Medical Transcriptionists
Medical transcriptionists use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports.
Is medical transcriptionists a good career?
It scores 8/100 and ranks #791 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Tracked in official BLS wage and projection data, so the numbers here are verifiable
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($40,410 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-4.9% through 2034)
What medical transcriptionists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. medical transcriptionists earn between $34,150 and $48,000 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live medical transcriptionists jobs
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- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Employers may prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed postsecondary education in medical transcription. Medical transcription programs may be offered online as well as in person by vocational schools, community colleges, and career institutes. They vary in length but typically may be completed in less than 1 year; programs that lead to an associate's degree may take longer.
Programs typically include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, laws relating to healthcare documentation, and English grammar and punctuation. These programs may include the opportunity to gain experience through supervised transcription. Prospective transcriptionists who are familiar with medical terminology from working in other healthcare occupations, such as nursing assistants or medical secretaries, may become proficient through refresher courses and training.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although certification is not required, some medical transcriptionists choose to become certified. Certifications typically require passing an exam and are valid for a specified number of years. In order to recertify, individuals must earn continuing education credits.
Important qualities
Computer skills. Medical transcriptionists must know how to operate electronic health records (EHR) systems and should be comfortable using software to prepare reports.
Critical-thinking skills. Medical transcriptionists must assess medical reports and correct any inaccuracies and inconsistencies in finished drafts.
Listening skills. Medical transcriptionists must pay attention to hear and interpret the intended meaning of dictations.
Time-management skills. Medical transcriptionists must organize their schedules well because they may need to produce transcriptions under tight deadlines.
Writing skills. Medical transcriptionists need a good understanding of English grammar in order to ensure that transcribed reports are correct.
Related occupations
How much do medical transcriptionists make?
The national median wage is $40,410 a year, with the middle half earning between $34,150 and $48,000 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is medical transcriptionists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 8 of 100 and ranks #791 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -4.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a medical transcriptionist?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award.
Where do medical transcriptionists earn the most?
Among states, Minnesota pays the highest median ($50,030). Local pay for every state and metro is below.