The internet is playing a major role in our lives today. The more its influence continues to rise, the more the world is being united to become one global community. This has therefore made inclusive communication a priority in so many settings such as in hospitals, business meetings, schools and even on social media. At such times, it is important to find a good translator.
As such, it has opened up many opportunities for bilingual people to help others communicate and make money while at it. We have looked through several online translator job opportunities. In this article, we are going to let you in on how to get paid translating simple documents from your home (how to make a lot of money as a teacher)
How Much Can You Make as a Translator
There are many factors that go into determining how much you can make as a translator. It includes the language being translated, the complexity of the work and the turn-around time. Nevertheless, on average, a translator is able to make up to $20 per hour.
As a translator, the type of work you can expect to work on includes translating articles, books, videos, podcasts and websites among many other jobs.
Basic Requirements
First and foremost, you need to have advanced comprehension, reading and writing skills in your languages of choice. This includes a proper understanding of spellings, punctuation and grammar.
Working with clients one on one might be a bit simpler than working as a freelancer on online agencies. This is because these agencies have their own format and style of translating content which they tend to be strict about.
Secondly, you need to have cultural awareness of your language of choice. In your effort to learn a new language, you will realize that language and culture go hand in hand. That is, a conversation will only be meaningful when it has been put in the right cultural context.
Thirdly, since you will be working from home, some of the essential tools you need include;
- A computer
- High speed and reliable internet connection: you might sometimes be required to join conference calls and translate live sessions for your clients.
- A set of good headphones: this improves your audio quality.
Find Translator Jobs
There are so many online agencies that offer translation services and are free to sign up on. However, for most legit platforms, you will be required to take a fluency test to show your accuracy in translation. This helps to assure them that you are up to the tasks as they will be putting their reputation is at stake here.
If you are interested in working as a translator from home. Here is a compiled list of some of the best-reviewed sites that can help you get paid to translate simple documents from your home.
Gengo
Gengo is an online platform that allows freelance translators to translate text to up to 15 different languages. On signing up, you will be required to take a test and depending on your performance, your skill, you will be categorized either ‘Standard’, ‘Pro’ or ‘Proofread.
The jobs available on this site vary, but the most common type of jobs involve translating short content like emails and social media posts.
Gengo pay rates depend on a number of factors such as your category, customer demand and job availability, however, in each, you will be paid in USD per word via PayPal twice per month.
Translate.com
This is one very popular site with a lot of work and freelance translators as well. This therefore means that there is a high possibility for earning a substantial amount of money from this site. However, you need to be fast since work is allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tasks available on this site include translating blog and social media posts as well as emails. The site pays translators via PayPal anytime you want to cash out.
Yet another great site to get paid to translate documents.
To get started, you will first be required to apply and take an online examination. You will also be needed to send relevant qualifications to show that you are well versed in your language or area of specialization, for example, medicine, law, etc.
If you qualify, you can then begin working and get paid upon request. Payment can be done via PayPal through wire transfers or you can also apply for their MasterCard that will allow you to withdraw money directly from anywhere in the world.
This site is open for registration to anyone interested in working as a translator in over 20 listed languages on the site. Before you can start earning, you will be subjected to a couple of tests to assess your skill level. Depending on your performance, you will be assigned an hourly rate. Your earning potential will continue to increase as you improve your skills.
Work available on this site includes translating newsletters, product descriptions, blog posts among other types of content. The best part about this site is that you are paid by the hour and can cash out anytime via PayPal or Payoneer.
Tethras is a site that works with mobile apps. Therefore, the work available here is to translate apps into many other languages. Upon signing up, you will be notified of all the jobs available and you get to choose which ones you want to work on.
Once you complete a project, your pay will immediately be deposited to your PayPal account.
Other Legit Platforms for Translators Include;
Job boards such as Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr
Lengoo… amongst many others
Bottom Line
Working as a translator is a good online side gig to help you make money from your home. Anyone can be a translator provided they are bilingual and are good at each language. While some sites might require you to have the educational experience to begin working with them. Most do not, however it helps a lot to work on a niche that you have background knowledge on.
Regardless, now is a good time as any to try out your hand at translating. As you continue to improve on your skills and establish an area of specialization, you will realize that your earning potential will start increasing over time.
