Earn Money by Translating: 25 Top Platforms for Freelance Language Jobs in 2025

The demand for language skills has never been higher. Bilingual individuals, language students, and professionals can get paid to translate all kinds of content—from documents to apps—right from home. The world is globalizing, and “there is no shortage of work available for qualified translators”atltranslate.com. Whether you’re seeking side income or a full-time career, this guide shows how to get Money by Translating . We cover 25 vetted websites (beginner-friendly and pro-level) where you can find freelance translation jobs and online language gigs, outline key job types, pay rates, essential skills, and how to start your remote career step-by-step.

Best Websites to Earn Money by Translating in 2025

These top platforms connect translators with clients worldwide, making it easy to earn money by translating. They range from crowdsourced gig marketplaces to specialized agencies. Each link below leads to a live site where you can sign up and start looking for work.

• Gengo – A popular crowdsourced translation site. Gengo offers a dashboard of short tasks across dozens of languages. You must pass a translation test (Basic or Advanced) to get started. Pay is per word; Gengo’s rates start around $0.06 for standard tasks and $0.12 for higher-grade projectsgengo.com. (For example, translating 5,000 words at $0.06 nets $300.) The platform handles payments and has clients in many industries.
• ProZ.com – The largest translation community and job board. ProZ is often called the “home for all translators”smartcat.com. Freelancers create profiles and clients post jobs or contact translators directly. Because of its huge traffic (millions of monthly visits), you’ll see many job offers, but also lots of low-paying gigs. As one guide warns, “be ready to decline (or accept) a lot of job offers for peanuts” before finding good worksmartcat.com. ProZ also offers paid memberships and specialty directories (Legal, Tech, etc.) to boost visibility.
• Unbabel – A machine-assisted translation service that hires translators for post-editing. Instead of per-word fees, Unbabel pays hourly. Tasks involve refining AI translations of customer support or business content. Beginner translators find it relatively easy, though pay varies (and can be modest) depending on language pair and skillsmartcat.com. Because pay is hourly, you “earn money by translating” faster on Unbabel if you work quickly. The platform emphasizes clear, simple content and provides steady workflow once you pass their qualification.
• Upwork – The veteran freelancing marketplace (descended from Elance/ODesk). Upwork isn’t specific to languages, but it has thousands of translation jobs. You can bid on posted projects, set hourly or flat rates, and work on a wide range of assignments. Upwork’s sheer size (millions of users) means fierce competition: expect to underbid at first to win reviews. One recent report notes: “Upwork traces its roots back to 1998” and remains a default go-to for new freelancerssmartcat.com. To start, just create a profile, list your language pair and skills, and begin applying or waiting for clientsatltranslate.com. Payments are secured through the site, with fees from 5–20%.
• Fiverr – A gig marketplace where you offer fixed-price services (“gigs”). Originally $5-per-task, Fiverr now lets translators set any rate. It’s very user-friendly for beginners: just list your translation service (e.g. “I will translate 500 words from EN to FR”) and buyers will find you. You don’t bid; clients purchase your gig directly. Many sellers offer tiered packages (e.g. 500 words, 1000 words, express delivery). Bear in mind that clients on Fiverr tend to expect low prices, so it’s common to start with modest rates and build positive reviews. As one guide notes, Fiverr was “a paragon of the ‘gig economy’” where you should “be ready to undercharge” at firstsmartcat.com. Still, it provides a steady stream of micro-jobs to get going.
• Smartcat – An all-in-one CAT (computer-aided translation) tool with its own freelancer marketplace. Smartcat’s free online editor integrates translation memory and glossaries, which boosts productivity. The marketplace allows agencies and businesses to post jobs to qualified linguists. According to Smartcat, “the two [features] that matter most for translators are the (free!) CAT tool and the freelancer marketplace”smartcat.com. As you translate via the tool, you build a rating on the platform. Clients on Smartcat understand industry standards, so you’re less likely to face bidding wars; “no need to bring down your rates just for the sake of it!” they reportsmartcat.com. Smartcat then handles invoicing and you withdraw funds (10% service fee applies). It’s ideal if you already use CAT tools or want to learn one.
