The Truth Behind Pricing: What is the Average Cost of Professional Translation and Interpretation Language Services?

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What Is The Average Cost Of Translation And Interpretation Services?

So have you ever wondered what goes into the fees that translators and interpreters charge to facilitate clear communication?

What exactly is the average cost of professional translations and interpretations?

How much should my translation or interpretation cost?

What does the job description entail?

A very common misconception about translation and interpretation is that the average translator and interpreter provides a service for an x amount of words or hours for a job. So many people calculate it this way, for example a translation, $300 divided by 800 words = $.375 per word, but this is where the misconception starts.
There are so many factors that go into a professional translator's and interpreter's fees.
Here's a breakdown of what a professional might spend additional time on for just one job:

Translator

  • Preparation for client consultation-meeting
  • Meeting with client (in person or via skype/phone)
  • Go over reference materials
  • Review style guide
  • Research
  • Glossary
  • Formatting
  • Editing
  • Revising
  • Proofreading

Interpreter

  • Preparation for client consultation-meeting
  • Meeting with client (in person or via skype/phone)
  • Coordinate with second interpreter (if needed)
  • Go over reference materials
  • Research
  • Commute
  • Set-up equipment (if needed)
All the above add several hours spent on any single job.
You also have to remember that just like any business, each translator and interpreter also has their own costs to run their business including overhead costs, equipment, software, mileage, and so much more.
Some of their business expenses may include:
  • Accountant Fees/Tax Prep
  • Association Membership Fees
  • Bank Fees 
  • Computer Aided Tools/Word Processing/Misc Software 
  • Continued Professional Development/Training/Events/Airfare/Accommodations/Meals 
  • Foreign Exchange Fees
  • Healthcare/Dental/Vision 
  • Home/Shared Office Space 
  • Internet
  • Invoicing/Project Management Tools/Accounting Software 
  • Marketing/Business Cards
  • Office Equipment/Printer/Maintenance/Repairs/New Laptop or Computer
  • Office Supplies/Stationary/Paper/Pens/Dictionaries/Glossaries/Misc 
  • Phone 
  • Taxes/VAT/Social Security
  • Telephone
  • Travel 
  • Web Hosting
The Truth Behind Pricing: What is the Average Cost of Professional Translation and Interpretation Language Services?
They also take into account time for holidays, sick days, time spent on administrative work like emailing, invoicing, marketing, CPD, providing quotes, etc.
After you take all of that information into account, it is time to do your research and find your perfect translator or interpreter.
The Truth Behind Pricing: What is the Average Cost of Professional Translation and Interpretation Language Services?

So, how do you find that perfect translator or interpreter who will capture and communicate your message exactly how you want? eLingual.Net is a great place to start! We will help connect you with translators or interpreters who match your needs.
But remember, doing your research is key. Make sure you research each one, look at the different profiles, the services they offer, and also make sure you communicate with each one before making a decision.
For more on the topic check out:
What are your thoughts about the average cost of translators and interpreters?
As always, thank you for reading and sharing my posts. 
Feel free to connect or email me, Carmen Arismendy.  I'm a professional Spanish interpreter-translator and founder of eLingual.Net.  I started the eLingual Network because I could not find a fair, no middleman, no job bidding, ethical, and transparent meeting place for translators, interpreters, and clients online.  The website is in beta phase and by no means perfect but it's a step in the right direction.
eLingual.Net's mission is to spread happiness worldwide through happy translators, interpreters, and clients.
For the professional translator and interpreter, this means no middleman, no job bidding, the freedom of setting their own fees, having control over their services, and who they choose to work with.
For the clients, this means working directly with ethical and professional translators and interpreters committed to quality and value.
Join our happy community, let's work together!

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