Making Money Online as a Translator
Hi there!
Being multilingual or having a multicultural background opens up a fantastic opportunity for you to become an online translator and make money from the comfort of your home. If you’re also interested in teaching English online, don’t forget to check out my other article where I share tips and platforms to help you get started!
In this article, I’ll share some of the best ways you can get extra income as an online translator. I am also a freelance translator, currently working with one of the companies I’ll be discussing, I’m excited to share my own experiences with you.
As an online translator, your income will depend on the languages you translate and your experience. With translation needs available across various industries like technology, social media, law, and health, you’ll always have exciting projects to work on.
Whether you choose to work for translation agencies or directly for employers, the workload can vary from handling just a few hundred words a day to tackling a large project with thousands of words.
Regarding compensation, the rates can vary considerably based on several factors. Target languages in high demand or less commonly spoken may command higher rates. Additionally, the type of translation and its complexities can influence the payment structure. On average, rates range from $0.03 per word for more straightforward translations to around $2 for specialized or complex works.
Top Companies and Platforms for Finding Online Translation Jobs:
1. ProZ
ProZ.com, known both as a community and a site, is one of the most reputable platforms. With over 1 million registered users, it connects translators, interpreters, translation agencies, and clients.
ProZ.com offers membership options that start at $120 per year. These options are designed to boost your chances of finding new clients, with statistics showing that members are at least four times more likely to land projects than non-members. ProZ.com provides two membership packages: the Standard service package and the Plus service package, each offering valuable resources and benefits like access to forums, contests, and networking activities. You can also get a CAT tool called CafeTran Espresso and many more.
2. TranslatorsCafé.com
TranslatorsCafé.com is an established online platform connecting language professionals with clients seeking translation services. It has more than 480.000 registered users and 9.000 translation agencies.
To join as a translator, sign up, create a profile highlighting your skills and qualifications, and set your rates.
TranslatorsCafé.com offers a range of features to enhance your visibility and success on the platform. However, to use these features, you must become a Master member. These include the top placement of your name in search results, high exposure of your profile on the site, and adding several self-promotion pages, your name will be automatically shown to job posters if your profile matches a job, you will get notifications almost immediately after any job has been posted and approved, and many more.
3. Gengo
Gengo is a user-friendly translation marketplace that connects skilled translators with clients worldwide. To join, you can apply through their website here, take a language proficiency test, and, if accepted, go through the onboarding process.
You can visit Gengo’s website to check how much you can earn per month as a translator, depending on your primary language. Their platform provides transparent information about potential earnings.
4. Stepes
Stepes is a real-time translation platform connecting clients with global translators. To join, visit their website and apply online, specifying your language pairs. Once approved, you can work on diverse projects and deliver translations promptly. Stepes is known for its real-time and mobile translation services. As a translator, you may receive requests for immediate translation tasks that require quick responses.
Please check their website here.
5. Acclaro
Acclaro is a reputable language services company offering translation and localization solutions. To become a translator, you can apply on their website and find out if there are your interests and language pairs. You’ll be asked to complete online tests and once you are accepted, you will do training for specific customer content.
You can apply for Acclaro here.
6. Allcorrect
If you enjoy gaming, don’t miss the opportunity to become a translator at AllCorrect. AllCorrect is a game content studio that offers services such as creating 2D and 3D graphics, localization, and voiceovers.
They hire translators and game artists to join their team. You can visit their website, submit your CV, and complete an online application form to apply.
7. Wordminds
Wordminds is a company that offers services like translation, multimedia, e-learning, websites, and software localization.
To apply as a translator, you can fill out the application form and provide details about your rates, services, and areas of translation expertise.
8. RWS Group
RWS Group is a leading global language services provider, including intellectual property support, content management, and technology-enabled language.
Applying to RWS is simple. You can do so through their online vendor portal here. RWS will require you to complete the training and do a qualifying test.
I’ve been working with RWS as a translation vendor for four years now, and I’ve enjoyed the experience. The workload fluctuates daily, with notifications sent by email or through the platform whenever new tasks are available. To take on a job, vendors must claim it and complete it by the specified deadline.
At the start of each month, we submit an invoice to RWS for the work completed, and payment is issued at the beginning of the following month. RWS offers payment via PayPal or direct bank transfer.
9. Welocalize
Welocalize is a language services provider that offers a wide range of language solutions, including translation, localization, interpretation, and AI training data services to produce high-quality training data for AI and machine learning projects.
To find a job with Welocalize, go to their website and explore the Careers page. Welocalize provides freelance opportunities for various remote roles, such as translators, quality raters, reviewers, analysts, web search evaluators, and more. These positions are available worldwide—use the search filters to select your country and language to view roles that match your qualifications.
10. Fiverr
Fiverr is a well-known online marketplace where freelancers offer a wide variety of services to clients across the globe. It’s especially known for its unique “gig” structure, where freelancers, or “sellers,” create specific service offerings at set prices. This setup allows clients to browse and purchase services easily.
For translators, Fiverr provides a flexible way to showcase skills, set your rates, and connect with clients in need of translation work.
Creating a compelling profile highlighting your language proficiency and specialization and gathering positive reviews makes it easier for clients to find you.
11. PeoplePerHour
Like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour connects freelancers with clients seeking their services, including design, marketing, writing, and translators. The platform offers hourly and fixed-price projects, which allows you to set the rates.
To succeed on this platform, you need to create an impressive profile highlighting your strengths and providing exceptional service to clients.
12. Upwork
As one of the largest freelancing platforms, Upwork links freelancers with clients looking for a range of services, such as writing, graphic design, programming, and more.
Although it’s a general platform, many translation projects are available, from website localization to legal document translation.
Use proposals and bids to highlight your skills and win projects that align with your expertise.
Ready to Start Translating Online?
Here is a list of top websites and platforms where you can begin your career as an online translator and earn additional income.
Although this job may not make you wealthy, it can be a valuable way to bring in extra cash. To get started, focus on building a strong portfolio by taking on smaller projects first and gradually moving on to larger, more challenging ones. Don’t forget to provide high-quality translations consistently. With this, you can get positive reviews from clients, build your solid reputation, and grow your client base.
Keep in mind that this job also comes with certain challenges to be aware of, one of them is high competition, where you need to consistently deliver high-quality translations. With so many translators available, the competition for projects is intense, so it’s important to think strategically to successfully secure projects or available jobs.
If, after reading this article and doing some research, you feel this job isn’t the right fit for you, you might want to check out my other article on working from home by simply typing. Alternatively, if you’re interested in exploring a different opportunity, take a look at my article on making extra money as a search engine evaluator.
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Sindi