Translator Invoicing

Translators bill per word, per hour, or per project. Rates depend on language pair, subject (medical pays more than general), and how fast they need it.

Per-word rates are standard

Professional translators charge $0.10 to $0.30 per word, depending on language and specialization. A 2,000-word document at $0.15/word = $300. Invoice shows: "English-to-Spanish translation (2,000 words @ $0.15): $300."

Rush fees and minimum projects

Tight deadline? Charge 1.5-2x the normal rate. Also set a minimum project size (usually $50-100) so small one-off translations don't waste your time.

Specialized subject matter costs more

Legal translation, medical translation, technical translation all pay more than general marketing copy. Your invoice should show that difference: "Medical translation (specialized): $0.25/word."