Thanks to the evolution of technology, translating programs are getting increasingly accurate and clients are relying more on free apps like Google Translate to help them with their needs despite these programs not truly being efficient at translating subtlety. While technology has yet to replace the nuanced understanding that a human being can offer, clients many times will choose economy over quality, eliminating us from the game altogether. With the right tools and understanding, you too may be known in your field as an expert in your trade.
Before making money as a translator, you should consider:
- Whether you want to be a translator or an interpreter
- Whether you want to work online or on location
- Which languages you want to translate
- Setting your goals and expectations
- Which type of translation job you want
1. Make Money as a Translator and as an Interpreter
While translating or interpreting jobs might sound the same, they are very different and the requirements are as well. Some elements of this article might be applicable to both, but we are referring mostly to written translation work. Interpreting work requires you to think quickly (and sometimes literally) on your feet, to be seen, and most of the time to speak (unless you are working with Sign Language). Written translation is a behind the scenes job that does not require you to be seen and you have much more time to think. If you like more kinetic work, interpreting might be what you are looking for. However, if what you want to do is written work, then read on for more tips on translating for money.
2. Make Money as a Translator Working Online or on Location
A quick internet search will get you many different platforms that you can enroll in today as a freelance translator. Depending on what you are looking for, these might be exactly what you need. However, it is incredibly important to note that these platforms are quite competitive, most people auctioning off their services for very little money. When you are trying to get your foot in the door, this might be a viable option.
There are also jobs working with places like schools or law firms that may need independent. These often pay well and can offer some type of stability. However, one must be impeccable with their work and have plenty of experience to show for it. Working with translation companies offers the opportunity to be paid well while gaining valuable experience.
3. Make Money as a Translator With the Languages You Know
What languages do you translate? Languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese, German and French are in high demand so if you’re fluent in them, make sure you know how to market yourself. However, depending on your region, there may be other languages like Hebrew, Arabic or Urdu that are higher paying and not as competitive a field. Learning rare languages like Liki or Sarsi might be a secret weapon in the arena of translation. Sure, there might only be one tiny market for it, but perhaps you are the one that dominates that arena.
4. Your Expectations When Making Money as a Translator
Translating for money is an art that manifests best with a tight technique, but still requires heart and nuance. Many people fall into translating thinking that because they are multilingual they automatically make good translators which is not the case. Translating can be extremely rewarding when you work with the right clients, but it can also be very tedious work, that requires discipline. A good grasp of the language isn’t enough, knowing how to be a good writer and how to code-switch within the language itself is also necessary. This is why programs like Google or Microsoft Translator will always be lacking.
5. Different Types of Translating Jobs To Make Money
So you are good at translating, but maybe the jobs available to you are not exactly what you had in mind. Never fear! There are a few other things that you can do in addition to simply translating documents or books. Here are a few ideas:
Make Money Teaching Translation
You can design and implement a course on translation and help form the future translators of the world! Consider teaching them the beauty of linguistics, and what it looks like to make up an entire language.
Make Money as a Project Manager
Every project needs a manager, like every team needs a coach. The best jobs are done when there is a voice that bridges the translator, editor, and client.
Make Money as an Editor
A good translating team doesn’t only have efficient translators, they need other factors such as editors who understand the unique set of skills is takes to be a good text, audio, or video editor.
Now Let’s Translate for Money
Once you’ve broken down your skillset and understand your strengths and weaknesses, identified your experience, and have a plan, you’ll need to make sure you charge a fair amount.
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