TimeTrack Pro
Log inSign up free
Free Template

Invoice Template for Translators

Translation involves far more than swapping words between languages. TimeTrack Pro creates professional invoices that break down translation, review, and localization work so clients understand the expertise behind every deliverable.

Create your first invoice freeNo credit card required

Sample invoice for a translator

INVOICE

INV-2026-001

Date: April 6, 2026

Due: April 20, 2026

DescriptionHoursRateAmount
Legal contract translation (EN→ES) — 4,200 words10$70.00$700.00
Terminology research and glossary creation — pharmaceutical domain3$70.00$210.00
Website localization review and cultural adaptation — 15 pages6$70.00$420.00
Certified translation — birth certificate and academic transcripts2$80.00$160.00
Subtotal$1,490.00
Total$1,490.00

Invoicing tips for translators

  • 1Include both word count and hours on your invoice — it contextualizes per-word pricing and shows the effort behind complex content
  • 2List the language pair and direction (e.g., EN→FR) on every line item for clarity in multi-language projects
  • 3Separate certification fees from translation fees when providing certified or notarized translations
  • 4For localization projects, itemize cultural adaptation and testing as distinct from raw translation

Payment terms tip

Net 15 for direct clients, Net 30 for agencies. For large projects (10,000+ words), request 30% upfront to cover the research and setup phase.

Frequently asked questions

Should translators charge per word or per hour?
Per-word is industry standard for straightforward translation, but hourly is better for review, editing, localization, and highly technical content. Use TimeTrack Pro to track time on per-word projects — you'll discover that your effective hourly rate varies dramatically by content type.
How do translators track time on long documents?
Break the document into sections or chapters and track each one separately. TimeTrack Pro's project labels let you segment a 50-page document so you can see which sections took longer and adjust your per-word rates for similar content in the future.
How do I price machine translation post-editing (MTPE)?
MTPE is typically priced at 50–70% of full human translation rates, but the actual time varies wildly based on MT quality. Track your MTPE time in TimeTrack Pro to determine your real per-word efficiency and price accordingly.
How do I invoice translation agencies vs. direct clients?
Agencies expect per-word invoices with word counts from CAT tools. Direct clients benefit from more detailed invoices showing the process. TimeTrack Pro supports both formats — generate per-word summaries for agencies and time-based breakdowns for direct clients.

Invoice templates for other freelancers

Freelance WritersCopywritersVirtual Assistants

Stop using spreadsheets for invoices

Create professional PDF invoices, send them by email, and get paid faster with automated reminders.

Create your first invoice freeSee time tracking features

Free plan includes 5 invoices per month