) and $53.09 (RTC II) per hour. The salary range for this classification is: $19.37 - $194.60 per hour.
  • HOURS: Intermittent; hours and schedule vary.
  • Temporary, renewable appointment; annual contract from July through June, subject to annual renewal based on organizational needs.
  • The individual hired for this role will physically work on-campus in Northridge. This is not a telecommute position.

General Information
  • Applications are currently being accepted to establish an Hourly Interpreter POOL. Applications for these on-call positions will be accepted on a continuing basis through June 30, 2027 or until an adequate amount of applications have been received.
  • A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
  • The person holding this position may be considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
  • Per the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
  • Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
  • Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
  • Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN online application. To apply and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
  • The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

Equal Employment Opportunity
CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is outlined in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Talent Acquisition at 818-677-2101.
Work with purpose at the CSU.
Your career can change lives, communities, and futures. Watch why CSU is more than a job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VXk4PPlSl4
Advertised: Jul 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US