This is the post I should never have written. So if you don’t like uncomfortable topics or sincerity, this is the moment when you can stop reading this post and go to another part of this website
But I have to write about this topic, because after 10 years in the business I still see colleagues asking this question, or claiming that our profession has no future. Some wonder, “Why did I study this?” And the truth is that many people see translators as low‑value professionals.
However, we are highly trained and specialized people who, in order to have the right to say that we can translate a document into a second language, must go through years of extremely costly training and mentally exhausting training.This is especially true for sworn translators, since our signature and seal also carry legal implications.
And yet, I see people who forge a seal and sell translations at USD .01 per word.
Or people who are sworn translators and yet sell translation at USD .01 per word.
There is no reasoning, no debate in this world that can reverse this trend, because it is a market issue. If the market does not value the work of highly trained professionals, there is no argument that will ever change that. Need also has a harsh face, and it leads many people to accept paltry salaries or rates in order to try to survive. But this is counterproductive, because no matter how much you work, you will not be able to live comfortably. You will not be able to buy a house. You will not be able to have health insurance, much less invest in your children’s education. Finally, you will not be able to invest in tools, equipment, and training to get better at what you do.
In short: underselling yoruself is not worth it.
That is why I wrote this post for you, student or graduate professional: it is up to you to refuse and say “no” to demeaning treatments. I know it is difficult. I know you may be going through hunger and hardship. But frankly, you are better off making cakes or empanadas and selling them in a market than giving your work away to people or agencies that do not value it.
A decent minimum rate is at least USD .10 per word. And the most important thing is that you build your profile as a professional translator, not that you dedicate your life to mere survival.