Interpreters send quotes when a client books a multi-hour or multi-day assignment, such as a deposition, a conference, a hospital series of appointments, or an event. Clients compare hourly rates, minimums, and extra charges like travel, prep, and equipment, so the quote should show all of them.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation are priced differently, and a dialect mismatch can lead to a dispute about whether you were the right fit.
The quote depends on the length of the booking, and a change in the schedule or format should trigger a revised price.
Assignments often run long, so stating the overtime rate and increments prevents arguments afterward.
You cannot prepare without agendas, slides, or case documents, and late materials can affect quality and pricing.
Clients need to know whether these are included, estimated, or billed at cost.
Simultaneous interpreting normally needs two interpreters per language and booth or headset equipment, which affects the total cost.
Written terms agreed at the quote stage make a late-cancellation charge much easier to enforce.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Medical or community interpreting (in person, Spanish) | per hour | $40-75 |
| Legal or court interpreting (certified, deposition or hearing) | per hour | $60-120 |
| Remote phone or video interpreting (scheduled) | per hour | $35-80 |
| Conference interpreting (simultaneous, per interpreter) | per day | $600-1,500 |
| Less common language pairs (in person) | per hour | $65-130 |
| ASL interpreting (certified) | per hour | $50-100 |
| Travel time beyond a set radius | per hour | $20-50 |
| Document translation | per word | $0.10-0.25 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Hourly with a minimum suits appointments and depositions. For conferences, a half-day or full-day rate is cleaner and reflects the prep and fatigue involved.
Technical or legal assignments need research. Either add a prep line or build it into the rate, and tell the client which approach you used.
Short-notice bookings, evenings, weekends, and rare language pairs justify a higher rate because fewer people can do the work and your schedule is disrupted.
Rates and availability change, so state how long the quote holds, for example 14 days, and that the booking is confirmed only when the client accepts in writing.
For single appointments and depositions, an hourly rate with a minimum and an estimated duration works well. For conferences and multi-day events, a flat day rate is more common.
It is common for large or multi-day jobs, often 25 to 50 percent, especially with new direct clients. For repeat clients and agencies, deposits are less common.
Adjust the scope rather than only the rate. Options include a shorter booking, remote instead of in person, or sending prep materials earlier. Avoid dropping your rate while keeping the same workload.
Use the Interpreter invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Interpreter invoice template