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What Is the Typical Cost of Professional Translation Services?

12 May 2023
Employee Relations Specialist
Robert Cain
Employee Relations Specialist
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The typical cost of professional written translation services depends on many factors, like the difficulty of the text, how fast it needs to be done, and the skill of the translator. Usually, the final price is based on how many words or pages there are, and translators may add extra fees for things like rush jobs or specialized subjects.

For businesses that need to communicate in writing with employees who speak different languages, professional translation services are essential. Whether you’re writing emails or scheduling texts to employees, it’s good to know what pricing to expect upfront. In this blog, we’ll run through average translation costs and review some workplace translation tools to make the whole process much easier.

What Is a Good Translation Rate per Word?

In general, a good translation rate is between $0.08-$0.15 per written word or $24.32-$56.31 per hour. To give you an idea of more specific costs, here are a few average translation prices for English to other languages:

  • English to Spanish translation services rates – $0.11 per word or $33.52 per hour
  • English to Arabic translation services rates – $0.10 per word or $30.97 per hour
  • English to Burmese translation services rates – $0.09 per word or $32.93 per hour
  • English to German translation services rates – $0.11 per word or $35.24 per hour

If you’re hoping for a more convenient option for translating text messages with employees, consider using Yourco. With Yourco, you can translate into 135 different languages, such as English to Spanish, Spanish to German, Arabic to Chinese, and more. Not only does Yourco translate each word, but it also detects colloquial phrases, making it a valuable tool for ensuring clear communication with your employees.

How Do You Calculate Translation per Word?

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To calculate translation rates per word, you need to know the total number of words in the source text to be translated and multiply it by the cost per word, taking into consideration any additional fees. Most translators charge by the number of words in your original text, which is a more accurate way to provide an upfront quote for the translation project.

For example, let’s answer the question, “How much does it cost to translate 1,000 words from English to Spanish?” The cost per word is $0.11. Multiply 1,000 words by $0.11 for a total translation cost of $110.

What Are Typical Translation Costs Beyond Words per Hour?

When hiring a professional translator for your business, keep in mind that translation costs can vary depending on several factors beyond the words per hour. Some of these additional costs may include:

  • Rush Fees – When a client needs a translation done very quickly, the translator may charge an additional fee for the expedited service.
  • Specialized Subject Matter – If the material to be translated involves technical, medical, or legal jargon, the translator may charge an additional fee. 
  • Proofreading and Editing – Some translators offer proofreading and editing services in addition to translation. These services ensure that the translation is not only accurate but also free from any errors or grammatical mistakes included in the source material.

To avoid any surprises when you receive the final bill for translation services, you must consider these additional costs that may apply beyond the standard rate per word or hour. Alternatively, just use Yourco—we include translation capabilities within our platform, no extra fees required.

What Are the Benefits of Translation Services in Business?

For businesses that hire employees from a diverse range of backgrounds, investing in professional translation services can provide a number of benefits. These may include:

  • Improved Communication – When businesses translate critical information like safety guidelines, training materials, and company policies accurately into the native language of all employees, they can communicate better and prevent any mishaps that may occur due to misunderstandings.
  • Boosted Work Efficiency – Accurately translating information into the native language of employees can help them understand and perform their job duties with more ease, which can lead to a rise in productivity. As an illustration, a construction company that translates building plans and instructions for their employees can ensure that the work is done right and finished on schedule, steering clear of expensive delays and mistakes.
  • Compliance with Regulations – Staying compliant with safety regulations is essential in certain industries. For instance, if a manufacturing business accurately translates safety guidelines and regulatory documents into the native language of their employees, it can help to avoid any costly fines or legal issues that may arise due to unintentional non-compliance.
  • Better Team Dynamics – When businesses take the time to translate important messages to their employees, workers can feel more valued and respected, leading to a stronger sense of team unity and improved morale. These dynamics can foster better relationships between coworkers and management, creating a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and job satisfaction.

As our world becomes more diverse and inclusive of a variety of cultures and languages, it is important for businesses to make an effort to connect with their employees in their preferred language. We firmly stand by this notion at Yourco, which is why we offer translation services within our two-way communication platform.

Would you like to see our translation services in action? Contact us or try for free today to witness the benefits of seamless communication in your business.

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