eGigHow much does translation cost?
Translation costs ₹1 to ₹15 per word with a freelancer (about $0.01–$0.18), depending on the scope and the freelancer’s experience. Most clients pay in the standard range of ₹3–₹6 per word.
Translation prices
General text in common language pairs, machine-assisted with human review
Business, website or marketing text by a native speaker, proofread
Legal, medical or certified translation, or rare language pairs
Hourly rates
| Level | Rate per hour | In dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (under 2 years) | ₹250–₹500 | $3–$6 |
| Intermediate (2–5 years) | ₹500–₹1,000 | $6–$12 |
| Expert (5+ years) | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | $12–$30 |
Typical 2026 freelance prices in rupees (₹), with dollars at about ₹85 to $1. Delivery: 1–5 days for 5,000 words.
What changes the price
- Language pair: rare languages cost more
- Subject: legal, medical and technical text needs a specialist
- Certified or sworn translation for official use
- Formatting, subtitles or website localisation
How to hire for translation
- Write a short brief. Say what you need, what you will provide and your deadline. We have filled in a template for you on the next step.
- Post the project free with a budget range. Freelancers with this skill are told about it and send proposals with their price and timeline.
- Compare proposals. Check portfolios, reviews and the ID-verified badge, and message your top two or three before you choose.
- Agree milestones on the contract and pay each one when you approve the work. eGig takes no commission from either side.
Freelancers: what should you charge?
Set a minimum order (for example 500 words) so tiny jobs still pay for your time, and charge extra for rush delivery.
Start near the basic range while you build reviews, then move up a tier every 5–10 good reviews. Work out a rate that covers your costs and taxes with the freelance rate calculator.
Common questions
How much does translation cost?
With a freelancer, translation costs ₹1–₹3 per word for basic work, ₹3–₹6 for standard work and ₹6–₹15 for premium work. Hourly rates run from ₹250 to ₹2,500 an hour.
How long does translation take?
Typically 1–5 days for 5,000 words, depending on the scope, the number of revisions and how quickly you send feedback and material.
Is a freelancer cheaper than an agency?
Usually. A freelancer often costs 30–60% less than an agency for the same scope, because there is no office, sales team or account manager to pay for. An agency makes sense when you need several skills managed together.
Should I pay a fixed price or by the hour?
Pay a fixed price when the scope is clear, and split it into milestones you approve one by one. Pay by the hour for ongoing or open-ended work, with a weekly cap.