Translators, particularly those working with common language pairs or for translation agencies, frequently find themselves grappling with below-average earnings. Despite the significant growth and profitability of the global language service market, which had expanded to £35 billion by 2018 (ATC (2019) ATC UK Language Industry Survey and Report’), the remuneration for many translators remains modest. The average annual income for a translator in the UK stands at just £24,702, with many earning far less, especially in emerging economies. This disparity is even more pronounced considering the top 25 language service providers in the UK saw growth rates of 40% annually.
The reluctance to discuss financial earnings openly seems to be a significant contributor to this stagnation. This culture of secrecy is sustained by a combination of market dynamics and social norms. In the translation industry, particularly where machine translation and post-editing grow more prevalent, rates are being pushed down even further, exacerbating the situation for live translators. Moreover, the profession’s demographic, being predominantly female, intersects with broader economic patterns where women are less likely to negotiate pay, which could lead to widespread acceptance of lower rates dictated by language service providers (LSPs).
By not discussing earnings openly, translators inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of low pay and limited financial transparency. This silence around wages hinders collective bargaining and prevents translators from asserting their value in a highly competitive market. As such, the need for open conversations about pay, typical rates, and financial expectations within the profession has never been more critical to address these systemic issues.
Two main factors exacerbate this issue:
Discussing rates openly has several advantages:
The reluctance to talk about money within the translation industry does more harm than good, restricting translators' financial potential and perpetuating a cycle of undervaluation. By breaking this taboo and fostering an environment of transparency, translators can advocate more effectively for fair compensation, benefiting the entire profession.
Doris Cueto Briceno is an English to Spanish medical translator, founder of Brightlingua and a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists. With a profound commitment to enhancing patient understanding and safety, Doris leads with empathy and precision in her translations. She champions the cause for transparency in translation rates, believing that open discussions can pave the way for a fairer and more equitable industry.