17 Best Websites to Find Online Translation Jobs
If you are going to get a freelance translation job, you are going to do it right. By working online. Ideally, in the vicinity of a beach or, at least, a pool.
Hence, here’s our comprehensive guide on where to find translation jobs online.
We'll explore the top online platforms that provide the best opportunities for freelance careers.
You'll learn how to find gigs with language service providers, agencies, and freelance translator sites.
Language Service Providers
If you're looking for more than just translating content and want to be part of the process that helps businesses reach global audiences, Language Service Providers (LSPs) are worth considering.
LSPs do more than just translate – they localize content. This means adapting a product or service to a specific market, including modifying design, formatting, and using local idioms. Jobs at LSPs often offer stability and benefits, making them a good option for many translators.
Let's look at some of the top LSPs where you could find promising translation jobs.
OneSky
Source: OneSky
OneSky’s focus on software, apps, websites, and game localization makes it a unique employer in the language service providers industry. If you have a keen interest in technology and gaming, coupled with a knack for languages, OneSky offers a chance to bring those together in your career.
The company works closely with businesses to adapt digital products for international markets. This creates a dynamic environment for linguists who understand both cultural nuance and how digital content works.
What people say about OneSky
The team culture and growth opportunities at OneSky have earned it a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor. One reviewer shared, “I always get everything I need to do my translations [...] And if I still have questions, they get back to me real quick.”
The application and interview process is considered moderately difficult. That said, if you prefer a tightly structured environment or close supervision, OneSky may not be the best fit.
Estimated salary range for translators: $50,000 - $83,000 a year.
RWS
Source: RWS
RWS is a global company delivering language and content management solutions for business patents and intellectual property. Its clientele spans the healthcare, finance, and technology sectors, providing an interesting mix of projects for its translators.
If you're a linguist with a thirst for diversity in your work, RWS could be an ideal fit. Strong translation skills are a must, and a readiness to immerse yourself in a wide array of topics is also important.
What people say about RWS
RWS earns a score of 3.7 out of 5 on Glassdoor, with work-life balance and paid vacation perks receiving frequent praise among employees. Cons include a long interview process, unclear objectives, and unstable workloads.
Estimated salary range for translators: $55,000 - $87,000 a year.
Tomedes
Source: Tomedes
Tomedes specializes in fast, accurate translation services across a broad range of industries. It’s a solid choice for translators who work well under pressure and are comfortable handling various subject areas. The company handles a steady stream of projects, which keeps the pace high and the workflow dynamic.
Translators working with Tomedes are expected to meet tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy. It’s a good fit for professionals who can balance speed with quality.
What people say about Tomedes
Tomedes holds a 3.8 rating on Glassdoor. Reviewers note the company's structured processes and good internal communication. Freelancers mention opportunities for skill-building through varied assignments. At the same time, many acknowledge the pace is intense and the workload demanding.
Estimated salary range for translators: $42,000 – $70,000 a year.
Translation Agencies
Agencies specializing in translation and transcription offer a more structured path for freelancers. These companies often manage projects across multiple industries, making them a reliable choice for steady work and professional growth.
Rev
Source: Rev
Rev is known for its large network of freelance transcribers, captioners, and translators. Once approved, freelancers can log into the platform and pick from a list of available tasks—no need to pitch or wait for client assignments. Jobs come with clear deadlines and straightforward instructions.
The setup appeals to people who want flexible hours but still appreciate a consistent workflow. You work when it suits you and take on as much or as little as your schedule allows.
What people say about Rev
Rev has a Glassdoor rating of 3.7. Freelancers often point to the freedom of setting their own hours and the ease of working from home. The platform’s tools also get good marks for being user-friendly. On the flip side, the most common complaints are low pay for certain assignments and fluctuations in job availability.
Estimated pay: Roughly $0.30 to $1.10 per audio or video minute. According to Glassdoor, annual earnings typically fall between $35,000 and $65,000.
Gengo
Source: Gengo
Gengo is an online translation platform based in Tokyo. It connects businesses with professional translators, offering multilingual support across various industries. For translators, Gengo provides access to ongoing freelance work in different language pairs.
Jobs are assigned through an automated system that matches translators to projects based on their qualifications and the job’s requirements. To join the network, translators must pass a series of language and quality assessments.
What people say about Gengo
Gengo holds a 3.8 rating on Glassdoor. Freelancers mention the flexibility and skill development as positives. On the downside, some point out that the volume of available work fluctuates and pay rates can be on the lower side.
Estimated salary range for translators: $40,000 to $69,000 annually, depending on project volume and language pair.
TextMaster
Source: TextMaster
TextMaster offers translation, content writing, and proofreading services through a streamlined digital platform. It's built for efficiency and works well for freelancers who prefer structured processes and a clear project pipeline.
