Interpreters and Translators – How Much Do They Earn?

(Last Updated On: June 15, 2015)The income of interpreters and translators varies greatly depending on numerous factors. Yearly earnings can be influenced by the languages that the translator or interpreter knows, by the company or the agency he or she works for and by several other factors such as the level of experience or education. Today there are huge demands for interpreting and translating services.

Interpreters and translators who work with popular languages such as French or Spanish as well as those who know rare languages are likely to earn more than others. Similarly, full time translators and interpreters earn more than those who work part time. Those paid by governments make more money than those who work for private entities. As a rule, it seems to be more profitable to work as a freelance translator or interpreter than to work exclusively for one company or agency.

How much do Interpreters and Translators earn?


Statistics say that in 2008, the average yearly income of interpreters and translators was around $38,000. Most translators earned between $28,000 and $52,000 yearly. However, there were also translators or interpreters who earned more. The maximum income for this category of people was around $69,000. Translators and interpreters working for the government could earn up to $78,000 yearly. Not all of them are this lucky because there were also interpreters who only earned $22,000 in 2008. As said, the wages of interpreters and translators depend on several factors.

The income of translators and interpreters can vary from one year to another. Those who work for only one company can usually predict their income, but freelancers are often subjected to fluctuations of their wages. Freelance Telephone interpreting services charge their customers an hourly rate. Freelance interpreters and translators can also have an hourly rate, or they can charge depending on the number of words that they have to translate.

In order to be able to work as a freelance interpreter or translator, you need to market your services and to make sure people find out about what you do. It might be useful to print some business cards and send them to local organizations that might need your services. You can also make use of online resources that teach you how to become a better freelancer.

In order to be a good interpreter or translator, you need to be proficient in your native language and at least one more foreign language. However, this is not all it takes. You also have to be an organized person with a good memory. You have to be able to work under pressure and to act with rapidity.

Interpreters and translators might earn more than average wages but their work is a lot more stressful and intense than other jobs.

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