Why Getting Paid To Type Is An Easy Side Hustle To Try

Your typing skills could be a silent goldmine. Check out the 9 best places where you can get paid to type.

  • Typing for money is a flexible side hustle with potential for a steady income.
  • Earnings vary by job type, with transcriptionists making around $12-$22 per hour.
  • Essential requirements include a reliable laptop, stable internet, and good typing skills.
  • Choose from platforms like Babbletype, TranscribeMe, and Upwork for diverse typing opportunities.
  • Brett Helling
    Founder, Gigworker.com

    Brett Helling is a gig economy expert who has been running his own small business for over 10 years.

    Can’t seem to find the right side gig?

    Join the club. With so many options available, many people struggle to find a good employment opportunity to generate a steady side income.

    But if you’re good at typing, did you know you can start getting paid for it?

    There are lots of places where you can get paid to type, even if you don’t have experience with these jobs.

    Check out this article to discover the top 9 platforms that will help you generate a steady extra income.

    Can You Get Paid to Type?

    Typing for money is a popular side hustle.

    Though typing doesn’t seem like a special skill today, the market needs people who provide this service.

    You can find a wide variety of jobs as a transcriber, data entry operator, caption editor, virtual assistance provider, and more.

    Some people can even build a career in these fields and turn it into their main source of income.

    How Much Can You Make by Typing?

    Your revenue is influenced by several factors:

    • Experience
    • Language
    • Type of job
    • Industry, etc.

    Data from Glassdoor shows data entry freelancers in the United States make over $38,000 per year, equivalent to over $3,100 per month.

    On Upwork, people charge between $10 and $20 an hour for entering data online.

    Transcriptionists charge between $12 and $22 an hour on the freelance platform and earn around $43,600 per year, according to some estimates.

    What You’ll Need to Get Paid to Type

    You don’t need any special education to get started with this side gig.

    Here are the most common eligibility requirements to get paid to type:

    • Be 18 or older: Most typing services prefer to work with people over 18 years old.
    • Have a desktop or laptop: Some online platforms might require downloading special transcription software, and they’ll ask that you use a personal laptop or computer.
    • Have a stable internet connection: You’ll need steady WiFi to listen to recordings or upload your work.
    • Have a good grasp of the English language: Typing will require perfect English or any other language you want to type in.
    • Pass the test: Some of these services have a short application process that includes a test to verify your typing abilities before you start making money.

    Some typing job platforms have strict requirements, while others are more inviting for the general public.

    Regardless, the market offers plenty of job opportunities for everyone to find a suitable match.

    Where to Get Paid to Type

    Whether you’re working online as a beginner or already have some experience, here are the best websites that will pay you to type:

    1. Babbletype – Best Overall

    Babbletype is an online transcription and translation service that always has job openings.

    They’re recruiting both transcribers and English translators, so it’s an excellent place for anyone looking to get paid to type.

    Their client base includes law firms, law enforcement, medical institutions, and more.

    How Much Can You Make?

    Babbletype claims to pay between $27 and $36 per hour of audio transcription.

    The rate depends on the length of the audio, not how long you might need to transcribe it.

    What Makes This Option Great

    Babbletype offers consistent transcribing and translation jobs.

    It has a straightforward hiring process, and if you pass, you’ll start receiving transcription tasks from the team.

    Thanks to this recruitment process, you’re not competing with other transcribers for gigs.

    Babbletype can allow you to make extra money or even transition to a remote full-time job.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: PayPal

    2. TranscribeMe – Runner Up

    TranscribeMe is a place where you can find many types of online transcription jobs.

    Their only condition is to pass their English exam and be at least 18 years old.

    Other than that, you can apply no matter where you’re from or how much experience you have with this side gig.

    How Much Can You Make?

    TranscribeMe claims to offer the industry’s best rates, with an estimated $15–$22 per audio hour.

    Top performers’ monthly earnings can reach $2,200, while the average earnings sit at $250 per month.

    The platform also provides many advancement opportunities and higher rates for freelancers dealing with technical terms during medical and legal transcriptions.

    What Makes This Option Great

    TranscribeMe provides the perfect opportunity for beginners.

    You can learn how to transcribe and perfect your skills during training and make extra money.

    Once you get the hang of things, you can begin to look for online transcription jobs outside the platform as well, increasing your revenue.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: PayPal

    3. Quicktate – Best for Short Audio Files

    If you don’t want to listen to hours of court proceedings and boring meetings, Quicktate is for you.

    The service offers transcriptions for audio files shorter than 5 minutes, though most of them are no longer than a song.

    The audio clips are short phone call recordings, memos, or voicemail messages.

    How Much Can You Make?

    Quicktate pays 1 cent for every four words transcribed for their general audio files; medical transcriptions pay 1 cent for every two words.

    Your revenue depends on your productivity, but since the audio files are short, you can get through multiple tasks in an hour if you want to earn more.

    What Makes This Option Great

    Quicktate accepts applicants from all over the world.

    Their only major requirement is having a good command of the English language.

    You’ll be an independent contractor and set your hours for your side hustle.