• Rev – Though primarily known for transcription and captioning, Rev also offers linguist gigs. On Rev you can do subtitling (translating audio or video speech into captions) and possibly translate transcripts between languages. Rev pays weekly via PayPal, and tasks arrive continuously for active freelancers. For example, you might earn money by translating a podcast’s transcript from Spanish to English. Expect less traditional document work and more media content. (Rates vary: transcription starts around $0.50/minute, higher for subtitles.) Rev is very beginner-friendly and flexible.
• OneHourTranslation (OHT) – A long-standing translation agency with an online interface. OHT has a gamified tier system for freelancers. It assigns short tasks in many languages 24/7, making it easy to pick up orders at any time. New translators typically start in a lower tier with lower pay, but they can advance to higher tiers (with better rates) by earning points on accuracy and speed. The site’s design is somewhat old-school, but it remains a reliable source of worklinguise.com. Compensation per word is on the low side at first, but regular work and moving up tiers can improve earnings. Many new translators use OHT to gain experience.
• TextMaster – An online translation/ writing agency. TextMaster offers both machine-assisted and professional translation options. For translators, it’s a curated marketplace: you apply, may take a short test, and if accepted, clients can order directly or post projects. TextMaster covers many fields (marketing, tech, law). According to reports, TextMaster stands out for higher-paying technical and specialized jobslinguise.com. The platform also allows you to set your own rates to some degree. It’s a good step up when you have some experience.
• TranslatorsCafe – A smaller community site similar to ProZ. It has translator profiles and job postings. It’s a bit “old-school” (fewer bells and whistles) and has a more close-knit feel. Like ProZ, clients and translators connect via listings. Because it’s smaller than ProZ, competition is somewhat lighter and you might find more mid-range gigs. Keep in mind there’s no built-in payment system, so you’ll negotiate terms externally. It’s still worth registering for the extra exposure: “TranslationDirectory provides a listing of over 7,500 translation agencies and translation jobs”atltranslate.com, and TranslatorsCafe likewise has thousands of members.
• TranslationDirectory – A directory and job board. Instead of posting your profile, you browse listings of clients and agencies. It claims over 7,500 translation agencies and jobs listedatltranslate.com. It’s free to sign up, and recruiters or agencies might contact you. The downside is you can’t apply to jobs directly; it’s more like advertising yourself in the directory. But clients often reach out to translators they find there. Many freelancers join just to increase visibility.
• TheOpenMic – A relatively new platform (launched by a translation industry veteran). It started as a social network (“Facebook for translators”) but is now shifting toward client projects. Today it’s mostly a community hub, but you can join for networking, portfolio-building and eventual job leads. The consensus is it’s “a refreshing departure” with a strong translator communitylinguise.com. It isn’t a reliable source of paid gigs yet, but as it grows it may connect freelancers with startup clients. In any case, building your profile here might pay off as it evolves.
• Freelancer.com – A large general freelancing marketplace like Upwork. It has a category for translation, with many posted projects. The bidding process is similar to Upwork, and there’s fierce competition on price. A unique feature is many very short gigs (even one-sentence tasks) that pay a few dollars each. Useful for beginners to build portfolio. Freelancer.com also runs contests where translators can submit entries for buyers. Be aware that fees and low bids are common. Still, with its global user base, it’s another way to get translation gigs in the queue.
• PeoplePerHour – A UK-based freelance site covering many skills. Translators create “Hourlies” (fixed-price offerings) or bid on posted jobs. PPH is reputed for a good variety of clients. New freelancers note that PPH charges 20% fee on earnings up to $350atltranslate.com (the fee declines for higher earnings). Reviews suggest the site pays regularly and can help jumpstart your translation career. It also allows hourly proposals. Overall, PeoplePerHour works well for those looking for hourly-based projects and more European clients.
• Guru.com – Another all-purpose freelancer marketplace. It has a translation category where clients post jobs by the hour, project, or task. Guru emphasizes long-term work arrangements. You pay a smaller 8.95% fee but there is a monthly membership (free basic plan available). It’s worth setting up a profile here because there are some high-quality clients who prefer Guru’s interface.
