How much does a Translator make?

The average salary for a Translator is $60,734 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 1419 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Translator employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Translator in United States is $81,002 per year.

The lowest salary for a Translator in United States is $45,657 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Translator or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Translator.

Translators typically work in an office setting. Since their role allows for the assistance of a dictionary and translation software, their role is generally considered less stressful than that of interpreters, although pay is similar. Demand is especially high for interpreters with language skills in English, Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin. Translators with fluency in these languages generally command higher pay for their services and find more clients if they choose to work as freelancers. Additionally, translators with judiciary or medical subject-matter expertise earn higher pay.

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An excellent work/life balance, career flexibility, and the potential for an extra $3,181.54 annually could qualify a translator's salary as good. According to anonymous Glassdoor ratings, approximately 64% of translators are satisfied with their current pay.

Following the typical career path of a translator, your earnings would increase with experience, education, and professional certification. Across all experience levels, translator salaries range between $35,326.26 and $104,751.79, with an average of $57,552.22. If you remain in the field and progress to a senior-level position, you could expect to increase your earnings even more.

The American Translators Association (ATA) offers certification in over two dozen distinct languages, so you can earn professional certification in every language that you speak. While not required, this is an excellent way to stand out to potential employers and to earn a higher salary as a translator over time. You can also demonstrate your language proficiency by taking the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). Gaining experience in the translation industry is the easiest path to scoring a higher salary, so use the job's flexibility to your benefit. Working part-time, freelance, or contract jobs as a translator could gain you valuable skills, broaden your professional network, and strengthen your overall resume.

In a translator role, your negotiating power lies in your professional perception. Gaining credibility through certification, language proficiency tests, and experience could score you higher earnings in the 10 to 15% range. Every job counts, so one extra role as a contract or freelance-based translator could boost your bargaining power. Before hitting the negotiating table, research the client's needs. You should know what material the job is, its length, what you need to accomplish, and which deliverables are required. Also consider how to make the job easier for them using solid suggestions to back up your claim. The better you understand what your client/employer expects, the greater your bargaining power.