    By investing more time, you can generate a steady income.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: PayPal

    4. SpeakWrite – Best for Part-Time Jobs

    SpeakWrite is a transcription company with a large network of freelancers working around the clock in the United States and Canada.

    Here, you can get paid to watch video recordings, transcribe audio files, or translate documents from or into Spanish.

    How Much Can You Make?

    Freelance transcriptionists make 2 cents for every two words they type.

    Some jobs can come with a 10% bonus and are the ones with more technical lingo, such as legal or medical files.

    What Makes This Option Great

    SpeakWrite provides a good volume of work to generate a steady income.

    Typists need to put in at least 15 hours a month, but you can work a maximum of 12 hours per day if you want to commit more.

    The service operates on a 24/7 basis, so you can choose your hours and fit in these tasks even with a busier schedule.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: Direct Deposit (US only) and Check

    5. Working Solutions – Best for Customer Care Typing Jobs

    If you want to get paid to talk to people, Working Solutions is the place to find the right side hustle.

    It offers customer care services to small and medium companies that can’t afford to build their teams.

    They’re accepting applicants from the US and Canada.

    How Much Can You Make?

    Working Solutions claims that some of their independent contractors earn up to $19 per hour.

    Rates depend on the type of contract you have and how many words you can type per audio minute.

    Contracts that involve traditional customer care are paid more since you’ll need to connect with the customer to solve complaints.

    But data entry rates are lower, and you’ll earn based on how many records you add.

    What Makes This Option Great

    Working Solutions is great if you want to transition to a career in customer service and want to do it from home.

    As an independent contractor, you’re allowed to set your hours and decide how much time you want to invest in this gig.

    The company also offers several financial incentives that increase the base pay of their contracts.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: PayQuicker, Virtual Bank Card, and Plastic Debit Card (for PRO contractors)

    6. Axion Data Entry Services – Best for Data Entry Jobs

    Axion Data Entry Services provides internet verification and data entry for companies worldwide.

    They are always looking for new data entry specialists to join their team, so they’re the ideal place to improve your skills.

    Rather than a side gig, the company presents this position as a part-time job.

    How Much Can You Make?

    The company doesn’t disclose its rates publicly, but it does mention that data entry specialists are paid per record entered.

    What Makes This Option Great

    Axion Data Entry Services is for anyone who already has some experience with data entry but is looking for a place where they can clock in more hours for extra money.

    They require a minimum of 20 hours per week, but independent contractors can increase it to 30 hours per week if they want.

    It offers flexible hours, and you can work anytime and anywhere you want.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: Direct Deposit

    7. Upwork – Best for Freelance Typing Gigs

    If you have any compelling skill, like writing reviews, coding, or taking pictures, you can find someone willing to pay you for it on Upwork.

    It’s one of the most popular freelancing websites around.

    You can use it to find a wide variety of data entry job postings, typist positions, translation jobs, and more.

    How Much Can You Make?

    Professional typists can make up to $22 per hour, and data entry specialists make up to $20 per hour on average.

    You get to set your rates on Upwork. When you find a gig you want, you’ll need to mention either a flat rate or a per-hour rate in your proposal.

    What Makes This Option Great

    On Upwork, you’re not limited to typing for money.

    You can apply for any gig you think you can handle and generate a solid side income.

    It’s the best place for people who want a freelance lifestyle, with thousands of jobs posted on the platform daily.

    • Fees/Commission: 20%, 10%, or 5% (depending on the contract). Starting May 3, 2023, freelancers will pay a 10% fee on all contracts.
    • Payment Methods: Debit Card, Direct Deposit, and PayPal

    8. Scribie – Best for Fast Transcription

    Scribie is a transcription company where you can find online freelance jobs.

    Instead of assigning tasks, you can preview any audio or video file on the platform and choose which one you want to transcribe.

    The service uses AI to make a rough transcription, which allows you to finish the task faster.

    It’s a great typing opportunity for complete beginners who need a place to grow their skills.

    How Much Can You Make?

    You can earn between $5 and $20 per audio or video hour transcribed. Most files take under six minutes, but the AI tool will do around 60% of the job for you.

    This means you can jump from task to task faster and increase your monthly earnings.

    What Makes This Option Great

    Scribie keeps its doors open to people from all over the world.

    You only need to have a good grasp of the English language, a personal laptop, and high-speed internet access to start earning money.

    The company also offers freelancers the chance to move up the ranks based on their performance.

    Do a good job, and you can become a reviewer, proofreader, or QC and get paid even more.

    • Fees/Commission: N/A
    • Payment Methods: PayPal

    9. Amazon Mechanical Turk – Best Crowdsourcing Platform

    Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) is a crowdsourcing marketplace run by Amazon where you can find microtasks.

    Most are simple tasks and won’t take much of your time.

    Online typing jobs are popular, but so are small translating tasks, data entry, writing reviews, and more.

    How Much Can You Make?

    Freelancers get paid on a per-task basis.

    Amazon Mechanical Turk jobs (known as human intelligence tasks or HITs) are simple, so most don’t pay a lot.

