Transforming the translation industry: the power of open dialogue on rates
The current state of translator pay
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.
Cultural and Gender Dynamics
Two main factors exacerbate this issue:
- Cultural Norms: In many regions, particularly within British and European contexts, discussing financial matters is considered impolite. This cultural taboo can prevent translators from sharing information about rates, which hampers their ability to gain fair compensation.
- Gender Influences: The translation field predominantly employs women, who statistically are less likely to negotiate salaries. This tendency is compounded by societal norms that discourage women from advocating for higher pay, thereby perpetuating lower earnings in freelance markets.
The Case for Transparency
Discussing rates openly has several advantages:
- Awareness and Adjustment: Knowledge is power. For translators, understanding the rates their peers command can provide benchmarks against which to gauge their own fees. This is particularly crucial for those new to the field or those working in regions with less visibility into standard industry rates.
- De-stigmatization of Earnings: When translators openly share what they earn, it normalizes discussions around rates and removes the stigma associated with earning "too much" or "too little." This can encourage more equitable and competitive pricing structures across the industry.
Practical Steps Toward Change
- Community Engagement: Seasoned translators can lead the shift by actively sharing their rates during workshops, presentations, or via online platforms. This sets a precedent for openness and builds a community supportive of fair practice.
- Rate Transparency: Showcasing rates on public profiles or websites not only helps in setting industry standards but also assists in normalizing rate discussions, giving less experienced translators a tangible reference point.
Conclusion: Embracing Openness
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.
About the Author
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.