What people say about TextMaster
TextMaster receives a 4.6 rating on Glassdoor. Many reviewers describe the work environment as supportive, with good communication and flexible scheduling. Common concerns include fixed compensation and some challenges in project management.
Estimated salary range for translators: According to Salary.com, estimated earnings fall between $47,902 and $62,639 per year, with an average near $54,806.
Scribendi
Source: Scribendi
Scribendi stands tall as an internet-based language company that has carved a niche for itself in document revision services. For over 20 years, it has built a reputation for quality in editing and proofreading. Serving clients across business, academia, and publishing, Scribendi provides translators and editors with the chance to work on a broad range of topics.
To succeed here, you’ll need strong attention to detail and a sharp eye for language issues. Many assignments involve reviewing translated texts and correcting grammar, tone, and clarity—often written by non-native speakers.
What people say about Scribendi
Scribendi holds a 3.2 rating on Glassdoor. Flexibility is frequently mentioned as a major benefit—translators can set their own hours and work remotely.
At the same time, the job can be demanding. Several reviewers note that editing texts written by non-native English speakers requires patience and expertise. One review highlighted an expected pace of 1,000 words per hour, which some found difficult depending on the material’s quality.
Estimated salary range for translators/editors: Around $15 per hour, depending on task complexity.
Estimated salary range for full-time translators: $42,000 – $65,000 per year, depending on workload.
Freelance Translator Sites
In contrast to Language Service Providers and Translation Agencies, freelance translation sites offer a more flexible job environment. These platforms are vibrant communities where a professional translator can find projects that match their skill set and schedule.
Freelancers can choose from a wide array of jobs posted by clients worldwide, making these platforms a great choice for those looking for variety and control over their time. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at six of the most popular freelance translator sites.
ProZ.com
Source: ProZ.com
ProZ.com is one of the largest online communities dedicated exclusively to the translation industry. With over 1 million registered users, the platform provides access to a vast array of job postings. Freelancers can browse job offers from worldwide clients who post projects directly to the site. Additionally, ProZ.com offers resources for translators, such as forums, articles, and professional development courses.
Freelancers have to bid on open projects; they are not automatically assigned.
Pro
With a 91% recommendation rating on Glassdoor, users appreciate ProZ.com for its large network of clients and professionals.
Cons
Some users point out that competition can be high due to the platform's popularity. There’s also no automation or minimum quote price.
Estimated Pay
It varies by job and language pair, but the platform allows you to negotiate rates directly with the client.
Service Fee
ProZ.com operates on a subscription model. Free members can bid on jobs but face more restrictions than paying members, who pay $110 annually for standard access, and $170 for Plus.
TranslatorsCafe
Source: TranslatorsCafe
TranslatorsCafe is an online community of language professionals that offers a meeting ground for translators, interpreters, and agencies. In addition to job postings, the site also provides useful resources like forums, online tools, and articles for those in the translation services industry.
Once you finish the application process, you're free to browse and bid on many jobs. There's also the option to receive email notifications about new job postings that match your expertise.
Pro
Reviews point to the site as a reliable source for freelance work.
Cons
Competition can be high, and pay is usually low. It's often recommended for newbies looking to gain experience.
Estimated Pay
Varies per project, negotiated directly with the client.
Service Fee
None. TranslatorsCafe earns money from advertisements.
Translators Base
Source: Translator Base
Translators Base is a comprehensive platform designed to help translators find work and grow their freelance businesses. It offers a large database of translation job postings, alongside tools to help translators manage their workflow and promote their translation services.
On Translators Base, freelancers can actively search for and bid on projects or have clients contact them directly.
Pros
- You can easily find freelance translation jobs on Translators Base
- Recommended rates are visible
Con
- Competitive nature of the site
Estimated Pay
Varies per project, negotiated directly with the client. However, the website shows the recommended rates for various language pairs here.
Service Fee
A membership fee is required to access job postings and submit quotes.
Translation Directory
Source: Translation Directory
Translation Directory connects clients with freelance translators offering translation, transcription, voiceover, and interpretation services. Beyond listing freelance translation jobs, it provides industry updates, newsletters, and alerts on scam emails. One unique feature of this platform is that you can see the pay rate for each job directly in the listing, so you know what to expect before applying.
Clients can also browse through freelancer profiles and reach out to those who match their project needs.
Pro
- Users appreciate that they can see payment rates upfront
Cons
- High competition for inconsistent job availability
- Interface can be clunky and overwhelming
Estimated Pay
Each job listing includes the pay rate.
Service Fee
The site does not list service fees for translation jobs. It generates revenue through paid memberships and advertising.
