If you enjoyed the article about Allegis Transcription, HT Steno is another one to check out.
What is HTSteno?
- HTSteno is a Florida-based firm: full name American High-Tech Transcription & Reporting, Inc. It’s been around since 1994.
- They provide transcription and translation services: audio/video → written transcripts, multiple languages.
- They note that at this time they are hiring independent contractors only, not employees.
Finding work via HT Steno
Here’s a breakdown of how you can tap into this gig:
- Apply: On HTSteno’s website you’ll see the “Apply” or “Contractor” section. They’re looking for 1099/freelance transcriptionists.
- Equipment & Skills: You’ll need a computer, headphones, reliable internet, and good typing/listening skills. Since this is transcription, it helps if you’re comfortable decoding audio, speaker changes, accents, etc.
- Work on your own schedule: As a contractor you can pick when you work (within HTSteno’s project deadlines).
- Submit finished transcripts: You get audio/video files, you transcribe according to their spec (verbatim or edited depending on project), you turn it around. HTSteno says they provide “digital audio/video files to provide you with verbatim transcripts…”
- Get paid: As a contractor you invoice or get paid per project (depends on contract/terms). Note: Because they are independent contractor gigs, you’re responsible for your taxes, set-up, etc.
Pros & Why It Might Be a Good Side Hustle
- ✅ Location-free: You can do it from home (or anywhere with good internet).
- ✅ Flexible hours: Fit the work around your schedule.
- ✅ Low barrier to entry: If you’re a decent typist with good listening skills, you don’t necessarily need formal credentials.
- ✅ Legit company: HTSteno has been in business for decades, service focus on transcription/translation.
Cons & Things to Watch
- ⚠️ Pay may vary: I couldn’t find a published “per audio hour” rate for HTSteno publicly. With transcription, audio quality, subject matter complexity (legal, police, technical) all affect how fast you can work and what your effective hourly rate becomes.
- ⚠️ You’re a contractor: So you handle your own taxes, no benefits, you might have to supply equipment, handle your own accounting.
- ⚠️ Audio quality / context can make it tough: Background noise, accents, legal jargon, or technical subject matter all slow you down, which means your “effective rate” (what you earn divided by your time) might be lower than expected.
- ⚠️ Deadlines matter: As a contractor you’ll still have to meet turnaround times. If you don’t deliver, you won’t get more work.
- ⚠️ Competition and availability: Projects may come and go, some weeks may be light. You’ll want to treat it as additional income, not primary income (unless you build up enough volume and skill to handle it full-time).
Who this is best for
- Side hustle-seekers who need flexibility and can work from home.
- Typists/listeners who already have comfort with audio transcription (or are willing to learn).
- People willing to invest a bit of time upfront to build speed, accuracy, and set up a proper workspace.
Quick Start Checklist
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| ✅ 1 | Visit HTSteno’s contractor page and review application requirements. htsteno.com |
| ✅ 2 | Make sure you have a quiet workspace, good headphones, computer, reliable internet. |
| ✅ 3 | Brush up on your typing/listening skills; practice with sample audio. |
| ✅ 4 | Apply and complete any test/skills check they require. |
| ✅ 5 | Once approved, schedule hours or jump into available projects. Track how much time you spend vs. audio length so you can estimate your hourly rate. |
| ✅ 6 | Set aside time weekly/monthly for invoices, 1099 taxes, record-keeping. Treat it like a business. |
FAQ – For HTSteno transcription work
Q: Do I need previous transcription experience?
A: Not explicitly stated on their publicly visible page, but being a contractor means they’ll expect accuracy, reliability, and meeting deadlines, so experience helps.
Q: Do I need to be in a specific state?
A: HTSteno is U.S.-based; they don’t explicitly say they exclude any states in the public apply page, but being a contractor you’ll need to meet whatever permissible contractor rules apply in your state.
Q: How much can I earn?
A: They don’t list public pay-rates. As a rule, transcription gigs often pay based on audio length, complexity, and your speed. Industry studies show many transcriptionists earn anywhere from $15-$30+ per hour of work (not per audio hour). Use your first month to track your actual rate so you know if it’s worth your time.
Q: Is there cost to apply or upfront investment?
A: No mention of application fees on HTSteno’s site (good). But always double-check after you log in to apply, any legit company should not require you to pay for “training” or “equipment” to start.
Q: Do I need special equipment or software?
A: You’ll need a computer, internet, headphones at minimum. They don’t specify brand or software publicly. For more advanced transcription you might use software (foot pedal, transcription hot-keys) but you can start simpler.
In closing
If earning money via transcription interests you, HT Steno is a legitimate company that offers legitimate work