1

Realtime Captioner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90/hr

Classification Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer - Aided Transcriber II About Cal State East Bay Cal State East Bay's beautiful main campus is located in the Hayward hills with panoramic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Realtime Captioner information

See salary details

$15

$62

$88

How much do realtime captioner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for realtime captioner in the United States is $62.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.61 and $70.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a real-time captioner?

To become a real-time captioner, individuals typically need to develop fast and accurate typing skills, often through specialized training or certification in stenography or court reporting. Proficiency with captioning software and a strong understanding of grammar and language are essential, and many employers prefer candidates with a background in broadcasting, communication, or related fields.

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

High-paying media jobs that can reach $150,000 annually include roles like senior broadcast captioners, closed captioning supervisors, or media accessibility directors. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills in captioning or editing, and familiarity with industry-standard tools and standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Realtime Captioner position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Realtime Captioner, you need excellent listening skills, rapid and accurate typing abilities (often exceeding 200 words per minute), and a good grasp of grammar and language. Expertise with specialized captioning software (such as Stenograph or Voice Writing tools) and, ideally, certifications like Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) are commonly required. Outstanding attention to detail, focus under pressure, and strong communication skills help captioners excel in live, fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure that captions are accurate, timely, and accessible for all viewers relying on real-time transcription.

What is a Realtime Captioner job?

A Realtime Captioner listens to live spoken dialogue and converts it into text instantly using specialized software and a stenotype machine or voice recognition technology. This text appears as captions on television, online streams, or in live settings such as meetings and conferences. The role requires excellent listening skills, speed, and accuracy to ensure accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What types of events or settings do Realtime Captioners typically work in, and what does a typical workday look like?

Realtime Captioners often provide services for live broadcasts, webinars, court proceedings, classrooms, and corporate meetings—essentially any environment where accurate, immediate transcription is needed. A typical workday can involve connecting remotely to various events, preparing for specific terminologies, and delivering error-free captions in real time as the audio unfolds. Captioners need to be ready for unexpected changes in schedule or subject matter, maintaining focus and adaptability throughout each assignment. The work may be performed independently or as part of a larger captioning team, and collaboration with event coordinators or technical staff is often required to ensure seamless service. This dynamic role offers opportunities to work across different industries and continually develop skills with evolving technology.

How much do real-time captioners make?

Real-time captioners typically earn between $20 and $60 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and the complexity of assignments. Many work as independent contractors, which can affect income stability and benefits.

What is a realtime captioner?

A realtime captioner is a professional who transcribes spoken language into text instantly during live events, broadcasts, or meetings. They often use specialized stenography machines or software and may require certification in captioning or stenography to perform accurately and efficiently.
What cities are hiring for Realtime Captioner jobs? Cities with the most Realtime Captioner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Realtime Captioner jobs? The most popular types of Realtime Captioner jobs are:
What states have the most Realtime Captioner jobs? States with the most job openings for Realtime Captioner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Realtime Captioner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Internship, 4% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 12% Temporary, 23% Contract, and 31% Nights. Highlights an 10% Physical, 89% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,001 per year, or $63 per hour.
Computer- Aided Transcriber - (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer-Aided Transcriber) ...

Computer- Aided Transcriber - (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer-Aided Transcriber) ...

California State University

San Francisco, CA

$58 - $68.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Computer- Aided Transcriber - (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer-Aided Transcriber) - Reasonable Accommodations

Apply now Job no: 543635
Work type: Staff
Location: San Francisco
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Time Varies, Education Support Professionals, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Working Title

Computer- Aided Transcriber

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus.  Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
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 set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code.  The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

Disability Programs & Resource Center

Appointment Type

Temporary: This will be a one year temporary position. Position can be renewed annually

Time Base

0.01 FTE

Work Schedule

Intermittent/Hourly

Anticipated Hiring Range

$58/hour- $68.50/hour

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Coordinator, Computer-Aided Transcribers provide communication access real-time transcription services (CART) to Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHOH) individuals, including students, faculty, staff, and university guests. Incumbents facilitate communication 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.

