When watching a video in a noisy public space or considering accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the text on the screen plays a significant part. That text is the work of a captionist, a professional who converts audio from video and live events into readable text. This role is a blend of transcription and real-time communication, demanding a unique set of abilities.
The Role of a Captionist
A captionist’s primary function is to create a textual representation of audio content, which involves transcribing dialogue and capturing relevant non-dialogue sounds like music or sound effects. The work of a captionist generally falls into two distinct categories, each with its own environment and set of demands. These professionals are integral to making media accessible across entertainment, business, and education.
Live/Real-Time Captioning
Live captioning, also known as real-time captioning, occurs as an event is happening. This is common for live television broadcasts like news and sports, as well as for business meetings, university lectures, and government proceedings. The environment is high-pressure, as the captionist must listen to spoken words and instantly transcribe them with a high degree of accuracy. These professionals, sometimes called stenocaptioners, use specialized stenotype machines and software to keep pace with natural speech.
Offline/Post-Production Captioning
Offline captioning is performed on pre-recorded media. This includes movies, scripted television shows, streaming content, and corporate training videos. In this context, the focus shifts from immediate speed to perfection in synchronization and detail. The captioner has time to review and edit their work, ensuring the text perfectly matches the timing of the dialogue. This process also allows for the inclusion of non-speech elements, such as “[door slams]” or “[dramatic music],” and clear identification of different speakers.
Essential Skills for Captionists
Success as a captionist depends on a combination of technical proficiency and specific cognitive abilities. A primary requirement is an exceptional typing speed and accuracy. For those using stenotype machines for live captioning, this can mean sustaining speeds of 225 words per minute or higher to capture verbatim speech. This speed must be paired with an unwavering attention to detail to ensure the final text is free of errors.
Beyond mechanical skill, a deep command of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and a broad vocabulary, is necessary to produce clear and coherent text. This is complemented by excellent listening skills and the ability to maintain intense concentration for long periods, often while deciphering various accents or difficult audio. Familiarity with specialized captioning software and hardware is also a standard requirement. For those in live environments, the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a significant asset, as is the resourcefulness to quickly research unfamiliar names or technical terms that may arise during an event.
How to Become a Captionist
Entering the captioning profession involves specialized training rather than a specific bachelor’s degree. While a background in English or communications can be helpful, qualifications are developed through post-secondary programs. Aspiring captionists enroll in court reporting or broadcast captioning programs at community colleges or technical schools, which can result in a certificate or an associate’s degree and last from two to four years.
Curriculums focus on building the necessary skills, with courses in machine shorthand, transcription, legal and medical terminology, and proofreading. A significant part of the training is dedicated to achieving the high speeds and accuracy required. Upon completing their education, many captionists pursue professional certification to validate their skills.
Organizations like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) offer credentials such as the Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC). Earning such a certification requires passing a skills test, which involves transcribing material at speeds like 180 words per minute with at least 96% accuracy, as well as a written exam. This credential signals a high level of competence to potential employers.
Career Outlook and Salary
The demand for captionists is growing, driven by accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the volume of video content being produced for the web. This has created a stable job market with a variety of work environments. Many captioners work on a freelance basis from home, offering flexibility and independence, while others hold salaried positions within media companies, post-production houses, or universities.
Compensation for captionists varies based on experience level, specialization, and employment status. Live captioning, due to its high-pressure nature and demanding skill set, pays more than offline captioning. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for court reporters and simultaneous captioners was $67,310 in May 2024. Freelance rates are hourly, and some captioners may earn over $100,000 annually, depending on their workload and clientele.