RateLab

Freelance Translator Rates: What Should You Charge?

Translation pays per word, but specialization and language pair change the math dramatically. Rare pairs and technical fields earn multiples of common ones.

Calculate your exact rate free:

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Typical freelance translator rates

General$0.08–0.15/word
Technical/legal$0.15–0.30/word
Rare language pair$0.20–0.40/word
Certified document$25–75/page
Minimum job fee$30–60

Ranges are ballpark benchmarks — your real number depends on income goal, expenses and billable hours. Run yours through the calculator.

Pricing tips for a freelance translator

Rare language pairs and technical fields command premiums.
Charge per source word; set minimums for small jobs.
Certified/legal translation prices higher than general.
Editing and proofreading are separate line items.

Charging right — now get paid right

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The full rate pack is coming

Benchmark rates across 40 fields + pricing spreadsheet + proposal templates. Use the free calculator above meanwhile.

Coming soon