​Ever wonder who turns a doctor’s fast-paced voice notes into clear, organized medical records? That’s the job of a medical transcriptionist: an essential role that continues to be in demand despite the rise of automation. Whether you're considering this career or planning to hire one, understanding the medical transcriptionist salary is key to making informed decisions in today’s healthcare landscape.
In this blog, we’ll explore how much medical transcriptionists earn based on experience and location, what factors influence their pay, and what the future looks like for this profession. You’ll also learn how outsourcing transcription through services like Wing Assistant can help healthcare providers save time, reduce costs, and ensure accurate documentation.
What Is the Average Medical Transcriptionist Salary?
Despite technological shifts and the introduction of AI-powered documentation tools, skilled medical transcriptionists remain essential for quality assurance and error correction in clinical documentation. Whether you're pursuing this career or hiring for the role, understanding salary benchmarks is key to evaluating opportunities.
Average Annual Pay
In the United States, the median annual salary for medical transcriptionists was $37,550 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The salary range spans from $26,370 for the lowest 10% to over $53,890 for the top 10% of earners. Salary also varies by industry:
- Hospitals: $45,220
- Physician Offices: $43,150
- Outpatient Care Centers: $39,590
Globally, pay differs significantly based on regional costs of living. For example, in the Philippines, the average annual salary is roughly ₱279,456 (around $4,900), based on monthly rates reported by Indeed. While global figures are lower, they often align with local economic conditions, making transcription work a desirable option for remote professionals.
Average Monthly Pay
In the U.S., a typical medical transcriptionist earns between $3,100 and $4,500 per month, depending on the setting, region, and level of experience. Those working in hospitals or specialized care centers tend to be on the higher end of this range.
In contrast, transcriptionists in the Philippines earn an average of ₱23,288 per month, with some cities offering higher wages, such as Alabang, Metro Manila (₱32,153) and Lahug, Cebu (₱30,334), based on local job postings.
Average Hourly Pay (US vs Global)
According to BLS data, the median hourly wage for U.S. medical transcriptionist salary is $18.05, with the top earners making over $25.90 per hour. Platforms like Indeed and Salary.com show a range from $16.72 to $23 per hour, reflecting regional differences and specialization levels.
In the Philippines, hourly wages typically fall between ₱115 to ₱150 (or $2 to $2.65), making it a cost-effective option for healthcare providers looking to outsource without sacrificing quality.
Outsourcing transcription to skilled global talent, particularly through managed services like Wing Assistant, offers an efficient and budget-friendly alternative for clinics and hospitals.
Medical Transcriptionist Salary by Experience Level
Like many healthcare support roles, medical transcriptionist salary increases with experience, certifications, and workflow specialization.
Entry-Level vs. Mid-Career vs. Experienced Transcriptionists
Entry-level MT pay is typically on the lower end of the spectrum, between $26,000 and $32,000 per year, depending on the employer, location, and assigned workload. In hourly terms, that translates to an MT hourly rate of around $13 to $16, which aligns with basic transcription or editing roles.
Mid-career professionals tend to earn $35,000 to $45,000, especially in high-volume environments like outpatient clinics or radiology departments. Experienced transcriptionists managing specialized reports or mentoring junior staff can command MT salaries in 2025 reaching $50,000 or more annually, particularly in states with higher living costs or in hospital-based roles.
Certification Impact (RHDS and CHDS)
Earning certifications from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) can significantly boost a medical scribe's salary and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
The RHDS (Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist) credential helps early-career transcriptionists stand out. At the same time, the CHDS (Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist) is ideal for those with advanced experience in acute care or multi-specialty transcription.
Certified transcriptionists often earn 10% to 20% more than their non-certified peers, making these credentials a valuable investment for long-term earning potential, particularly in competitive markets where accuracy and speed are essential.
Pay-Per-Project and Productivity-Based Pay
Many remote MT salary today work under pay-per-project models, which calculate earnings per line or audio minute. This type of medical transcriptionist salary structure is common in freelance setups and remote outsourcing environments.
- Per line: Rates typically range from $0.06 to $0.15, depending on the transcriptionist’s speed and the complexity of the content.
