* Language Pair: Salaries vary greatly depending on the language combination. Highly sought-after language pairs (like Arabic-English or Chinese-English) tend to command higher salaries than more common pairs.
* Experience: Beginner translators earn significantly less than experienced, certified, or specialized translators.
* Freelance vs. Employed: Freelance translators typically have more control over their rates but have to handle their own business aspects. Employed translators often have a more stable salary but less flexibility.
* Industry: Technical translation, legal translation, medical translation, and other specialized fields often pay higher rates than general translation.
* Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the cost of living in the translator's location.
Instead of an average, here are some ranges to consider:
* Entry-level freelance translators: $15-$35 per hour
* Experienced freelance translators: $30-$70 per hour or more, depending on factors listed above
* Employed translators: Can vary widely but may start around $40,000 per year and rise to $80,000 or more with experience.
To find a more specific salary range:
* Search job boards: Check sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized translation platforms.
* Contact translation agencies: Inquire about their rates for different language pairs and experience levels.
* Network with other translators: Talk to translators in your field to get a sense of their earnings.
Remember, salary is just one factor to consider when choosing a translation career. Passion for languages, strong communication skills, and a commitment to accuracy are also essential.