What to include in your costs as a translator
- CAT tools (translation memory software) and terminology databases
- Dictionaries and reference subscriptions
- Professional association membership and certification
- Professional indemnity insurance
- A second monitor and an ergonomic setup
How freelance translators usually price their work
Translators are usually paid per source word, with hourly rates for editing, proofreading and transcreation and a minimum fee for short jobs. Agencies may apply discounts for repeated text found in translation memory.
Tip: Convert your per-word rate to an hourly figure using your real throughput — including research and self-review — and check it against the floor from this calculator. Set a minimum charge so small jobs are worth your time.
How the calculation works
Your rate = (profit needed for your take-home after tax + business expenses) × (1 + buffer) ÷ billable hours. Tax is estimated with your country's 2026 rules (US, UK, Canada, Australia) or a rate you enter. Billable hours are your working weeks × hours per week × the share of time you can actually bill. More about the method →
Worked example
A US-based translator who wants $75,000 a year after tax, with $2,500 of business costs, 40-hour weeks, 6 weeks off and 65% billable time:
- Profit needed: about $101,644 (about $26,644 of federal, self-employment and 4% state tax).
- Revenue needed with a 10% buffer: ($101,644 + $2,500) × 1.10 ≈ $114,559.
- Billable hours: 46 × 40 × 65% = 1,196.
- Minimum rate: $95.78 an hour, or $766 for an 8-hour day.
Change the country, costs or hours above to get your own number.