📖 How much does a translator make?

• Employer pay: Translators employed by a company or government receive pay from their employer. Source
• Freelance project fees: Freelance translators may charge by the word or by the hour and invoice their clients. Source

In the United States, study English and another language in high school, then usually earn a bachelor’s degree and build strong writing and translation skills. Make sample translations and apply to an agency or employer, or work freelance. There is no general translator license or required certification.

1. Study English and another language in high school.
2. Usually earn a bachelor’s degree.
3. Practice translation and improve your writing.
4. Apply to a translation company or another employer, or work freelance.

Qualifications and exams

A bachelor’s degree is typical, along with fluency in English and at least one other language. The United States has no general translator license or required certification.

A translator reads a client’s manual or web page and researches unfamiliar terms. They draft the translation with computer tools, check its meaning and style several times, then send the finished file to the client by the deadline.

How much do government translators make?

In May 2025, typical yearly pay for interpreters and translators in government, excluding state and local education and hospitals, was $74,320. This group includes translators and interpreters and excludes self-employed workers. Source

Does a translator’s specialty affect pay?

Yes. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says pay may depend on language, specialty, experience, education, and certification. It does not give a separate figure for each specialty. Source

How do freelance translators charge?

Freelance translators often charge by the source or translated word, or by the hour. The rate can vary by market, specialty, and language pair. Source

Is translation work steady all year?

Not always. Part-time work is common, and schedules can vary. Workers may have periods with little work and other times with long, irregular hours. Source

What costs do freelance translators cover?

Freelancers invoice clients, pay their own taxes, and cover business expenses, insurance, and retirement savings. Those costs affect how much money they keep. Source

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