- Per audio minute: Compensation may vary from $0.50 to $2.00 per minute, depending on turnaround time, audio quality, and subject matter.
Skilled professionals with high output and familiarity with tools like EHR systems or speech recognition software can earn above-average MT hourly rates, sometimes outpacing salaried peers. This makes productivity-based pay a strong fit for transcriptionists who can deliver both speed and precision.
Medical Transcriptionist Salary by Location
Where a medical transcriptionist lives and works plays a major role in determining their earnings. Local demand, employer type, and access to remote opportunities all shape the market for MT job salary benchmarks.
Top-Paying States and Cities
Some of the highest-paying states for medical transcriptionists in the U.S. include:
- Connecticut – $49,810 per year
- Minnesota – $44,390 per year
- New Jersey – $43,990 per year
- Washington – $43,380 per year
- Hawaii – $43,230 per year
Cities within these states, especially those with large hospital systems or specialty clinics, often offer above-average MT job salary rates. Urban centers like Seattle, Honolulu, and Newark continue to attract experienced transcriptionists with competitive compensation packages.
Differences Considered
Several variables contribute to regional variations in MT wage guide:
- Cost of Living: Transcriptionists in high-cost areas typically command higher pay to offset daily expenses.
- Employer Type: Hospitals and larger healthcare systems tend to pay more than small clinics or independent practices.
- Specialization Demand: Those who specialize in fields like radiology, pathology, or surgery may earn higher certified MT pay due to the technical nature of the work.
- Remote Work Flexibility: Remote positions offer opportunities to work for high-paying providers from anywhere, but they may also standardize pay across different markets.
- Healthcare Budgets and Legislation: Some states or provinces allocate more funding toward medical documentation, increasing salary potential in those regions.
Global Comparison
Here’s how MT job salary compares across several key countries:
a. United States
- The median annual wage is $37,550, with top transcriptionists earning more than $53,000. Hospitals tend to offer higher pay, especially for transcriptionists with RHDS or CHDS certifications.
b. Canada
- Medical transcriptionists earn between $40,175 and $55,478 CAD per year, depending on experience, certifications, and region. Certified professionals in acute care roles often command top-tier MT wage guide rates.
c. Philippines
- The average monthly wage is ₱23,242, with higher rates in major cities. This makes the Philippines a growing hub for outsourced transcription, especially among remote teams and freelance MT income earners.
d. India
- Medical transcriptionists earn around ₹16,952 per month, though those working for international clients or on a freelance MT income basis may earn more. Certifications and English fluency also improve earning potential in global projects.
Whether you're setting compensation for a new hire or benchmarking your rates, understanding how location affects pay is essential to navigating the medical transcription industry in 2025.
Full-Time, Part-Time & Freelance | Medical Transcriptionist Salary
When it comes to a medical transcriptionist's salary, employment type can significantly influence income potential. Whether you're working in a full-time in-house role, part-time remote setup, or freelancing across platforms, each model comes with its own pay structure, benefits, and trade-offs. Understanding these options can help transcriptionists choose the right path or help employers design flexible hiring strategies to attract top talent.
In-House vs. Remote or Freelance Roles
Full-time, in-house transcriptionists often receive stable monthly salaries, benefits like health insurance or paid time off, and predictable schedules. These roles are typically found in hospitals, physicians’ own practices, or large healthcare networks. However, they may come with stricter time commitments and less flexibility.
On the other hand, remote or freelance roles offer more flexibility in both hours and workload. Freelancers may earn per line, per audio minute, or per project. High-performing individuals can boost their freelance MT income by taking on multiple clients or specializing in high-demand fields like radiology or surgery. While freelancers generally don’t receive employee benefits, they often enjoy higher earning potential based on productivity.
BPO Setups
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms play a major role in global transcription hiring, especially in countries like the Philippines and India. These firms recruit and manage medical transcriptionists for U.S. or international clients, offering them consistent transcription work under full-time or part-time contracts.
Transcriptionists working in BPOs may earn less than direct-hire remote workers, but they gain access to training, stable hours, and long-term contracts. Some BPO companies also offer performance incentives and career advancement paths, making them a practical starting point for new professionals entering the field.