• Appen – Appen is a large data and AI services company that often hires linguists for part-time tasks. These tasks include speech transcription, search relevance evaluation, social media translation checks, etc. Jobs vary widely and are typically shorter gigs (a few minutes to an hour each). Pay is usually per task or micro-job, so you’ll earn by doing many small pieces (e.g. transcribe short audio clips). It’s an easy way to get started but tends to pay less than standard translation. Useful especially if you need flexible, on-demand work.
• Lionbridge – A big global language service provider. Lionbridge often posts contracts for translators and language testers (especially for tech localization or AI training data). You apply on their site to join a pool of translators for various languages. Projects can range from website localization to data annotation. Pay varies by project (often hourly). It’s competitive to qualify, but as a freelancer you can take on jobs for major clients (like Microsoft, Google, etc.) through Lionbridge’s platform.
• Tomedes – A reputable translation agency that hires freelancers worldwide. They have open calls for freelance translators in many language pairs. Work usually comes in as larger projects (certified translation, official documents, etc.), not one-off tasks. Pay rates are moderate but Tomedes claims a quick turnaround and steady workflow. Freelancers register and submit a CV/qualifications; Tomedes may require experience or certification for specialized work. It’s a good option for mid-career translators to find larger-scale work.
• MotaWord – A crowdsourced translation platform. MotaWord posts various project “missions” which translators can claim. Projects include app and website translation; deadlines are often short (since it crowdsources multiple translators). Pay is per word (current rates appear around $0.05–$0.08/word for common languages). Because it’s more automated, it’s an entry-level-friendly platform but you’ll need to translate quickly to earn well.
• TranslatorsBase – A free job board for translators. Clients post jobs on the site and translators submit quotes. TranslatorsBase also offers a profile for your CV. It’s similar to TranslationDirectory but more interactive. You might find project postings here that you won’t see elsewhere. The site is more of an aggregator (they even list Stepes.com projects), so it’s worth scanning regularly.
• Stepes – A mobile-focused on-demand translation platform. Stepes has an app where translators receive bite-sized tasks (especially app and document snippets) to work on via smartphone or computer. They emphasize fast turnaround and even pay bonus rates for rush jobs. It’s somewhat experimental, but Stepes is backed by experienced localization professionals. Translators need to qualify for language pairs and then can grab jobs anytime. Because of its quick jobs model, earnings depend on volume, but it’s a convenient way to rack up small gigs.
• Lokalise – Primarily a collaborative localization platform for software developers. However, Lokalise often recruits translators for client projects. If you join their freelance network, you may get offers to translate app or website content. It’s more niche (tech and software) and projects tend to be longer, team-based assignments. It’s worth checking for openings if you have software localization experience.
• Translate.com – An online machine translation service that also hires human translators. You can sign up as a “translator,” proofread and edit auto-translations into high-quality human text. Pay is per word; translate.com quotes basic rates (from around $0.05/word) for human-refined content. The work flows continuously through their system. It’s relatively easy to join, so translators use it to build hours.
• Babelcube – A niche platform for literary translation. Self-published authors upload their books and translators can pick a book to translate. Rather than immediate pay, Babelcube pays via royalties (50% of book sales). This is a more speculative way to earn, best for those interested in creative or book translation. If a book sells well, you can earn much more than typical per-word fees. It’s risky, but a potential income stream if you’re targeting global ebook markets.
• Speakt – A crowdsourced site mostly for marketing copy. Businesses submit text (like website content or product descriptions) and community translators bid to translate it. Pay started around $0.10/word. Projects go to the best bid. Speakt has slowed down in recent years, but if active, it can be another source for short marketing translation gigs. (Joining early gets you the best selection, so check it out.)

