A closed captioner is a trained professional who provides real-time captions of live or pre-recorded audio for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. In the United States, closed captioners are required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to caption all live and pre-recorded English and Spanish language programming on television. 

The average salary for a closed captioner in the United States is $50,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How Much Does A Closed Captioner Make

Closed captioning is a growing field of work that is becoming increasingly important in the media industry. Closed captioners are responsible for transcribing and captioning videos in real time, ensuring that all viewers can access the content. The amount a closed captioner makes largely depends on experience, geographical location and the type of work they do. Generally, closed captioners make anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. Experienced closed captioners who specialize in a particular field can make more money, while entry-level captioners will likely make less. To be successful in this field, closed captioners need to have strong language and communication skills and a good understanding of the media industry.

Types of Closed Captioning

Closed captioning is an important tool for ensuring all people have equal access to media. It is also a surprisingly complex field, with a variety of different methods used to caption different types of content. Knowing the different types of closed captioning available can help you decide which method best fits your project.

Offline Captioning, sometimes referred to as “pre-recorded captioning,” is the most common type of closed captioning. This is when a captioner records the spoken dialogue in a given video and transcribes it into text that can be read by viewers. The captioner will watch the video several times, making sure to accurately transcribe the dialogue and any sound effects that are present. Offline captioning is ideal for videos that will not be broadcasted but will be distributed online or on DVD.

Live Captioning is used when a video must be captioned in real-time, such as during a live television broadcast. A captioner will type out the spoken dialogue as it is being said, and the captions will be instantly displayed on the screen. This type of captioning requires a very fast typist and usually utilizes a stenotype machine, which allows the captioner to type words by pressing multiple keys at the same time.

Real-Time Text (RTT) captioning is a newer type of captioning that is used for live events, such as webcasts or teleconferences. The captioner types out the dialogue and sound effects in real-time and the captions are displayed on the screen. RTT captioning is ideal for webinars or other virtual events that require quick and accurate captioning.

Hybrid Captioning is a combination of offline and live captioning. The video is first captioned offline, and then the captions are broadcasted live. This type of captioning is ideal for videos that will be broadcasted but also need to be distributed online or on DVD.

Closed captioning is an important tool for ensuring everyone has access to media. Knowing the different types of closed captioning available can help you decide which method best fits your project. From offline to live captioning, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Factors Affecting the Salary of a Closed Captioner

Closed captioners are responsible for providing captions for television programs and other media. They work with producers and broadcasters to ensure that the captions accurately reflect the spoken words of the program. As such, closed captioners may be well-compensated for their efforts. But what factors affect the salary of a closed captioner?

First, the type of program or media being captioned will affect the salary of a closed captioner. Live television programs, for example, often require a higher degree of accuracy and may pay more than a pre-recorded program. Additionally, closed captioners may be compensated differently depending on the complexity of the content they are captioning.

Second, the amount of experience a closed captioner has can have a significant impact on their salary. Those with more experience may be able to command higher rates due to their expertise and knowledge. Additionally, closed captioners who specialize in a particular type of media may also be able to command higher rates.

Third, the geographic location of the closed captioner may also be a factor in their salary. Closed captioners who live in larger cities with more media outlets may be able to command higher rates than those who work in smaller towns. Similarly, those who work in countries with higher median incomes may also be able to command higher rates.

Finally, the demand for closed captioners can also have an effect on their salaries. During times of high demand, closed captioners may be able to command higher rates due to the shortage of qualified workers. Similarly, during times of low demand, closed captioners may have to accept lower salaries in order to remain competitive.

Overall, there are many factors that can affect the salary of a closed captioner. Those with more experience, who live in larger cities, or who specialize in a particular type of media may be able to command higher rates. Additionally, the demand for closed captioners can also play a role in their salary. Ultimately, the salary of a closed captioner will depend on a combination of these factors.

Average Salary of a Closed Captioner

Closed captioning is an important job for many people in the entertainment and media industries. It requires a combination of skills, including the ability to type quickly and accurately, an extensive vocabulary, and an understanding of the nuances of language. As with many other media-related professions, the salary for a closed captioner varies wildly depending on experience, the company they work for, and the type of programming they are captioning.

On average, closed captioners make around $50,000 per year. Those who specialize in closed captioning for television may make more, while those who caption for online content may make less. The exact amount a closed captioner makes depends on the type of work they are doing and the company they are doing it for.

Experienced closed captioners can make significantly more than the average salary. Those who have been in the industry for several years may be able to earn up to $100,000 or more. These higher salaries are typically reserved for those who are working on high-profile projects, such as movies and television shows.

In addition to salary, many closed captioners also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Some employers may also offer bonuses or other incentives for their closed captioners.

Closed captioners are an invaluable part of the media industry and the salaries they earn reflect that. While the average salary may not be as high as some other media-related professions, closed captioners are essential to providing access to media for those with hearing impairments. As the demand for closed captioning services continues to grow, it is likely that the salaries of closed captioners will continue to increase.

Conclusion

A closed captioner can make a good living, particularly if they are willing to work freelance or remotely. The average salary for a full-time closed captioner is $50,000, but top earners can make over $100,000 per year. With the right skills and experience, a closed captioner can easily find work that pays well and offers a good work-life balance.