Skilled translators can be expensive, especially for technical documents. Technical translators require scarce foreign language skills, technical expertise, and superior writing abilities.

As an independent contractor, I can offer you high-quality work at a very reasonable cost. My expenses are much lower than those of an agency, and I pass these savings on to my clients.

 

Both independent translators and agencies generally charge by the word. In some cases, especially if documents require review, sorting, or abstracts, the translator or agency may charge by the hour. Special formatting requirements and projects requiring fast turn-around or weekend/after-hours work may incur additional charges. In addition, agencies and translators may impose a surcharge for translation of handwritten documents, since deciphering these almost always slows the translation process considerably.

 

Remember that agencies are middle-men; in addition to paying their translators, they incur higher overhead costs, including marketing expenses. Agencies may charge substantially more than an independent translator for this reason.

​

Some very large companies, especially multi-nationals and government entitities, find it most cost-effective to hire in-house translators. This is obviously an attractive option only if there is enough translation work to keep a translator occupied full-time. There must be enough work to justify a salary or wages, benefits, and employment taxes.