Each of these 25 platforms offers a way to get paid to translate. Some (like Fiverr and Upwork) cater to beginners with general gigs, while others (like Smartcat and Tomedes) reward specialized skills and experience. Explore several sites: success often comes from using a mix of platforms that fit your level and language pair.

Earn Money by Translating: Types of Freelance Translation Jobs You Can Apply For

In freelance translation, the work isn’t limited to just written documents. Here are common job types where you can earn money by translating your skills:

• Document Translation – Converting text documents from one language to another. Common fields include legal (contracts, patents), medical (papers, reports), and technical (manuals, scientific). Specialized domains often pay more. For example, legal translators must ensure precise terminology and may even need certification in some countries. (US BLS data shows certified specialists and those with niche expertise earn higher ratesupwork.com.)
• Website & App Localization – Adapting web pages, apps, and software interfaces for different languages/cultures. This goes beyond literal translation: translators rewrite content to fit local idioms, cultural norms, and technical requirements. You might translate UI text, menus, and promotional content. Clients here pay per word or per hour, and projects can be big (thousands of words). Localization experience and familiarity with CAT tools or string format can be required.
• Subtitling and Transcription – Creating subtitles or transcribing dialogue in another language. For example, taking an English video and writing timed Spanish subtitles. Platforms like Rev and specialized agencies hire translators for subtitling (a mix of listening and translating). Transcription (e.g., turning audio of a speech into text) is another allied service, sometimes followed by translation. Rates vary; subtitling often pays per minute of video rather than per word.
• Real-Time Interpretation – Providing live translation, either in person or remotely (conference calls, video meetings, telephone interpreting). This is typically higher-paying since it’s immediate and requires quick language skills. Platforms like voiceborn or some agencies list “remote interpretation” gigs. (This is more niche – many freelancers start in document work and move to interpretation once certified.) Interpretation fees are usually hourly and can be $30–$100+ per hour for experienced interpreters.
• Proofreading Bilingual Content – Editing and proofreading translations done by others. Clients (or translation agencies) often need a second translator to check accuracy and style. This role still pays like translation work but is generally per-word or hourly and might require particular subject knowledge. It’s a lower barrier entry point for beginners since it involves reviewing existing translations.

Each of these job types can be found on the websites above or through industry networks. Often a project involves multiple steps (e.g. translate then proofread). Diversifying your services as you grow is a great way to earn more as a freelance translator.

How Much Can You Earn by Translating Remotely?

Earnings in translation vary widely. Most freelance platforms pay per word or per hour rather than a fixed salary. For example, Gengo’s published rates range from about $0.06 (Standard quality) up to $0.12 per word for higher accuracygengo.com. In contrast, Unbabel pays linguists by the hour (with rates varying by language)smartcat.com. Generally, the decision to charge per word or per hour is yours (or set by the platform).

• Per-word vs. Per-hour: Smaller translation tasks are usually per word. At $0.10/word, a full-time translator (translating ~500 words per hour) could earn about $50,000/yeartomedes.com. If you prefer an hourly rate, entry-level translators may charge roughly $15–$30/hour, mid-level about $30–$75/hour, and experts (e.g. legal/medical) $75+upwork.com. Glassdoor reports that Gengo translators in the US average about $26 per hourglassdoor.com, which aligns with mid-range freelancer pay.
• Language Pair and Rates: Income heavily depends on the language pair. Common pairs (like English↔Spanish, English↔French) are highly competitive, usually around $0.08–$0.15 per wordupwork.com. Niche or in-demand pairs (English↔German, English↔Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) pay more, often $0.15–$0.25/word or higherupwork.com. Specialized fields (like legal or technical subjects) can command $0.25–$0.50 per wordupwork.comtomedes.com. For instance, EN→DE translation might be in the common category ($0.10), whereas EN→AR or EN→JA might reach mid-range or above. One translator’s analysis noted that a niche specialist could ask up to $0.35/word, potentially earning ~$175K/yeartomedes.com.
• Entry-level vs. Certified Translators: Newcomers should expect the lower end of the scale. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median translator pay around $23.61/hour, or ~$49,100/yeartomedes.com. Industry surveys show entry-level freelancers earning roughly $0.05–$0.10 per word (or ~$15–$30/hr)upwork.comtomedes.com. As you gain experience or get certified, your rates can climb. Certified translators or those with specialized expertise often charge significantly more. For example, mid-career translators frequently report hourly rates closer to $40–$60/hr, while top experts in niche fields often exceed $75/hrupwork.com.
• Platform Differences: Each site has its own typical pay range. General marketplaces (Upwork, Fiverr) tend to have both very low and very high-end jobs. In contrast, agencies like Smartcat or Tomedes often offer steadier rates for professionals. Sites like Rev or TranscribeMe pay relatively low per-task rates (often equivalent to just a few dollars for minutes of work), so they are best treated as supplemental income or skill-building.

In short, as a remote translator you might start by earning a few cents per word on common tasks, gradually moving up as you specialize. A full-time freelancer with a solid mix of clients can earn anywhere from ~$30,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on workload and nichetomedes.comupwork.com.

