Interpreters are essential for facilitating communication between people who do not share a common language. Here’s a guide on what they typically charge for their services:
Hourly Rates and Pricing Models
Interpreters typically charge anywhere from $35-60+/hr. Interpreting agencies often have higher rates, charging upwards of $60/hr. It is a common practice to have a minimum hourly fee requirement.
Interpreters have several pricing models to consider for their services:
- Per-minute rate: Charging is based on the precise duration of the interpretation session at a specified rate per minute.
- Hourly rate: Preferred for longer or more complex assignments, this rate includes time for preparation, research, and interpretation.
Determining Factors for Rates
When setting rates, interpreters must consider various elements:
- Credentials and experience
- Language pair, particularly for rarer combinations
- Minimum hours required, particularly for on-site jobs
For instance, average rates for Mandarin interpretation can range broadly from $50-153 USD per hour in different Chinese cities. Such rates are typically reflective of the demand for specific languages as well as the cost of living in specific locations.
Experience and Earnings
The level of experience is a contributing factor to an interpreter’s hourly rate. More seasoned interpreters with greater expertise tend to command higher fees.
Rates for Specialized Interpreting Services
Sign Language Interpreting
- Hourly rate for sign language interpreters typically ranges from $18 to $50.
- Some agencies may enforce a two-hour minimum.
- Specialized companies might charge rates as high as $125 per hour.
Translation Revisions
Translators usually charge an hourly rate for revisions, averaging between $30 to $50 per hour.
Regional Income Variances
- In Alberta, interpreters earn median wages of $45.00 per hour.
- In Winnipeg, Manitoba, the average median wage is $22.00 per hour.
In-Person Interpreter Costs
For in-person interpreting, hourly rates generally fall between $50-$145.
Additional Information
Interpreters should take breaks to maintain mental alertness—45 minutes of work followed by an appropriate rest period is advisable. For lengthy or complex interpreting tasks, such as simultaneous interpreting, it is recommended to hire two interpreters, with each taking turns every 20 to 30 minutes.