The cost of transcribing one hour of audio can vary significantly depending on the service provider and the complexity of the audio. Generally, professional transcription services charge between $1.50 to $3.00 per audio minute or $90 to $180 per audio hour. These rates may increase if the audio quality is poor or if there are multiple speakers, accents, or technical terminology. Some services also charge additional fees for quick turnaround times or rush deliveries.
Automated transcription services, powered by AI, are typically more affordable than human transcription services. For example, Rev charges $0.25 per audio minute for automated transcription with an average turnaround time of 5 minutes and 80-90% accuracy. However, it's important to note that automated transcription may not be suitable for all types of audio, especially those with poor sound quality, multiple speakers, or complex content. Human transcription services offer higher accuracy rates, typically around 99%, but also come with a higher price tag. Human transcriptionists may charge anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 per audio minute or $90 to $180 per audio hour, depending on the complexity of the audio and the turnaround time required. Additionally, some medical transcription services charge per line, with the industry standard price being $0.07 to $0.14 per line. Ultimately, the cost of transcribing one hour of audio will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the chosen service provider.