How much to charge for translation
Translation is priced per word, with rare language pairs and specialized fields commanding premiums. Legal, medical, and technical work pays more because a mistranslation has real consequences, so price the expertise.
You should charge
$0.00
per word · typical $0.08–$0.30
Why this number. Charge more for rare pairs and high-stakes fields, and set a minimum project fee. A short legal document is still expert, consequential work, so a minimum keeps tiny jobs from costing you more than they pay.
Typical translation prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| General (per word) | $0.08 – $0.18 |
| Technical / legal (per word) | $0.15 – $0.30 |
| Certified document (per page) | $25 – $75 |
Also common: Many translators set a minimum per-project fee, often $30-$50.
What changes the price
- Language pair (rare pairs pay more)
- Subject matter (legal, medical, technical)
- Turnaround speed
- Certification or notarization
The pricing move most people miss
Charge more for rare pairs and high-stakes fields, and set a minimum project fee. A short legal document is still expert, consequential work, so a minimum keeps tiny jobs from costing you more than they pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for translation?+
Most translation is priced $0.08–$0.30 per word, with a typical rate around $0.15 per word. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to language pair (rare pairs pay more) and subject matter (legal, medical, technical). Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the best way to price translation?+
Most translation is priced per word, which is easy for clients to understand. Set a clear minimum so small jobs still cover your time and travel, and bundle add-ons into packages to lift the average ticket rather than discounting. Many translators set a minimum per-project fee, often $30-$50.
How much should I charge for translation as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $0.08 to $0.15 per word. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $0.30.
What affects how much translation costs?+
The biggest factors are language pair (rare pairs pay more); subject matter (legal, medical, technical); turnaround speed; certification or notarization. Two jobs that look alike can price very differently once these are accounted for, which is why a quick walkthrough or a few questions before quoting protects your rate.
How do I quote translation so the client says yes?+
Charge more for rare pairs and high-stakes fields, and set a minimum project fee. A short legal document is still expert, consequential work, so a minimum keeps tiny jobs from costing you more than they pay. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.