General-purpose Freelance Sites
While our focus has been on translation-specific platforms, general-purpose freelance websites can also be a rich source of online translation jobs. All you have to do is set up a professional profile highlighting your translation skills and experience. The following platforms are some of the best for finding a wide array of freelance jobs, including those in translation.
Upwork
Source: Upwork
Upwork, one of the largest global freelancing platforms, is home to a multitude of professionals from diverse fields, with translation being one of them. Whether you specialize in technical, literary, legal, or medical translation, Upwork is a platform that welcomes all.
It allows freelancers to create a comprehensive profile detailing their skills, experience, portfolio, and more. Freelancers can actively bid on relevant job postings. Additionally, clients can discover translators via the search tool and invite them to apply directly.
Pros
- High volume of freelance translation jobs
- Direct communication with clients
- Payment protection through the platform
Cons
- High competition
- Service fees can be high for smaller jobs
Estimated Pay
Pay rates are determined by the freelancer but are often competitive due to the global nature of the platform.
Service Fee
As a freelancer on Upwork, you pay a flat 10% fee on all earnings. This applies to all contracts, whether hourly, fixed-price, or Project Catalog jobs.
For example, if you earn $500, the platform takes $50 in fees, leaving you with $450.
For exceptions, visit this page.
Fiverr
Source: Fiverr
Fiverr is a marketplace where freelancers offer specific services—called "gigs"—at set prices. Translators can list services based on word count, turnaround time, or bundled options like localization and editing.
You decide what you offer and how much to charge. Buyers scroll through listings, compare options, and place orders directly.
Pros
- You control pricing and packages
- You can charge for extras
- Access to a global customer base
Cons
- High number of competing listings
- Many low-cost offers undercut pricing
Estimated Pay
Pricing starts at $5, but skilled translators often set higher rates based on workload and urgency.
Service Fee
Fiverr takes a 20% cut of every sale. If you earn $100, you keep $80.
Freelancer.com
Source: Freelancer
Freelancer.com runs on a bidding system. Clients post jobs, and freelancers submit proposals with their rates. There’s also an option for contests where multiple freelancers compete on the same task.
The platform supports both hourly and fixed-price projects. You can also be invited directly by clients.
Pros
- Wide range of job types
- Option to enter contests for exposure
- Direct invitations possible
Cons
- Tough competition
- Platform fees apply to all earnings
Estimated Pay
Rates vary. You set your fee when bidding.
Service Fee
Freelancer takes 10% or $5 minimum (whichever is more) for fixed jobs, and 10% for hourly contracts.
Job Boards
Job boards are platforms where employers post job vacancies and potential candidates can apply directly. These sites can be a great place for translators looking for work opportunities, including freelance, part-time, or full-time positions.
Glassdoor
Source: Glassdoor
Glassdoor is a job search and company review site. Aside from job listings, it also provides insights into company cultures, salaries, and interviews from employees themselves. This information can be especially useful for freelance translators who are looking to understand more about a company before they apply for a job.
Pros
- Offers a vast number of job listings
- Provides company reviews
- Provides salary information
- Provides interview experiences shared by employees
Cons
- The advanced search function could be more intuitive
- Not all posted jobs are current
Estimated Pay
Varies greatly based on the job and company.
Service Fee
None
Indeed
Source: Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest job boards worldwide. It aggregates job listings from thousands of websites, including company career pages and staffing firms. Translators can use the search function to find freelance, part-time, or full-time translation roles.
Pros
- Comprehensive job search results
- Can upload your resume for easy application
- Frequent updates of job listings
Cons
- A high volume of applicants
- Increasing competition
- Some irrelevant job postings may still appear
Estimated Pay
Varies greatly based on the job and company.
Service Fee
None
LinkedIn is a professional networking site that also functions as a job board. Employers frequently post job opportunities on the platform, and translators can easily apply with their LinkedIn profiles. You can also set up LinkedIn to let recruiters know you're open to opportunities.
Pros
- Wide range of job opportunities
- Networking capabilities
- Easy application with a LinkedIn profile
Cons
- Seeing your profile views or the full list of applicants for the same job are paywalled features
- Too much competition
Estimated Pay
Varies greatly based on the job and company.
Service Fee
None, but some features require a Premium subscription.
Pro tip: For translators, staying updated on the latest trends in translation and localization services is essential to maintaining your edge in the industry. The Centus blog is an excellent resource for the most current information, helping you stay prepared and ahead of the competition.
Get the week's best content!
By subscribing, you are agreeing to have your personal information managed in accordance with the terms of Centus Privacy Policy ->
Keep learning
16 min. read
Top 10 Localization Conferences in 2024 to Attend
7 min. read
10 Best Translation Blogs to Follow in 2023
7 min. read
Localization Specialist Role and How to Become One
5 min. read