How Much Does a Translation Cost?
There is such a wide range of prices in the translation market that it can be difficult for a client searching for the right translator to find their way.
The first important thing to know is that about a translation cost, is that prices are generally set according to the word count of the original document. You may come across translators who offer, or agree to, a flat rate; but this is quite rare. These rates can range from 10 cents per word to 45 cents per word.
Also, another important point to consider is the overall number of words to be translated. The average price is between 24 and 26 cents per word. But the rate could decrease if the original text is of a significant length. Take, for example, a 180,000-word novel. In a case such as this, most translators will charge in the neighborhood of 12 to 18 cents per word.
The Quoted Price will not Change
Central to some translators’ or translation firms’ marketing is the fact that the price they quote you will be the same price that will appear on your bill. This leaves no room for unpleasant surprises since the number of words and the per-word rate are clear from the outset, regardless of whether the job takes 3 days or 3 weeks to complete. This is reassuring for clients who prefer simplicity and who want to know exactly what to expect.
Beware of a price that is too good to be true
It’s important to note that a translator’s fixed costs include 30% in income tax as well as the GST and PST. In addition, they are generally self-employed so they do not have benefits. If they offer a very low rate, it may be that they are inexperienced, or worse, that they use automatic translation tools. The price may be low, but so is the quality of the translation.
What makes a good translator?
The quality of a translation is not uniquely dependent on the translator’s expertise in the target language. It is also linked to their knowledge of the subject matter. This often requires a certain amount research on the part of the translator to familiarize themselves with the specialized terminology of a given field. Awareness and knowledge of the socio-cultural context is also extremely important. A translator who has a good grasp of this, as well as of the target audience, will be able to adjust the level and type of vocabulary, as well as the idiomatic expressions and cultural references accordingly. This is where automatic translation tools fail.
In a previous article, we presented a list of questions you can ask a translator to help you determine if they are the person you’re looking for because the million-dollar question remains: How do you choose the right translator?
In short, translation is an area of expertise in which technology is not yet ready to replace a human being. That being said, a quality translation has a price. Don’t forget that you are placing your business image and reputation in the hands of your chosen translator. That being said, putting price before quality could be a risky bet.
If you have any further questions about translation costs or
if you have certain documents that require translation, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We will be pleased to evaluate your needs.
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Writer: Emmanuelle Guidez
