ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Subtitling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Transperfect

Spanish Quality Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

... subtitling, voiceovers, staffing services, multicultural marketing, training and learning, and ... Investigate client complaints regarding translations - holding both freelance and full-time ...

All Jobsfreelance JobsArts and Entertainment JobsFreelance Subtitling Jobs

Freelance Subtitling information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance subtitling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance subtitling 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 subtitling?

Freelance subtitling is the process of creating written translations or transcriptions of spoken dialogue and other relevant audio elements in videos, films, or television shows, typically on a project-by-project basis as an independent contractor. Freelance subtitlers work with various clients, such as media companies, streaming services, or translation agencies, to produce accurate and synchronized subtitles. This job often involves using specialized software, understanding timing requirements, and ensuring the text is clear and culturally appropriate for target audiences.

What are freelance subtitling jobs?

In a freelance subtitling job, you are contracted to type out the subtitles or captions for TV shows, movies, or video games. As a freelance subtitler, your duties and responsibilities may be to write subtitles in English for those who are deaf or hard of hearing or to translate and subtitle foreign language films or shows into English or vice versa. In this role, you may work at a production studio or work from home. In addition to writing subtitles, some freelance subtitling jobs entail editing and proofreading to ensure that the viewer gets the proper translation.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Subtitler, you need excellent language proficiency, attention to detail, and a strong grasp of grammar and spelling, often supported by relevant language or translation qualifications. Familiarity with subtitling software such as Aegisub, Subtitle Edit, or professional tools like EZTitles, along with knowledge of captioning guidelines, is typically required. Outstanding time management, adaptability, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for meeting deadlines and client expectations. These abilities ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality subtitles that enhance viewer comprehension and client satisfaction.

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

Freelance subtitlers often face tight deadlines, fluctuating workloads, and the need to adapt to various subtitle formats and client specifications. Managing these challenges involves strong time management, clear communication with clients, and staying up-to-date with industry-standard software. Building a reliable workflow and maintaining a network with other professionals can also help ensure consistent work and support when facing complex projects.

What is the difference between Freelance Subtitling vs Freelance Captioning?

AspectFreelance SubtitlingFreelance Captioning
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation skills, basic subtitling software knowledgeSame as subtitling, often with additional focus on hearing impairments
Work EnvironmentVideo editing software, remote work, client projectsLive or recorded video, broadcast standards, remote or on-site
Industry UsageFilm, TV, online contentBroadcast TV, live events, online streaming

Both freelance subtitling and captioning involve working with video content, but subtitling focuses on translating and transcribing dialogue for international audiences, while captioning emphasizes providing accessible text for viewers with hearing impairments. The skills and tools overlap significantly, making them closely related roles in the media localization industry.

Can you get paid for freelance subtitling?

Freelance subtitling is a paid profession where individuals earn income by providing subtitle services for videos, often through platforms or direct clients. Payment rates vary based on project complexity, length, and experience, and freelancers typically invoice clients or use freelance marketplaces to receive compensation.
More about Freelance Subtitling jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Subtitling jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Subtitling job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Subtitling jobs?

The most popular types of Subtitling jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Subtitling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Subtitling jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Subtitling jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Subtitling jobs are:

Freelance Subtitling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Subtitling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 39% 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

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Keywords Studios
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 78 rated media

Good employer

Learn new skills

Learn more about Keywords Studiosexternal

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago

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.

Keywords Studios logo

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

FacebookTwitter

View All Keywords Studios Jobs

What Keywords Studios employees say

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply