Medical Transcriptionists
O*NET 31-9094.00 · SOC 31-9094
Medical Transcriptionist is a risky career choice. Median pay is $40k a year with -4.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 6,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Listen to physician voice recordings and type medical reports
- →Transcribe patient history, diagnoses, and treatment notes accurately
- →Edit and proofread transcribed documents for spelling and grammar
- →Return completed transcriptions to physicians for review and signature
- →Flag unclear dictation and request clarification from healthcare providers
Education & How to Get In
Most Medical Transcriptionist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Medical Transcriptionist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Medical Transcriptionist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Medical Transcriptionist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Medical Transcriptionists is projected to decline 4.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Medical Transcriptionist make?
The median Medical Transcriptionist earns $40k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Medical Transcriptionist jobs?
Our model puts Medical Transcriptionist at 39 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Medical Transcriptionist a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 4.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 6,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Medical Transcriptionist?
Most Medical Transcriptionist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Medical Transcriptionist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Medical Transcriptionist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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