    Many HITs pay less than $6, but you can shoot for higher-paying gigs as you build your experience.

    What Makes This Option Great

    As a marketplace, Amazon Mechanical Turk gives you access to several online typing jobs.

    You can use it to improve your skills or build a portfolio.

    Most tasks are simple and low-stakes, so even complete beginners can complete them with ease.

    • Fees/Commission: 20% of the task fee, paid by the requestor
    • Payment Methods: Amazon Gift Card and Bank Transfer (US only)

    Why You Should Consider Getting Paid to Type

    Typing gigs come with many benefits, such as the following:

    • Flexibility: As a freelancer, you can get paid to type from anywhere and anytime. Many of these services run on a 24/7 basis and provide flexible working hours.
    • Potential earnings: Typing jobs are diverse, and some of them can be more rewarding. If you specialize in certain niches, such as transcribing medical or legal documents, you can earn more money and even build a solid career from this side hustle.
    • Developing new skills: Such services provide training to help you become a professional typist and provide more connected employment opportunities, such as customer support or data analysis.
    • Minimal equipment investment: You only need a good internet connection and a laptop or personal computer to start this side gig.

    Problems With Getting Paid to Type

    If you want to sign up for any of these typing platforms, you should be aware of the following drawbacks:

    • Time management: Being successful with this side gig requires great time management skills. You get paid based on typing speed and accuracy rate, so it’s important to fit as many tasks as you can into your spare time.
    • Job security: These companies hire freelancers or independent contractors, which means your employment can end at any time, even if you do a good enough job.
    • Slow periods: Workload isn’t constant, so there may be days or even weeks with fewer tasks that could affect your revenue stream.
    • Boredom: This isn’t exactly an exciting job. You can’t always choose the audio or video recordings to transcribe, and you might get assigned some very boring files, while data entry gigs are almost always monotonous.

    How to Get Paid to Type: Step-by-Step Instructions

    If you decide to give this side gig a shot, the good news is that it’s easy to get started. Follow these five steps, and you can start earning money by typing:

    Step 1: Choose a Platform

    Refer back to the list of nine typing gigs and read each job requirement.

    Think of whether the service is available in your area, how much it costs, and whether they look for any previous experience to make the right choice.

    Note that some companies have very strict requirements and may even run a background check.

    This is the case with typing jobs that work with law firms or medical institutions.

    Step 2: Sign Up

    Next, you’ll need to fill out an online application form and add some personal information, such as your full name, email, and address.

    Step 3: Take the Assessment

    These services will ask you to take a short test so they can verify that you can complete the tasks.

    Most are simple English tests where they’ll assess your grammar skills and listening comprehension.

    But some may go more in-depth, especially if you’re applying for a niche position, like checking your knowledge or legal terminology.

    Step 4: Log in or Download the Software

    If you pass the test, you’ll be able to log into the platform or be given a download link to install the company transcription software.

    Step 5: Start Typing for Money

    Once you’re all set up, you can either start receiving tasks or browse through the list and choose which one you want to do.  You’ll get paid based on successful tasks.

    That’s why even though you’re motivated to perform as many tasks as possible to earn more money, never forget to deliver quality as well.

    Things to Consider When Getting Paid to Type

    To become a successful data entry specialist or transcriber or start any other type of typing gig, you need to take two factors into account.

    Required Skill

    While this job doesn’t require a lot of experience, it does require skills.

    You’ll need to have good English knowledge, solid listening skills, and type at a fast pace. Your pay is often influenced by how many words you can type per audio minute.

    If you struggle in these areas, other side hustles can pay you for simpler activities, including walking.

    Tax Obligations

    As a freelancer or independent contractor, you’re required to pay your taxes.

    These sites will pay you the full amount based on your workload but don’t assume that’s all the money you can spend.

    Calculate the amount you’ll need to pay in taxes based on your area, and set aside that amount to avoid any issues.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Is the Best Website to Earn Money by Typing?

    Babbletype is the best place to earn money by typing, especially if you’re from an English-speaking country.

    It pays up to $36 an hour and can even become a full-time job if you commit to it.

    But any of the other eight websites in this review offer a great environment to make more money by typing.

    What Is the Most-Used Typing Website?

    It’s difficult to determine the most-used typing website since most services find their footing in the market and can generate consistent traction from clients.

    Popular typing websites for experienced freelancers include Babbletype and TranscribeMe because they have stricter assessments and lower competition for tasks.

    Similar Ways to Get Paid

    If you’re worried that tying can get boring fast, here are some similar ways you can get paid:

    • Get Paid to Take Surveys: Help companies understand the market by answering short surveys while getting paid.
    • Get Paid to Write: If you like to write reviews, articles, lists, and more for a fee.
    • Get Paid to Chat: Several websites will pay you to connect with people and strike up a conversation.

    Wrapping Up

    Typing is something most people do every day, so why not start getting paid for it?

    These nine websites provide an excellent ecosystem where you can put these skills to good use and generate a steady side income.

    Would you see yourself typing for money? Let us know below!