Transcriptionists and captioners play a vital role in converting audio files into text for various purposes. While both professions involve transcribing spoken content, there are key differences between the two roles that aspiring transcriptionists and captioners should understand before choosing a career path in this field.
Transcriptionists are responsible for converting audio files into written text or documents. These audio files can come from a variety of sources, including podcasts, videos, webcasts, lectures, talk radio shows, and insurance adjustment transcriptions. Transcriptionists listen to the audio and type out what they hear into a document. Some transcriptionists may use editing tools to auto-transcribe recordings and then make necessary corrections to ensure accuracy.
Captioners, on the other hand, use a stenotype machine to transcribe TV episodes and films for closed captions. Captioning is a specialized form of transcribing that involves creating text that synchronizes with the audio and visual content of videos. There are two main types of captioning: offline captioning and live captioning. Offline captioning involves transcribing prepared audio or video, such as a TV show, movie, or web video, while live captioning requires captioners to transcribe live sports broadcasts and TV shows in real time.
One of the primary purposes of captioning is to assist deaf and hard of hearing individuals in following along with audiovisual content. By breaking up their transcribed captions into smaller segments that match each frame of the video, captioners enable producers to insert captions at the bottom of the video screen for viewers to read while watching.
In terms of salary, there is a notable difference between transcriptionists and captioners. On average, stenographers earn $51,618 annually, while transcriptionists earn around $47,430. However, the salaries of both professions can vary depending on factors such as experience, skill level, and employer. Real-time captioners typically earn more than offline captioners, and transcriptionists who work for large organizations like hospitals may earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller companies or as freelancers.
Qualifications also differ between transcriptionists and captioners. Most transcriptionist jobs require candidates to have an associate degree or certification in transcription. Those working in specialized fields such as legal or medical transcription may need additional knowledge of industry-specific terminology, ethics, and regulations. Captioners, on the other hand, typically need an associate or bachelor's degree in fields such as transcribing, court reporting, or stenography. Having certifications from organizations like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) can also be beneficial for captioners seeking employment.
Transcriptionists and captioners use different tools in their work. Transcriptionists rely on tools such as audio playback, text editing software, and foot pedals to transcribe audio files accurately. Captioners, on the other hand, use specialized captioning software to synchronize captions with video content. While both professions may use audio playback and text editing tools, captioners primarily rely on captioning software for their work.
In terms of job responsibilities, transcriptionists typically transcribe dictations, interviews, and recorded lectures. The transcripts they create may be used to generate closed captions for the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as video subtitles or legal and medical records. Captioners, on the other hand, work with visual video content such as movies, TV shows, and web videos. They create captions that sync with the audio and visual elements of the video, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences.
Both transcriptionists and captioners face unique challenges in their work. Transcriptionists must accurately transcribe audio content even in challenging scenarios such as poor recording quality or multiple speakers with different accents or dialects. Captioners must sync captions with video material, which can be particularly challenging in videos with complex visuals or rapid audio changes. Additionally, captions must convey the speakers' tone and emotion, requiring a deep understanding of the video content being captioned.
In conclusion, while transcriptionists and captioners both play crucial roles in converting spoken content into written form, there are distinct differences between the two professions in terms of job duties, tools, qualifications, and challenges. Understanding these differences can help individuals make an informed decision about pursuing a career as a transcriptionist or captioner in the rapidly growing field of audio transcription and captioning.