Skills You Need to Succeed as a Freelance Translator and Earn Money by Translating

To thrive in remote translator work, focus on these core skills and qualities:

• Native-Level Fluency – You should be a native or near-native speaker of your target language (the language you translate into). Excellent command of grammar and style is a must. As one expert notes, success requires “a strong command of the language you are translating into, as well as a good understanding of cultural nuances”atltranslate.com. If you translate to English, your English writing skills must be top-notch; the same goes for translating into any other language.
• CAT Tools and Technology – Familiarity with Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools is increasingly expected. Tools like SDL Trados, MemoQ, OmegaT, or the free Smartcat editor can speed up work (using translation memories and glossaries) and improve consistency. Platforms like Smartcat even provide a free CAT environmentsmartcat.com. Being able to use these tools—and meet file format requirements (e.g. Word, Excel, XLIFF)—will help you land more jobs, especially in localization projects.
• Cultural & Subject Awareness – Good translators know the culture behind the languages. This means understanding context, idioms, tone, and regional variations. For localization (websites, games, etc.), cultural insight is crucial: as Upwork’s guide explains, localization specialists adapt content “to ensure that the content resonates with the target audience, taking cultural nuances, idioms, and regional preferences into account”upwork.com. Also, knowledge of specialized fields (law, medicine, tech) is a big plus; clients pay more for translators who already know the jargon and conventions.
• Accuracy and Reliability – Attention to detail is non-negotiable. Clients expect error-free, precise translations. Seasoned translators with “minimal errors” are rewarded with higher pay and repeat businessupwork.com. Be prepared to proofread your own work (and possibly do double-checks or work with a proofreader). Reliability and meeting deadlines are equally important. Freelance clients need translators they can depend on; being consistent and on-time builds your reputation.
• Time Management and Communication – As a freelancer, you must juggle deadlines and client communication. Strong organization (using calendars or project trackers) ensures you handle multiple jobs without missing deadlines. Being responsive and clear with clients (answering questions, clarifying glossaries, etc.) will keep projects running smoothly. Over time, good project management means you can take on more work and increase earnings.

By demonstrating these skills in your profiles and sample work, you’ll attract better clients and more opportunities to earn money by translating.

Step-by-Step: How to Start to Earn Money by Translating

1. Pick your language pair(s). Choose languages you truly master. For instance, translating English↔Spanish or English↔Japanese if you are fluent. Consider the demand for those languages (Spanish and Mandarin often have the most jobs, as one source notesatltranslate.com). Having at least one native-level language is key. Specialized language pairs (e.g. English↔Arabic) can pay more but often have fewer clients initially.
2. Set up profiles on major platforms. Create professional accounts on sites like Gengo, Upwork, Fiverr, Smartcat, and any others from the list above. Fill out your profile thoroughly: add language pairs, relevant qualifications (degrees, certifications), and a clear photo. Some platforms (Upwork, Smartcat, PeoplePerHour) allow you to highlight skills or pass language tests. For example, Upwork’s onboarding is simple: “register, provide details about your experience and skills,” and then either bid or wait for clientsatltranslate.com.
3. Take qualification tests or courses. Many platforms offer free tests in grammar or translation to showcase your level (e.g. Gengo’s translator test, or Smartcat quizzes). Likewise, consider obtaining a formal certificate in translation if you can (like ATA certification in the US). These credentials don’t guarantee work, but they do instill client confidence and may let you charge higher rates.
4. Start with small gigs to build reviews. Early on, accept smaller or lower-paying jobs to prove yourself. Even if you undercharge at first, aim for 5-star reviews. Deliver on time and communicate clearly. Good ratings will make clients trust you for future, higher-paying work. If a platform allows, keep notes on your rates and gradually increase them as your review count grows.
5. Grow into higher-paying clients and niches. Once you have a track record, seek projects in profitable niches (like legal, medical, or marketing translation) or rare languages. Update your profiles to reflect any specialization (e.g. “English–German translator specializing in tech and finance”). Network in translator forums (many members from ProZ or TheOpenMic) and consider contacting small agencies directly. Over time, raise your rates for new clients and focus on quality. As you become known as reliable and skilled, you’ll command better pay and steadier work—and truly earn money by translating as a remote career.

By following these steps and continuously improving your skills, you’ll be well on your way to getting paid to translate around the clock. Good luck on your freelance translation journey!