How Fast Do Transcriptionists Need to Type and How to Be Better at It?

The True Role of Typing Speed in Transcriptionist Performance

Transcriptionists play a key role in converting recorded audio into written text. While good typing speed helps, many factors determine success in this field. In this guide, you will learn:

• Why ultra-fast typing isn’t the only important skill
• How content, audio quality, and experience shape a transcriptionist’s work
• Practical strategies to improve your transcription abilities

If you want to pursue transcription or are looking for high-quality transcription services, keep reading to discover what sets great transcriptionists apart.

Does Typing Speed Make the Transcriptionist?

Typing speed, measured in words per minute (WPM), is often seen as a must-have skill for transcriptionists. Most professionals type between 40–60 WPM. Some highly experienced court reporters and real-time transcribers can exceed 100 WPM. Still, these numbers don’t tell the full story:

• Typing quickly helps meet tight deadlines
• However, accuracy and the ability to process complex audio are just as important

A typical 15-minute audio takes about an hour to transcribe, while an hour-long recording requires 6–8 hours for a professional typing at 50–60 WPM. Complicated material with difficult terms, names, or speakers may take longer (TranscribeAnywhere, 2022).

Audio Content Challenges: Subject and Number of Speakers

Not all audio files are created equal. A transcriptionist working on clear, single-speaker recordings will typically finish faster than one tackling:

• Focus group discussions or multi-speaker meetings
• Conversations with overlapping speech
• Recordings where it’s hard to tell who is talking

Multi-speaker files require careful attention, as identifying each speaker and correctly attributing their statements gets complicated. This often increases turnaround time and demands greater listening skills.

Understanding Accents: Not Always Easy

Of the estimated 540 million English speakers worldwide, roughly 170 million are non-native (Ethnologue, 2023). Many speak with distinct accents, even at high proficiency. Dealing with various accents means transcriptionists must:

• Train their ears to recognize speech patterns
• Learn common regional pronunciations
• Remain patient when replaying unclear passages

Transcribing material from multiple speakers with heavy or unfamiliar accents often takes longer but is manageable with practice and focus.

Audio Quality: A Critical Factor

Even top transcriptionists struggle to produce fast, accurate transcripts from poor-quality audio. Common issues include:

• Background noise in outdoor interviews
• Echoes in large or empty rooms
• Low-quality phone recordings

While using professional microphones can improve clarity, not everyone has access to them. Therefore, tackling challenging audio files requires strong listening skills, patience, and sometimes extra technology. For more on this, visit our page on automated transcription.

The Benefits of Experience in Transcription

Experience is one of the biggest advantages for transcriptionists. With years on the job, professionals learn to:

• Recognize different speakers and their unique styles
• Predict complex phrasing
• Quickly find the right words based on context

Clients expect precise, properly formatted transcripts every time. Companies with skilled, seasoned staff often set themselves apart, ensuring clients get an accurate first impression. Building experience takes commitment and time, but the payoff includes higher accuracy, better speed, and stronger job prospects.

Tips to Improve Typing Speed and Transcription Efficiency

Becoming a faster, more efficient transcriptionist isn’t just about typing faster. Here are practical strategies to help you:

• Use a fast computer with plenty of memory
• Practice transcription regularly and watch typing tutorials
• Leverage transcription software for playback control (pause, skip, speed up, slow down)
• Consider a foot pedal for hands-free audio control
• Ensure you record or receive clear audio files when possible
• Minimize distractions—keep your phone and social media off while working
• Work with familiar topics to reduce research time
• Keep notes and lists of common terms at your desk
• Strengthen your quick research skills for unknown words or terms
• Use software features like Autotext and Autocomplete
• Adopt text expanders to type common phrases rapidly
• Adjust audio playback speed to suit your workflow
• Create and save templates for frequently used transcript formats

Explore our resources for AI transcription subscriptions if you want to streamline your workflow further.

Quality Comes First in Transcription

Although typing speed is valuable, it is only one part of a successful transcriptionist’s toolkit. Success in this field needs:

• Firm listening and comprehension skills
• Attention to detail
• Experience with diverse subjects, accents, and audio qualities

If you are considering a career in transcription, or if you need professional help with your recordings, knowing these demands will set you up for success.

How GoTranscript Can Help

GoTranscript offers a full range of solutions to meet every transcription need. Our team delivers:

• Fast and accurate transcription services
• Closed captioning and subtitling services
• Proofreading for transcripts
• Expert text translation and audio translation

Transparent transcription pricing and affordable captioning ensure you get value for your investment. Ready to transform your audio into precise text? Order transcription or order captions today. GoTranscript makes the process easy and reliable for every project.