Transcriptionist vs Captioner — What Are the Differences?

If you have watched subtitling movies, then you might know about the closed captioning services, right? Transcriptionists and captioners are both important members of the transcription workforce. However, there are some key differences between the two professions that you should know before deciding which one to pursue. In this post, we will take a look at those differences and help you decide which career is right for you.

05 Differences Between A Transcriptionist and Captioner

The following five key differences will clarify your concept of both professionals:

1. Education:

A transcriptionist needs only a high school diploma or equivalent, while a captioner must have at least an Associate’s degree.

One of the key differences between transcriptionists and captioners is their level of education. Most transcriptionists have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, while most captioners have a college degree or equivalent. This difference in education can lead to different skill sets and job responsibilities for each profession.

2. Nature of Responsibility:

Transcriptionists are responsible for accurately transcribing all the spoken words in a recording, while captioners are responsible for creating accurate captions that are easy to read and understand. Because of this, captioners need to have strong writing skills and be able to adapt quickly to changes in speech. They must also be able to work with a wide range of fonts and styles so that the captions look good on all types of screens.

3. Level of Skills:

Transcriptionists do not need to be as skilled in writing or formatting, but they do need to be able to hear and type all the words in a recording accurately. They also need to be familiar with all the different accents and dialects used in spoken English.

4. Job Outlook:

The job outlook for transcriptionists and captioners is quite different. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of transcriptionist jobs will grow by only 3 percent from 2016 to 2026, while the number of captioner jobs is expected to grow by 29 percent in the same period.

There are several reasons for this discrepancy. First, captioning is a newer profession, and there are currently more job openings than there are qualified candidates. Additionally, the demand for captioning services is growing as more and more businesses and organizations realize the importance of making their content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in transcription or captioning, it’s important to research the job market in your area and make sure that you have the skills necessary to compete for open positions. The BLS offers detailed information about both professions, so consult their website before deciding.

5. Job Duties:

The duties of transcriptionists and captioners also differ somewhat. In general, transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and type out what they hear, while captioners create written transcripts of spoken dialogue in real time. However, both professions may also be responsible for proofreading their work, and making corrections as needed.

So, which one should you choose?

The answer to this question depends on your skills and interests. If you have strong writing skills and are interested in working with a wide range of fonts and styles, then captioning may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in accuracy than style, transcription might be the better option.