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How much does translation really pay?
US interpreters and translators earn a median $28.93 an hour. Freelance rates have no official source and depend on your languages.
A second language is not enough: clients pay for accuracy and subject knowledge.
What do you need for translation work?
- Two languages at a professional levelWriting ability counts, not just speaking.
- A subjectLegal, medical or technical work needs knowledge.
- ClientsAgencies or direct clients.
What translation work really pays
| Item | Figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| US median, interpreters and translators | $28.93 an hour | 2025 figure, or $60,170 a year, for employed staff |
| Job outlook | Slower than average (1% to 2%) | Projected 2025 to 2035 |
| Freelance rates | No official figure | Set by you and your client |
| Upwork fee | 0% to 15% | If you find clients there |
| Fiverr fee | 20% | If you find clients there |
What it adds up to
| Hours a week | A week at $28.93 an hour |
|---|---|
| 10 hours a week | $289.30 |
| 20 hours a week | $578.60 |
| 40 hours a week | $1,157.20 |
The US median for employed interpreters and translators, before tax. Freelance rates have no official figure. Our sums on the US figure above: an example, not a promise.
When does translation work pay you?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Paid out at | Set by your client or platform |
| First money | Set by your client or platform |
What is the catch with translation work?
- The median covers interpreters as well as translators.
- A translation test should not be a free job in disguise.
How to start with translation work
- Pick a language pair and a fieldSpecialists stand out.
- Translate three samplesUse public texts.
- Try agenciesThey can bring repeat work.
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Sources
- O*NET (US Department of Labor): Interpreters and Translators, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Elevate Pay: Upwork's freelancer service fee in 2026, checked 5 Nov 2026
- Velo Branding: Fiverr fees 2026, checked 5 Nov 2026