Position Information

Communication Access Real-Time Transcription

  • Provide immediate verbatim transcription of spoken English into text using a laptop computer, specialized steno mask, and computer aided speech-to-print/text transcription system in such settings as the classroom, student-teacher conferences, and/or other academic, instructional, administrative, or public campus events.
  • Provide a laptop computer screen or other display device for the consumer(s) to read.
  • Indicate environmental cues to the consumer(s).
  • Assist consumer(s) with concurrent participation in the communication process by voicing questions or comments that the consumer has entered into the system.

Preparatory and Post-Assignment Tasks

  • Research technical terminology related to assignments to develop and modify custom software dictionaries and any additional preparation for comprehension and accurate translation.
  • Consultation with student, instructor and/or captioning team, as necessary.
  • Set up of captioning equipment and display device before class.
  • Provide consumer(s) with an electronic disk, e-mail, or hard copy version of the final, edited transcript.
  • Work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Coordinator to resolve any issues around access to materials for captioners and/or the consumer.

Other Duties as Assigned

At All Times

  • Demonstrate behaviors that are in line with the User Friendly Principles (P530C) and Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University (P30D)
  • Demonstrate safe work practices for oneself, others and the office environment.


Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge: Incumbents must possess a thorough knowledge of the specialized computer-aided speech-to-text software and transcription system they are using, including a thorough knowledge of standard spelling and/or phonetic abbreviations, text condensing strategies, and automatic speech recognition involved in creating meaning-for-meaning translations; working knowledge of the computer equipment used, language and vocabulary used in assigned translating situations, and the industry's code of ethics; and familiarity with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Culture.

Abilities: Incumbents must be able to proficiently use specific speech-to-text software and word condensing strategies to ensure the accuracy of transcriptions; speed type at a minimum rate of 55 to 60 words per minute; demonstrate proficient English grammar and editing skills; maintain confidentiality; and work in stressful situations requiring constant attentiveness. Incumbents must possess strong listening skills, phonetic aptitude, and language skills to ensure transcription of the full meaning intended by the speaker(s).

Education and Experience:   Familiarity with academic higher education is highly preferred.  Attendance at a post-secondary institution may be necessary to understand and provide accurate transcriptions of the language and vocabulary used in various academic, instructional, and/or administrative situations. Proficiently use specific speech-to-text software and word condensing strategies; demonstrate proficient English grammar and editing skills; maintain confidentiality. Typically, three to six months of related experience, preferably in a higher education setting, are necessary to meet the requirements of most transcribing assignments.

Equipment: Computer-Aided Transcribers often provide their own equipment and software, including laptop computer, display monitor for consumers, current software for transcription (TypeWell or comparable), and other items for set up (e.g., extension cords, extra battery, and power surge protector).

Preferred Qualification

  • Ability to caption a minimum of 180 words per minute with a high level of accuracy;
  • At least 2 years previous computer-aided transcription experience in a post-secondary setting;
  • Experience and possession of appropriate software transcribing public and/or live-streamed events with projected captions;
  • Experience with team captioning/transcribing;
  • Back-up equipment as appropriate for use when primary system is down;
  • Appropriate software for transcribing live-streaming events; and
  • Appropriate software for embedding captions into real-time video feed.
  • Core Competencies - embody the following competencies:
  •  
    • Bias toward collaboration and teamwork.
    • Effective communication skills across a variety of venues.
    • Customer/Client Focus with an emphasis in problem solving and resolution.
    • Personal effectiveness and credibility as demonstrated by interpersonal and professional confidence.
    • Diversity and inclusion.

Required License/Certification

It is preferred that incumbents have at least one of the following certifications:

  • State of California Certified Shorthand Reporter certificate
  • Court Reporting Certificate of Completion
  • Realtime Voice Reporter (RVR), Realtime Voice Reporter - Master (RVR-M), and/or Registered Cart Provider - Master (RCP-M) via the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA)Other comparable industry certificate

Environmental/Physical/Special

  • Must comply with the  National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) Code of Professional Ethics regarding impartiality, confidentiality, and integrity.
  • Assigned hours may include days, evenings, and/or weekend.
  • Some assignments may be off-campus or at other SF State satellite campuses.
  • Must refrain from wearing scented products to ensure access for people with chemical sensitivities.
  • Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty and staff.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions.  SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU).  CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California.  Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception.  While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so.  Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process are encouraged to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hrwww@sfsu.edu.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
 

Advertised: Oct 21 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What California State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


California State University logo

About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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