Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between freelance translators and technical translators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a freelance translator and a technical translator. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, which is higher than the $44,736 average annual salary of a freelance translator.
The top three skills for a freelance translator include target language, web content and vice versa. The most important skills for a technical translator are technical translation, technical manuals, and proofreading.
| Freelance Translator | Technical Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $44,736 | $55,019 |
| Hourly rate | $21.51 | $26.45 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,162 | 68,352 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format. Being a freelance translator means that they can work remotely at their preferred schedule, most of the time, working from home. They are not employed under a company, which is why most freelance translators prepare their own portfolios and create client bases through websites and other platforms.
Technical Translation is the act of translating materials in a specific technical or scientific subject domain. A Technical Translator understands the nitty-gritty of the subject matter and knows the specialized terms in that field in both the source and secondary languages. This individual works to produce translations and interpretations of either written or oral communications of one language to another for a specific purpose or industry. As a Technical Translator, your duties may include interpreting conferences and emails in an organization.
Freelance translators and technical translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Freelance Translator | Technical Translator | |
| Average salary | $44,736 | $55,019 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $37,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Oregon |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a freelance translator and a technical translator in terms of educational background:
| Freelance Translator | Technical Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between freelance translators' and technical translators' demographics:
| Freelance Translator | Technical Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 28.0% Asian, 16.3% White, 43.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 17.9% White, 42.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |