National

Guide – Fees for interviewing & transcription

About this OHA guide

Developed by senior members of Oral History Australia, this guide was produced to provide some guidance on the factors involved in setting fees for interviewing and transcription.

Published: February 2016.

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OHA Guides

Guidelines on fees for interviewing and transcription

Oral History Australia (OHA) membership is open to all and reflects a range of expertise consequently members’ fees for oral history interviewing and transcription may vary considerably. Oral History Australia cannot insist on particular fees, but offers the following guidelines to help establish appropriate rates.

1. One hour of recorded interview may range in cost from $700 to $1600.

  • An hour of recorded interview typically involves 2–5 hours of research about the subject, relevant topics and places, events and general history. Several interviews on the same topic may require fewer hours of research, while a one-off interview could require more.
  • Further time will be spent on preparation, which includes a preliminary interview by telephone or in person, preparation of questions, and arranging an interview venue if required.
  • A one-hour interview usually takes two hours. Each extra hour of interview may range in price from $60–$160 per hour.
  • Other possible inclusions are post-interview follow-up, preparation of an interview summary, proofing transcripts, editing, insurance, administration and photography.
  • Travel expenses including accommodation may form part of the overall fee, or if the interview is over 30k from the interviewer’s workplace this may be negotiated according to travel fee guidelines developed by the Australian Taxation Office.
  • Fees are based on the time required and the interviewer’s qualifications and experience. Professional Historians Australia has a recommended scale of fees; hourly rates range between $72 and $200. All members are accredited. See the PHA website Scale of Fees Recommended for the Engagement of Accredited Professional Historians in Australia at www.historians.org.au/scale-of-fees GST may be added if the interviewer is registered for the GST.
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