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The differences between translators and freelance 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 translator and a freelance translator. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $44,278 average annual salary of a translator.
The top three skills for a translator include target language, translation services and vice versa. The most important skills for a freelance translator are target language, web content, and vice versa.
| Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Yearly Salary | $44,278 | $44,736 |
| Hourly rate | $21.29 | $21.51 |
| Growth Rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number Of Jobs | 1,206 | 1,162 |
| Job Satisfaction | - | - |
| Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average Age | 42 | 42 |
| Years Of Experience | 4 | 4 |
A translator is an expert of one or multiple languages, responsible for transcribing communication between parties for easy comprehension. Translators often work with written documents, relaying the core context and original message from the source. They should also be able to translate jargon, slang, cultural expressions, and related technical terms in an understandable format, depending on the level of the target audience. A translator must be highly fluent with the language to render ideas accurately, as well as have excellent time-management skills to meet project deadlines.
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.
Translators and freelance translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Average Salary | $44,278 | $44,736 |
| Salary Range | Between $27,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Washington, DC | - |
| Highest Paying State | New York | - |
| Best Paying Company | Apple | - |
| Best Paying Industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a translator and a freelance translator in terms of educational background:
| Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most Common Major | English | English |
| Most Common College | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between translators' and freelance translators' demographics:
| Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Average Age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| Race Ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 32.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 37.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |