How To Get Translation Work From Home Job Opportunities

If you can speak multiple languages fluently and are looking for a new career path, the world of remote translator jobs is for you.

There are many ways to get translation work from home, and this article breaks down the entire process and recommends some key platforms where you can find new opportunities.

Types of Translation Work From Home Jobs

These jobs involve translating written or spoken content from one language to another.

As you sit in your home office or on your couch, you become a bridge between cultures, connecting people who can speak different languages.

There are various types of freelance translation jobs, including:

Localizer

They work on translating various types of content (text and images) and making them culturally appropriate for a target country.

This kind of work is often needed in the marketing and advertising industries.

Literary Translators

These online translators translate literature, including books, poetry, articles, and short stories.

If you have a passion for language, then this is the right path for you.

Software Translator

These are the people who translate software, mobile apps, and web applications for different cultures, languages, and markets.

This career path is for those who are more tech-savvy.

Technical Translator

They are usually on a higher level than most translators.

Technical translators spend their time working on scientific documents such as journals, whitepapers, and research papers.

You need a certain level of industry and field knowledge to excel in this path.

Medical or Law Translator

For both of these gigs, you need high industry know-how and a specific vocabulary.

You can also only help translate documents behind the scenes.

Since you’re working from home, you won’t be able to help with client-facing translation.

Subtitle Translation

This involves working in a film and TV industry to translate dialogue and help a global audience enjoy a work of art or entertainment.

What You’ll Need to Do Translation Work From Home Job

Tools

• Translation software like MemoQ, Wordfast, Trados, etc.
• A working laptop, computer, or iPad.
• A reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Spellcheck and grammar tools.

Skills

• Language proficiency or fluency in both the target and native language.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to manage your time and schedule.
• Great attention to detail.
• Proofreading and grammar.
• Translation skills for understanding cultural nuances.

Certifications

• A degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field to the work you’ll be translating.
• Relevant certifications from organizations like ATA (American Translators Association).

Values

• Respect and understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
• Patience and persistence to get the work done.
• A drive to keep learning.

How Much Can You Make as a Work From Home Translator

As with other jobs, the amount of money you can make being an at-home translator varies between industries. On average, a translator earns $54,696 per year.

Your salary also depends on the type of role you have, such as:

• Freelance translators
• Collaborator for translation services
• Independent contractor
• Have a 9 to 5 position for one company. 

Top 4 Platforms to Find Translation Work From Home Jobs

If you’re looking to work as an online translator, then the best places to look are specific translation job websites and not general job marketplaces such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Indeed.

Here are some platforms geared toward translator jobs, especially those on a freelance basis.

1. Gengo

Gengo is the go-between for clients looking for translation and freelance translators. 

It offers translation services for a wide range of content, including documents, websites, apps, videos, and more.

Their wide network of translators can translate the content into even more languages.

Pros

• Flexible schedule: When translating for Gengo, you pick your own working times.
• A huge community of translators: You can connect with other alike minds for feedback, advice, or support
• Thousands of projects: This means that you can find translator work in an industry that actually interests you.

Cons

• Variable income: Some languages have a lower maximum income than others. This means that if those are the languages you speak, you’ll make less money.
• Tough to get in: Since Gengo is so well-known, they have a strict application process that involves having to take a two-part test.

2. Unbabel

With AI on the rise, it should come as no surprise that it’s worked its way into translation companies too.

Unbabel is an AI-powered human translation platform that still offers translation jobs.

All the AI side of the company means is that the workflows are as automated as possible for clients, but that human intervention is still needed.

Pros

• Well-known business: You may be doing work for companies like Adidas, Facebook, Uber, or Microsoft, which have all used this business for translations before.
• Health insurance coverage: If you’re working as a full-time employee, then you and your family will be covered by private health insurance.
• Loyalty days: The longer you work for Unbabel, the more paid holiday days you can get. However, this caps out at five extra days a year.
• Professional development opportunities: Unbabel encourages people to take part in internal and external training to promote growth and hone your skills.

Cons

• Big company: Unbabel currently has over 300 employees, which means you may fall victim to being lost amongst the other employees. 

3. ProZ.com

Whether you’re a freelance translator or interpreter, ProZ.com is an extensive online community for networking and finding a job.

ProZ.com boasts that they have over a million professional translators and certified translator companies on their network.

Pros

• Free to register: Registering for the platform is free, and you don’t need to have any credentials. 
• Translation dictionaries: The company offers extensive translation dictionaries and resources to help you take your translation skills to another level.
• Events: ProZ.com hosts online and offline events, which means that you’ll get the opportunity to meet people in your industry. This is beneficial as working from home can become isolating (unless you like working alone).

Cons

• Some benefits are paid: ProZ.com is a membership platform, which means  you have to pay to gain access to some services and tools.
• Commission: Unless you’re a member, you’ll be charged a commission on any translation jobs you find using their platform.

4. TextMaster

TextMaster is a SaaS translation service - which means that the entire translation (or copywriting) process is done online.

The company hires both professional and semi-professional translators.

For the latter, it means you can translate documents into your native language, even if you don’t have other qualifications.

Professional roles require more experience and specific industry knowledge.

Pros

• Work whenever: Since the platform is SaaS, you have access to your tasks 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Top-notch technology: Work with cloud backup services and their state-of-the-art CAT tool, CATIFY, which allows for interactive glossaries and real-time translation memories.
• Wide range of tasks: You can work on various different projects in different fields and languages.

Cons

• Slow payment times: It can take up to 2 weeks for your payments to land up in your account.

Other Jobs to Consider

Here are some other jobs to consider:

• Online consulting jobs: Offer your advice and expertise to businesses in your field, all from the comfort of your own home.
• Online tech jobs: If you’re someone who excels at working with computer programs, software, or hardware but you don’t want to leave your couch, then check out these jobs.
• Slow-paced jobs: Sit back and relax with these career paths but still earn enough of a living for you to survive in this increasingly expensive world we live in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Advantages of Working From Home as a Translator?

Working remotely offers flexibility, reduces commute times, and means you’re in charge of your schedule. All of this leads to a better work-life balance, which is particularly beneficial if you have a family.

Do I Need to Be a Native Speaker to Work as a Translator?

Being a native speaker is an advantage but not a requirement when working on translation projects; as long as you can prove your proficiency and skill in both languages, you’ll be fine.

Final Thoughts

Since we work in an increasingly connected world, translator jobs are becoming increasingly sought after, and the four platforms in this article should be your go-to when looking for these opportunities. 

Once you’ve found a translation job that you’re interested in, make sure you have a laptop and reliable internet connection to deliver your work on time.

If you’re already speaking more than one language fluently, then working in translation is a no-brainer. If you don’t have the language skills, then it’s worth looking at other side hustles.