Translator Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for a Translator is £32,859 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 340 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Translator employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for a Translator in United Kingdom is £46,102 per year.

The lowest salary for a Translator in United Kingdom is £24,104 per year.

Translators typically work in an office setting. Since their role allows for the assistance of a dictionary and translation software, their role is generally considered less stressful than that of interpreters, and the pay is slightly lower as a result. Translators who understand in demand languages fluently generally command higher pay for their services and find more clients if they choose to work as freelancers. Additionally, translators with law, medical or finance expertise can earn higher pay.

The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) offers certification in over 100 language combinations. While membership is not required for the job, this is an excellent way to stand out in the industry, prove your expertise, and access higher-paying clients.

You can also demonstrate your proficiency by taking the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) or the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) qualification in Translation.

Gaining experience in the translation industry is the easiest path to scoring a higher salary, so use the job's flexibility to your benefit. Offering related services such as copywriting and editing will make you much more valuable as a translator. This will help broaden your professional network, and strengthen your overall profile. Additionally, joining a professional association such as the ITI or the CIOL can provide you with opportunities for networking, continuing education, and professional development.

In a job as a translator, your negotiating power lies in your professional perception. Gaining credibility through certification, language proficiency tests, and experience could score you higher earnings in the 20% range. Every job counts, so one extra role as a contract or freelance-based translator could boost your bargaining power. It’s important to research the client's needs when negotiating. You should know what material the job is, its length, what you need to accomplish, and which deliverables are required. Also consider how to make the job easier for them using solid suggestions to back up your claim. The better you understand what your client/employer expects, the greater your bargaining power.

About 59.73% of Translator professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £2,450 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Translator in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Translator professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £18,504 and £65,053 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £32,859 following the average career path of a Translator.