Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Medical transcriptionists typically need postsecondary education that leads to a certificate. Prospective medical transcriptionists must know basic medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and rules of grammar. PayThe median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $40,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 4 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 6,200 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical transcriptionists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical transcriptionists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Pay
The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $40,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 4 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 6,200 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical transcriptionists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical transcriptionists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 4 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 6,200 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical transcriptionists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical transcriptionists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Medical transcriptionists use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports.
Work Environment
Many medical transcriptionists work for hospitals, physicians' offices, and third-party transcription companies that provide services to healthcare establishments. Most are full time, but part-time work is common.
How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists typically need postsecondary education that leads to a certificate. Prospective medical transcriptionists must know basic medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and rules of grammar.
Pay
The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $40,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 4 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 6,200 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical transcriptionists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical transcriptionists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many medical transcriptionists work for hospitals, physicians' offices, and third-party transcription companies that provide services to healthcare establishments. Most are full time, but part-time work is common.
How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists typically need postsecondary education that leads to a certificate. Prospective medical transcriptionists must know basic medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and rules of grammar.
Pay
The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $40,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 4 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 6,200 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical transcriptionists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical transcriptionists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical transcriptionists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical transcriptionists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about medical transcriptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.