Translators are in high demand these days. With the globalization of business, the world has become a smaller place, and more companies are looking for translators to help them break into new markets. But while translation is a lucrative field, it can be difficult to make a living solely from translating. That’s why many translators turn to other ways to make money as well. Here are eleven translator side hustles that translators can use to bring in some extra cash.
Why Side Hustles?
Before we dive into the list of bilingual side hustles, let’s first talk about why you might want to consider one.
There are a few reasons why having a side hustle can be beneficial for translators. First, it can help you diversify your income and make you less reliant on translation work. This is especially helpful if you live in a country with a volatile economy or if you’re working as a freelancer and want to have a steady stream of income.
Second, having a side hustle can help you build up your skillset and make you more marketable as a translator. For example, if you’re a translator who also does voice-over work, you’ll be able to offer your services to a wider range of clients.
Finally, having a side hustle can simply be a fun way to make some extra money. If you enjoy the work you’re doing, then it won’t feel like work at all.
Translator Side Hustles
Now that we’ve talked about the benefits of having a side hustle, let’s take a look at some of the best ones for translators.
1. Voice-Over Work
If you’re a translator, chances are you have a good command of your second language and can speak more than one language fluently. This makes you the perfect candidate for voice-over work in Spanish.
Voice-over artists are in high demand these days, as more and more companies are using videos for marketing and advertising. And since you’re already a translator, you’ll be able to offer your services in multiple languages, which will make you even more marketable.
To get started, you can create a demo reel of your work and post it online. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about voice-over work.
2. Subtitling Videos
If you’re not interested in doing voice-over work, you can also offer your services as a subtitler.
Many companies use videos for marketing and advertising, but they often need someone to transcribe and translate the audio into different languages. This is where you come in.
As a subtitler, you’ll be responsible for creating subtitles for videos in different languages. To get started, you can create a portfolio of your work and post it online. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about subtitling work.
If you’re interested in subtitling, here’s how to make money by making subtitles.
3. Transcribing Audio
In addition to subtitling videos, you can also offer your services as a transcriber. Transcribers are responsible for transcribing audio files into text. This is often used for recordings of lectures, interviews, and podcasts.
To get started, you can create a portfolio of your work and post it online. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about transcribing work. One thing to watch out for is companies that try to lowball you with unrealistic pay rates.
Also, keep in mind that transcribing can be a very time-consuming task, so you’ll need to be efficient and have a good typing speed. If you’re not a fast typer, you can always use a transcription tool like Otter to help you transcribe audio files.
4. Editing and Proofreading
If you’re a translator, then you likely have experience editing and proofreading text. This is another skill that you can use to make some extra money, especially in film translation.
There is a huge demand for editing and proofreading services, as many companies need someone to check their text for errors before it goes public. For example, many companies hire editors and proofreaders to check their website content, marketing materials, and even legal documents.
Editors typically charge by the word or by the hour, while proofreaders typically charge by the page. To get started, you contact companies directly and inquire about editing and proofreading work. One thing to keep in mind is that many companies will require you to take a editing and/or proofreading test before they hire you.
5. Social Media Management
While social media management and translation might not seem like they go hand-in-hand, they actually go quite well together. Many companies hire social media managers to create and manage their social media accounts.
As a social media manager, you’ll be responsible for creating and posting content, engaging with followers, and managing social media ads. In addition, you’ll be tasked with monitoring and responding to comments and messages.
Since, as a translator, you speak multiple languages, you’ll be able to offer your services to companies that are looking to expand their reach into new markets. To get started, reach out directly to companies or create a portfolio of your work.
6. Localization
Localization is the process of adapting content to a specific locale or market. This usually involves translating text, but it can also involve customizing content for a specific culture.
For example, if a company is releasing a product in Japan, they might need to localization services to ensure that their product is appealing to the Japanese market. This might involve translating their marketing materials and product instructions into Japanese. (Check out this article on being a translator in Japan.)
Localization and translation go hand-in-hand, so if you’re a translator, then you likely have the skills needed to provide localization services. If this side hustle interests you, then reach out to companies directly and inquire about localization work.
7. Market Research
Market research is the process of collecting data about a target market. This data is then used to understand the needs and wants of that market.
As a market researcher, you’ll be responsible for conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups. You’ll also be tasked with analyzing this data and creating reports.
Many market research projects require translators, as they need to collect data from people who speak different languages. If you’re interested in this side hustle, then reach out to market research firms and inquire about work. Be sure to mention your foreign language (and native language) skills in your inquiry.
8. Recruitment
Recruitment is the process of finding and hiring employees for a company. As a recruiter, you’ll be responsible for sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and extending job offers.
Since recruitment often involves international candidates, many recruiters need translators to help them communicate with candidates who speak different languages. In addition, recruiters often need to translate resumes, job descriptions, and other employment documents.
If recruitment sounds like a side hustle that you’d be interested in, then reach out to companies and inquire about work. You can also look for recruitment firms that specialize in hiring translators.
9. Consulting
Consulting is a broad term that refers to providing expert advice to businesses and individuals. As a consultant, you’ll use your skills and knowledge to help your clients solve problems and reach their goals.
There are many different types of consulting, but some examples include marketing consulting, financial consulting, and IT consulting.
Since consulting often involves working with clients who are located in different countries, many consultants need translators to help them communicate with their clients. If you’re interested in becoming a consultant, then reach out to companies and individuals who might need your services.
10. Event Planning
Event planning is the process of organizing and executing events. As an event planner, you’ll be responsible for everything from booking venues to ordering catering.
In addition, you’ll often be responsible for coordinating with speakers, performers, and other people who are involved in the event. If these people don’t speak the same language as you, then you’ll need to use your translation skills to communicate with them.
If you’re interested in event planning, then reach out to companies and individuals who are looking for help. You can also look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with event planning organizations.
11. Writing Articles
If you’re a translator, then you likely have excellent writing skills in at least one language. You can use these writing skills to make extra money by writing articles for websites and publications.
To find writing opportunities, you can search for online job boards, contact website owners directly, or pitch article ideas to publications. When you’re writing, be sure to focus on topics that you’re passionate about and that will be interesting to your target audience.
Conclusion
There are many different side hustles that translators can pursue to make extra money. These side hustles include proofreading, localization, market research, and writing articles.
If you’re a translator, then consider pursuing one of these side hustles to supplement your income. Not only will you make extra money, but you’ll also gain new skills and experiences that can help you in your translation career. In addition, many of these side hustles can be done remotely, which means you can work from anywhere in the world.
FAQ – Translator Side Hustles
Can you be a translator as a side hustle?
Yes, you can be a translator as a side hustle. In fact, many translators pursue side hustles in addition to their regular translation work. Side hustles can be a great way to supplement your income and gain new skills.
How do freelance translators make money?
Freelance translators make money by providing translation services to companies and individuals. They often work remotely, which means they can work from anywhere in the world. In addition, many freelance translators have flexible schedules, which allows them to choose when and where they work.
What type of translator makes the most money?
There is no one type of translator that makes the most money. In general, translators who have more experience and specialize in niche areas (such as business translation services) tend to earn higher incomes. However, your income as a translator will depend on many factors, such as your experience, language skills, and the type of translation work you do.
How can I make extra money as a translator?
There are many ways that translators can make extra money. These include proofreading, localization, market research, and writing articles. If you’re interested in making extra money as a translator, then consider pursuing one of these side hustles.