Gig Platforms for MTs
For transcriptionists who prefer project-based flexibility, gig platforms offer a growing number of opportunities. Websites like Rev, GoTranscript, and Upwork allow MTs to accept assignments on demand. These platforms typically pay per audio minute or line, and top freelancers can build a strong freelance MT income by increasing their speed and client base.
However, competition can be high, and rates vary widely. Entry-level work may start below industry averages, while experienced transcriptionists with verified client reviews can command premium rates. Gig work also lacks job security and benefits, but serves as a useful stepping stone or a flexible supplement for those pursuing part-time or project-based medical transcription work.
Industry Trends & Job Outlook
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% decline in employment for medical transcriptionists from 2016 to 2026, demand for skilled professionals remains steady due to industry turnover: around 9,300 job openings are still open annually. The decline is largely attributed to advancements in AI and voice recognition software, which are automating parts of the transcription process. However, these tools still require human oversight to ensure medical accuracy, context, and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Outsourcing and remote work have also reshaped the job market. Many healthcare providers now partner with BPO firms or hire freelance talent from lower-cost countries, influencing medical transcriptionist salary ranges globally. This has made the field more accessible but also more competitive, especially for U.S.-based professionals.
To stay competitive, transcriptionists should invest in certifications like RHDS or CHDS, specialize in high-demand areas such as radiology or emergency care, and build proficiency with EHR platforms and editing AI-generated transcripts. Those who evolve into hybrid roles, such as virtual medical scribes or documentation specialists, are best positioned to thrive in a tech-assisted, remote-first healthcare environment.
Outsourcing Medical Transcription: A Cost-Effective Solution for Healthcare Providers
For busy healthcare professionals, documentation demands can quickly overwhelm clinical workflows. That's where Wing Assistant steps in.
As a fully managed remote talent solution, Wing helps physicians, clinics, and hospitals streamline medical transcription and administrative work through dedicated virtual medical scribes. Instead of juggling charts, referrals, and patient notes after hours, providers can delegate these tasks to trained professionals who deliver fast, accurate, and HIPAA-compliant documentation support.
Benefits of Outsourcing Transcription to Virtual Assistants:
Here’s why more healthcare providers are turning to virtual assistants for transcription support:
a. Cost Savings
- Wing’s virtual medical scribes are significantly more affordable than hiring in-house staff. With flexible plans and no long-term contracts, healthcare providers can scale support based on workload, without the overhead costs of traditional hiring.
b. 24/7 Availability
- Wing offers global coverage, meaning providers can get round-the-clock assistance, even during nights or weekends. This ensures that documentation continues without delays, no matter the time zone or clinic hours.
c. HIPAA-Compliant Service
- All Wing medical transcriptionists are trained in HIPAA regulations and data security protocols. This ensures patient information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and compliance.
d. Accuracy and Turnaround Time
- Wing assistants are skilled in medical terminology, transcription software, and EHR systems. They not only transcribe but also identify inconsistencies, flag missing data, and ensure clean, timely entries into patient records.
For healthcare teams looking to reduce admin burdens and refocus on patient care, Wing Assistant’s virtual assistant services for medical professionals offer a trusted, efficient solution.
Final Thought
Whether you're exploring a career in medical transcription or seeking to hire qualified transcription support, understanding salary expectations by role, location, and employment model is essential. From entry-level roles to certified specialists, pay can vary significantly, but the demand for accurate, reliable documentation remains steady.
For healthcare providers, outsourcing to a virtual transcriptionist is a smart, cost-effective way to streamline operations without sacrificing quality. If you're ready to improve your workflow or launch a remote-friendly transcription career, now is the time to act. Start by exploring Wing’s services or scheduling a free consultation to find the right solution for your needs.
Dianne has extensive experience as a Content Writer, she creates engaging content that captivates readers and ranks well online. She stays on top of industry trends to keep her work fresh and impactful. She has a talent for turning complex ideas into relatable stories. When she’s not writing, you’ll probably find her with a crochet hook in hand or working on a fun craft project. She loves bringing creativity to life, whether it’s through words or handmade creations.
