Quote:
Originally Posted by pandayanyan
Which do you think gets better pay? A translator or an interpreter? Or does it depend on your clientel?
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In my own experience, the interpreter makes more on a daily basis. You'll probably see something in the ballpark between $500 to $800/day plus expenses depending.
I think I read somewhere that interpreters at the U.N. make between $80k to $100k, which ain't bad, but New York is pricey.
A translator might make $300 to $500 in a day. Sometimes more/ less, but that's ballpark.
The big caveat here is that a freelancer doesn't necessarily have work every day...
The other issue is that, again in my own experience, interpreting is very stressful. Whether consecutive or simultaneous, it's a brain-frier. At least for me it is.
By contrast, translating is usually more laid back. You can take breaks. Set your own hours to a certain extent.
You're also correct in saying that clientele matters. I have one client that pays me quite a bit more than the usual fee for a few hours of work, but the work has to be turned around quickly while maintaining professional standards.
HTH.