What Is the Typical Cost of Professional Translation Services?

The typical cost of professional written translation services depends on many factors, like the difficulty of the text, how fast it needs to be done, and the skill of the translator. Usually, the final price is based on how many words or pages there are, and translators may add extra fees for things like rush jobs or specialized subjects.

For businesses that need to communicate in writing with employees who speak different languages, professional translation services are essential. Whether you’re writing emails or scheduling texts to employees, it’s good to know what pricing to expect upfront. In this blog, we’ll run through average translation costs and review some workplace translation tools to make the whole process much easier.

The Importance of Professional Translation Services 

Workplaces are more diverse than ever. Research shows that companies with racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their industry peers financially. However, this diversity brings communication challenges that can impact business operations.

Language barriers can affect everything from team collaboration to employee satisfaction, reducing productivity and creating obstacles to effective teamwork. Professional translation services offer more than just word-for-word conversion—they provide culturally sensitive communication that maintains the intended meaning across languages.

When implemented effectively, professional translation services create an inclusive environment where every employee can fully participate, regardless of their primary language. This leads to better collaboration, increased engagement, and more efficient operations across multilingual teams.

What Is a Good Translation Rate per Word?

In general, a good translation rate is between $0.08-$0.15 per written word or $24.32-$56.31 per hour. To give you an idea of more specific costs, here are a few average translation prices for English to other languages:

• English to Spanish translation services rates – $0.11 per word or $33.52 per hour
• English to Arabic translation services rates – $0.10 per word or $30.97 per hour
• English to Burmese translation services rates – $0.09 per word or $32.93 per hour
• English to German translation services rates – $0.11 per word or $35.24 per hour

If you’re hoping for a more convenient option for translating text messages with employees, consider using Yourco. With Yourco, you can translate into 135 different languages, such as English to Spanish, Spanish to German, Arabic to Chinese, and more. Not only does Yourco translate each word, but it also detects colloquial phrases, making it a valuable tool for ensuring clear communication with your employees.

How Do You Calculate Translation per Word?

To calculate translation rates per word, you need to know the total number of words in the source text to be translated and multiply it by the cost per word, taking into consideration any additional fees. Most translators charge by the number of words in your original text, which is a more accurate way to provide an upfront quote for the translation project.

For example, let’s answer the question, “How much does it cost to translate 1,000 words from English to Spanish?” The cost per word is $0.11. Multiply 1,000 words by $0.11 for a total translation cost of $110.

What Are Typical Translation Costs Beyond Words per Hour?

When hiring a professional translator for your business, keep in mind that translation costs can vary depending on several factors beyond the words per hour. Some of these additional costs may include:

• Rush Fees – When a client needs a translation done very quickly, the translator may charge an additional fee for the expedited service.
• Specialized Subject Matter – If the material to be translated involves technical, medical, or legal jargon, the translator may charge an additional fee. 
• Proofreading and Editing – Some translators offer proofreading and editing services in addition to translation. These services ensure that the translation is not only accurate but also free from any errors or grammatical mistakes included in the source material.

To avoid any surprises when you receive the final bill for translation services, you must consider these additional costs that may apply beyond the standard rate per word or hour. Alternatively, just use Yourco—we include translation capabilities within our platform, no extra fees required.

Types of Professional Translation Services

When it comes to workplace communications, several types of professional translation services are available, each suited for different business needs and contexts.

Human Translation Services

Professional human translators provide the highest level of accuracy and cultural sensitivity for critical business communications. These services are essential for translating complex materials like legal documents, safety guidelines, and HR policies where precision is paramount. Human translators typically charge between $0.08-$0.15 per word, with rates varying by language pair.

Automated Translation Tools

AI-powered translation tools offer quick, scalable solutions for day-to-day communications. While these tools may not capture all cultural nuances, they're increasingly sophisticated and can handle routine communications effectively. They're particularly useful for real-time communication needs and high-volume content.

Specialized Translation Services

Some communications require expertise beyond standard translation. This includes technical documentation, legal documents, medical protocols, and more. These specialized services often command higher rates due to the expertise required.

How to Choose the Right Translation Service

Choosing the best translation service for your workplace requires careful evaluation of your specific needs and the key factors that can impact communication and productivity.

1. Understand Your Translation Needs

Before selecting a service, assess the nature of your communication requirements:

• Content: Is the content simple (e.g., announcements) or complex (e.g., legal documents or technical manuals)?
• Volume: How frequently will you require translations, and how extensive is the content?
• Speed: Do you need translations delivered in real-time or within specific deadlines?

Understanding these elements will help you pinpoint whether your needs are better suited to human translators, AI-powered tools, or a hybrid approach.

2. Consider Key Factors Before Choosing a Service

Once you’ve clarified your needs, evaluate translation services based on these critical factors:

• Accuracy and Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure the service handles industry-specific terminology and adapts messaging to cultural nuances, especially for sensitive content like HR policies or regulatory documents.
• Language Coverage: Select a service that supports the languages and dialects of your workforce, ensuring clarity across all teams.
• Integration with Existing Tools: Choose a solution that works seamlessly with your HR software, communication platforms, or document management systems.
• Cost and ROI: Consider upfront and ongoing costs, weighing them against the productivity and compliance benefits the service provides.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Look for a service that can adapt to your changing business needs, whether it’s increased translation volume or new language requirements.

By taking these steps, you can select a translation service that aligns with your organizational goals and fosters an inclusive workplace culture.

What Are the Benefits of Translation Services in Business?

For businesses that hire employees from a diverse range of backgrounds, investing in professional translation services can provide a number of benefits. These may include:

• Improved Communication – When businesses translate critical information like safety guidelines, training materials, and company policies accurately into the native language of all employees, they can communicate better and prevent any mishaps that may occur due to misunderstandings.
• Boosted Work Efficiency – Accurately translating information into the native language of employees can help them understand and perform their job duties with more ease, which can lead to a rise in productivity. As an illustration, a construction company that translates building plans and instructions for their employees can ensure that the work is done right and finished on schedule, steering clear of expensive delays and mistakes.
• Compliance with Regulations – Staying compliant with safety regulations is essential in certain industries. For instance, if a manufacturing business accurately translates safety guidelines and regulatory documents into the native language of their employees, it can help to avoid any costly fines or legal issues that may arise due to unintentional non-compliance.
• Better Team Dynamics – When businesses take the time to translate important messages to their employees, workers can feel more valued and respected, leading to a stronger sense of team unity and improved morale. These dynamics can foster better relationships between coworkers and management, creating a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and job satisfaction.

Professional translation services deliver measurable business impact in today's diverse workplace. According to research by McKinsey, companies embracing racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their industry peers financially.

The ROI of professional translation services is demonstrated by McDonald's "English Under the Arches" program, which led to significant improvements in customer service, productivity, and retention rates.

Beyond financial returns, professional translation services help prevent costly mistakes and compliance issues. Accurate translation of safety guidelines and regulatory documents avoids potential fines and legal complications.

As our world becomes more diverse and inclusive of a variety of cultures and languages, it is important for businesses to make an effort to connect with their employees in their preferred language. We firmly stand by this notion at Yourco, which is why we offer translation services within our two-way communication platform.

Would you like to see our translation services in action? Contact us or try for free today to witness the benefits of seamless communication in your business.