What Is a Transcriptionist in 2024? Interesting Difference Between Typists and Stenographers

Typist vs. Transcriptionist vs. Stenographer: What’s the Difference?

When businesses need to turn spoken words into written text, they often consider hiring a typist, transcriptionist, or stenographer. Although these roles seem alike, each offers unique skills and services. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right professional for your needs.

What Is a Typist?

A typist is someone who types documents, notes, and correspondence, usually on a computer. Businesses might also assign clerical tasks, like answering calls or filing papers, to a typist. While automation has reduced the demand for dedicated typists, they are still valuable in certain settings.

Key Skills and Qualities of a Typist

• Computer proficiency: Typists should know how to navigate computers, install basic software, and resolve common technical problems.
• Fast and accurate typing: Most employers expect a minimum typing speed of 60–65 words per minute (wpm) with few mistakes.
• Proofreading ability: Typists must check for spelling and grammar errors to ensure clean documents.
• Listening skills: If the job includes audio typing, comprehending different accents and spoken words is vital.

Although software can automate some document creation now, skilled typists still help businesses stay organized and productive.

What Is a Transcriptionist?

A transcriptionist listens to audio or video recordings and converts the spoken content into accurate written text. Unlike stenographers, transcriptionists usually work remotely and can handle a variety of media files. Their job requires specialized knowledge, especially in fields like medicine or law.

Essential Qualities of a Transcriptionist

• Language expertise: Excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, and a strong grasp of industry vocabulary are vital, especially for transcription services in specialized fields.
• Listening skills: Accurate transcription depends on understanding different accents, dialects, and speaking speeds.
• Memory and attention to detail: Transcriptionists must pay close attention and remember details to avoid repeated playback.
• Confidentiality: Professionals must follow privacy guidelines to protect sensitive information.
• Proofreading: Reviewing transcripts for errors is part of the job; some even use dedicated transcription proofreading services.

Types of Transcriptionists

• Medical transcriptionist: Specializes in medical reports and terminology (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).
• Legal transcriptionist: Transcribes court proceedings and legal documents, understanding legal terms (more on legal transcription).
• Academic transcriptionist: Handles interviews and lectures for research and studies.
• Law enforcement transcriptionist: Translates police interviews, 911 calls, and surveillance recordings.
• Financial transcriptionist: Deals with financial reports, conferences, and client communication.

Transcriptionists often use foot pedals and other tools to increase speed and accuracy. Many are specialists in their field, bringing valuable insights to complex projects. If you need this expertise, you can order transcription from trusted providers.

What Is a Stenographer?

A stenographer transcribes spoken events into written form in real time using a steno machine. This role is common in courtrooms, presentations, and live television broadcasts.

Unique Traits of a Stenographer

• Steno machine skills: Stenographers type in shorthand code, which is later translated into English.
• High typing speed: Speeds can reach up to 300 wpm, matching the pace of live conversation (National Court Reporters Association, 2023).
• Focus and adaptability: Stenographers must stay alert and quickly adapt to unexpected changes in discussions.
• Broad vocabulary: Especially important in legal or specialized live settings.
• Persistence: Regular practice is needed to maintain speed and accuracy in high-pressure situations.

Stenographers work on-site, a key difference from transcriptionists, who work with pre-recorded materials.

Which Service Should You Choose?

Deciding between a typist, transcriptionist, or stenographer depends on your needs:

• Choose a typist if you need someone to rapidly type documents or handle simple administrative work.
• Hire a stenographer if you need real-time transcription during live events, such as court hearings or large meetings.
• Opt for a transcriptionist if you want to turn audio or video recordings into text for accurate records, subtitles, or accessibility.

You may also consider specialized services for industry-specific tasks, such as text translation or closed captioning.

Cost Considerations

Budget and the volume of materials are important factors when choosing among these professionals. Stenographers tend to be the most expensive due to the real-time demands of their job. Typists are usually the most affordable, with transcriptionists falling somewhere in the middle, especially if specialized knowledge is needed (Indeed, 2023).

• Check transcription pricing for the most up-to-date rates.
• For captions, visit captioning services pricing.

Conclusion: Find the Right Support with GoTranscript

When deciding whether you need a typist, transcriptionist, or stenographer, look at your goals, the type of content, and your timeline. If your main requirement is to turn audio or video recordings into accurate text, a transcriptionist is the best choice. For fast, affordable, and specialized transcription services, GoTranscript offers industry-proven solutions. Our human experts deliver reliable transcripts, captions, and translations you can trust, no matter your field or needs.

Learn more about our AI transcription subscription, subtitling services, and convenient audio translation service—and discover why thousands of businesses trust GoTranscript for their documentation needs.