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Freelance Closed Captioning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Closed Captioning information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance closed captioning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance closed captioning in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance closed captioning?

Freelance closed captioning involves working independently to create accurate, time-synchronized captions for video content, such as TV shows, movies, online videos, and live broadcasts. Professionals in this field transcribe spoken dialogue, sound effects, and other relevant audio cues to ensure accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers. Freelancers can work for various clients, including production companies, streaming platforms, or third-party captioning services, and often have the flexibility to set their own schedules. Strong language skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with captioning software are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance closed captioner?

To thrive as a Freelance Closed Captioner, you need excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing ability, and a strong command of grammar and spelling, often supported by familiarity with captioning guidelines. Experience with captioning software such as EZTitles, CaptionMaker, or similar tools, along with knowledge of file formats and video editing basics, is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, accessible captions that meet client deadlines and legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance closed captioners, and how can they be managed?

Freelance closed captioners often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, varying audio quality, and the need to accurately caption specialized terminology or multiple speakers. Managing these challenges requires strong time management skills, familiarity with captioning software, and ongoing learning to stay updated on industry standards. Building a network with other captioners and seeking feedback can also help improve accuracy and efficiency. Setting realistic expectations with clients and maintaining clear communication are key to a successful freelance captioning career.

What is the difference between Freelance Closed Captioning vs Freelance Transcription?

AspectFreelance Closed CaptioningFreelance Transcription
CredentialsAudio/video editing skills, basic captioning software knowledgeStrong listening, typing, and language skills
Work EnvironmentVideo editing platforms, captioning softwareAudio recordings, text editors
Industry UsageMedia, entertainment, educationLegal, medical, general transcription
Search IntentCaptioning services, freelance captioner jobsTranscription services, freelance transcriber jobs

While both roles involve converting audio to text, Freelance Closed Captioning focuses on creating synchronized captions for videos, requiring familiarity with captioning standards and software. Freelance Transcription involves converting audio recordings into written text without synchronization, often for different industries. Understanding these differences helps freelancers target the right opportunities and develop relevant skills.

More about Freelance Closed Captioning jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Closed Captioning jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Closed Captioning job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Closed Captioning jobs?

The most popular types of Closed Captioning jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Closed Captioning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Closed Captioning jobs include:

Freelance Closed Captioning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Closed Captioning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Join Keywords Talent Community - Freelance Subtitle Translator/QC, SDH/CC

Keywords Studios

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Keywords Studios rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 76 rated media

Job description

Join the Keywords Studios Talent Community - Subtitle Translation/Localization Experts
Keywords Studios is the world's leading provider of technical and creative services for the video games and entertainment industries. With a global footprint of over 70 studios across 26 countries, we partner with the most iconic developers, publishers, and content creators - including Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Riot Games, Bandai Namco, Netflix, and many more.
*Please note that this is NOT an official job post - it's a portal for anyone who's interested in pursuing freelance subtitling opportunities at Keywords to leave their contact and application for future consideration.
We're Growing Our Global Network of Subtitle & Localization Specialists
We are always looking to connect with talented professionals for the following roles:
  • Subtitle Translators - Experts in adapting scripts and dialogue with cultural nuance and accuracy
  • QCers - Meticulous reviewers ensuring flawless, audience-ready subtitles
  • SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) Linguists - Specialists in accessible and inclusive subtitle creation
  • Template Linguists - Professionals crafting high-quality subtitle templates for global localization

If you would like to pursue freelance translation opportunities with us, please upload your CV in English through this job post(*non-English CV won't be considered), providing detailed information regarding your subtitling experience.
Once we have a relevant position available, we will reach out to you if your experience fits the bill.
Requirements
  • Native proficiency of the target language.
  • Strong command of the source language.
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas of the entertainment industry: localization QC, audiovisual translation and subtitling.
  • Experience with subtitle editing software and web/cloud technology.
  • Deep understanding of closed captioning and subtitling, and their common failures and technical challenges.
  • Solid understanding of nuances of subtitle and dub translations.
  • Working knowledge of cultural differences and best practices for subtitles and dub audio creation.
  • University degree or equivalent professional experience in the translation field.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to workflow/process changes and updates.
  • Great attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, analytical and multitasking skills.

**Please note: Signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is required prior to starting the recruitment process.
**Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are only able to respond to candidates who meet the above requirements.
Benefits
  • Competitive pay
  • Work on popular titles across film, TV, streaming, games and much more.
  • Early access to unreleased content
  • Flexible project volume
  • 100% remote work
  • Set your own schedule
  • Constructive feedback and support

Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Commitment:Keywords Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. If you require any adjustments during the process please let us know in your application. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation. We especially welcome applications from candidates of underrepresented groups in the industry.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice.
Role Information: EN
Studio: Keywords Studios
Area of Work: Media & Entertainment
Service: Media & Entertainment
Employment Type: Freelance
Working Pattern: Remote

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About Keywords Studios

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whatever the scale of your project, whatever the time frame, whatever your location: Keywords is here for you, bringing our network of 13,000+ people and 70+ studios together to deliver the unified solutions you need. We offer everything necessary to ensure your project achieves its full potential and that strategic opportunities are turned into long-term growth. The games industry is complex and fast-moving. Working with Keywords allows you to remain lean and agile, and to remain focused on creating the world’s most immersive playing experiences. Our network of studios brings best-in-class experience, expertise, technology and capacity across the full development, release and player-support lifecycle.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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