Earn $100/Day Using English Shorthand – No Degree Required!

Imagine this: You’re sitting at your kitchen table, sipping coffee, and earning money by transcribing a podcast episode for a popular true-crime series. No commute, boss breathing down your neck, and degree required. Sounds too good to be true? Let me tell you—it’s not.

Hi, I’m a certified transcriptionist and shorthand instructor with over 8 years of experience. I’ve trained hundreds of students, from stay-at-home parents to retirees, to earn $100/day or more using English shorthand. When I started, I was a single mom struggling to make ends meet. Traditional jobs didn’t offer the flexibility I needed, so I turned to shorthand. Within a year, I was earning enough to quit my 9-to-5. Now, I want to show you how to do the same.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to master shorthand, land high-paying gigs, and scale your income—all without stepping foot in a classroom. Let’s dive in.

What is English Shorthand? (And Why It’s a Goldmine in 2025)

Breaking Down the Basics

Shorthand is a speed-writing system that replaces letters, words, or phrases with symbols or abbreviations. It is similar to texting shorthand (“LOL” or “BRB”), but it is far more sophisticated. The goal is to write as fast as people speak.

The Two Most Popular Systems:

1. Pitman Shorthand: Uses geometric symbols and phonetic principles. It is ideal for legal and medical fields due to its precision.
2. Gregg Simplified: A curvier, more intuitive system popular in journalism and general transcription.

Industries That Pay Top Dollar for Shorthand Skills

Shorthand isn’t just about writing fast—it’s about filling critical gaps in high-demand fields:

• Legal Transcription: Courts and law firms need verbatim records of trials, depositions, and meetings.
• Medical Transcription: Doctors and hospitals require accurate patient notes. (Pro Tip: Learn HIPAA compliance to boost rates.)
• Live Event Captioning: Concerts, conferences, and webinars need real-time captions for accessibility.
• Freelance Journalism: Media outlets pay shorthand writers to cover press conferences or interviews.

Why Shorthand Pays Better Than Typing

The average typist hits 40–60 words per minute (WPM). Skilled shorthand writers? 80–120 WPM. That speed lets you complete projects faster and take on more clients. For example, transcribing a 60-minute audio file at 0.60/ per audio minute would earn a typist $36, but a shorthand writer finishing the job in half the time could take on another project, doubling their earnings.

Industry Demand in 2024:

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth for transcriptionists through 2031.
• Platforms like Rev.com and TranscribeMe report a 30% surge in gigs since 2022, driven by podcasters, YouTubers, and remote work.

How to Earn $100/Day with Shorthand: A Step-by-Step Blueprint

Step 1: Learn Shorthand Basics (Without Overwhelm)

Choosing the Right System

• Pitman vs. Gregg:
  • Pitman: Better for technical fields (e.g., law, medicine).
  • Gregg: Easier to learn for general use.

Free Resources to Start:

• YouTube: Channels like Shorthandly and Pitman Training offer free introductory lessons.
• Apps: Try Shorthand Shorthand (iOS/Android) for daily drills.

Paid Courses for Certification:

• Pitman Training ($200–$500): Recognized globally, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
• Gregg Shorthand Online ($150): Self-paced modules with lifetime access.

My #1 Tip for Fast Learning:
Practice for 30 minutes daily. Start with common phrases (“Thank you,” “Please find attached”) before tackling complete sentences. Within 3–6 months, you’ll hit 60–80 WPM.

Step 2: Pick Your Profitable Niche

Option 1: Medical Transcription

• Requirements: Knowledge of “myocardial infarction” or “hyperlipidemia.”
• Resources: Free glossaries from the American Association for Medical Transcription.
• Earnings: $20–$35/hour.

Option 2: Podcast/Video Captioning

• Why It’s Hot: Creators need SEO-friendly captions to rank on YouTube and Google.
• Tools: Use Otter.ai to auto-generate drafts, then refine with shorthand.
• Earnings: $1.50–$3.00 per video minute.

Option 3: Freelance Journalism

• How to Start: Pitch local news outlets with a sample transcript.
• Pro Tip: Offer “live event shorthand” services for conferences or city council meetings.

 

Step 3: Land Your First Clients (Even With Zero Experience)

Platforms for Beginners:

• Upwork: Bid on “shorthand transcription” gigs. Charge $15–$20/hour as a newbie.
• Fiverr: Offer a “Basic Audio Transcription” package for $5–$10 per 15 minutes.
• Scribie: Entry-level platform with a $10 sign-up bonus.

Cold Pitching Script:

Subject: Quick + Accurate Shorthand Services for Your Content Needs
Hi [Name],
I noticed [Company] produces [podcasts/videos] on [topic]. As a certified shorthand transcriptionist, I can deliver 80–100 WPM transcripts with 99% accuracy. Attached is a 1-minute sample from your latest episode.
Let’s discuss how I can save your team time!
Best,
[Your Name]*

Build Trust Fast:

• Offer a 10-minute free sample.
• Highlight turnaround time (“24-hour delivery”).

Step 4: Scale Your Earnings Like a Pro

Speed Hacks:

• Shorten Symbols: Customize abbreviations for frequent terms (e.g., “govt” for “government”).
• Foot Pedals: Invest in a $50 pedal (e.g., Philips foot control) to pause and play audio hands-free.

Premium Add-Ons to Boost Rates:

• Time-Stamped Transcripts: Charge 25% extra for video editors who need sync points.
• Multilingual Services: Translate transcripts into Spanish or French for 50% higher fees.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business:

• Outsource: Hire junior transcriptionists on Fiverr once you’re swamped.
• Create a Website: Showcase testimonials and niche specialities (e.g.,” “Medical Shorthand Exper””).

FAQs

1. “How Do I Handle Poor Audio Quality”
   Use Krisp.ai to reduce background noise. If the information is unclear, notify the client and request a “better file.
2. “Can I W” K Part-Time?”
   Absolutely! Most platforms let you choose gigs. To earn $100, work 2–3 hours daily (e.g…….., 6–9 AM).
3. “IsCertifieda” ion Worth It?”
   For medical/legal niches, yes. Certifications from AHDI or NALA can double “your rates.
4. “What If I M “s Deadlines”
   Communicate early! Most clients appreciate honesty. Offer a 10% discount on the nnextproject.
5. “How to Do I S” y Motivated”
   Join shorthand Facebook groups or chal” “nranges(e.g.,” “90-D”” Sp “ed Dril””).
6. “Can I Use Shorthand for Note-Taki” in College”
   Yes! Many students use Gregg to capture lectures 3x faster.

Conclusion

Shorthand isn’t a get-rich scheme. It’s a skill that rewards whether you’re transcribing medical reports during naptime or captioning YouTube videos at midnight; the flexibility is unmatched.

Your Action Plan:

1. Practice Daily: Use my free shorthand drills to build speed.
2. Pick a Niche: Focus on one industry to stand out.
3. Pitch Confidently: Your first gig is the hardest—after that, momentum kicks in.

Ready to Begin?
👉 Download my FREE Gregg Shorthand Cheat Sheet (with audio exercises).
👉 Join my 90-day Masterclass to go from beginner to pro.

Share this guide with a friend who needs a side hustle—and start your journey to $100/day today!

Author Bio
Faraz Jameel is a certified shorthand instructor and founder of ShorthShe’sps.com. She’s been featured in FoRemoteWorker’semoteWorker’s Journal and has helped 2,000+ students build transcription careers. His 90-Day Shorthand Masterclass boasts a 95% success rate.

Sources Cited

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
• Rev.com Annual Earnings Report, 2024
• Pitman Training Certification Handbook