ClockoutFree translator invoice template you can download and customize
An invoice template for freelance translators billing per-word, per-page, or hourly for translation, editing, and certified work.
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Live preview — updates as you edit below
From
Your Name
Invoice
INV-001
Bill to
Client Name
Issued
2026-04-30
Due
2026-05-15
Terms
Net 15
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1 | — | $0.00 |
Edit the fields below — the preview and PDF update in real time.
Edit your invoice
From (your details)
Bill to (client)
Invoice #
Issue date
Due date
Terms
Line items
Description
Qty
Rate ($)
Amount
$0.00
Tax %
Notes
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What this template includes
Every field you need for a professional translator invoice.
Business name, address, and contact information
Client name and billing address
Unique invoice number
Invoice date and payment due date
Itemized line items with description, quantity, rate, and amount
Subtotal, tax (if applicable), and total due
Payment terms and accepted methods
Notes or special instructions
Language pair (source → target)
Source word count
Per-word or per-page rate
Best for: Freelance translators billing for document translation, certified translation, localization, or interpreting work
When to use this translator invoice template
Use this template for any translation engagement — document translation, website localization, certified or sworn translations, subtitle translation, interpreting, or post-editing of machine translation (MTPE). The template handles per-word billing (the industry standard for document translation), per-page billing for certified translations, hourly billing for editing and interpreting, and project rates for ongoing localization contracts. Pre-filled line items show language pair, word count, and rate calculation so the client can verify the math.
How translators typically charge
Translation rates depend heavily on language pair and specialty. Per-word rates: $0.06–$0.12 for common pairs (English ↔ Spanish, French, German), $0.10–$0.20+ for less common pairs (English ↔ Korean, Arabic, Japanese), $0.15–$0.30+ for specialized domains (legal, medical, financial). Per-page certified translation: $25–$75/page in most markets, $50–$150+ for legal/medical certifications. Hourly editing or post-editing rates: $35–$100/hr. The biggest earning lever for translators is specialization — generalist translators cap around $0.10/word; specialist legal/medical/technical translators charge $0.15–$0.30+/word for the same effort because clients can't substitute easily.
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Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
How do I count words for billing?
Industry standard is source word count — count words in the original document before translation. Most translators use a CAT tool (Trados, MemoQ, Phrase) which provides exact source counts. State the count clearly on the invoice: 'Source: 4,287 words at $0.10/word = $428.70.' For repeated content (matches and 'fuzzy matches' in CAT tools), the standard is to discount: 100% matches at 25% of base rate, 75–99% fuzzies at 50–75% of base rate, no-matches at full rate.
Should I require a deposit for large translation projects?
Yes, for any project over 5,000 words or $500. Standard structure: 30–50% deposit on signature, balance on delivery. For new clients on any project size, a deposit filters serious clients from price shoppers. Translation work has zero recovery if a client refuses to pay — you can't repossess a translated document. Deposits are a non-negotiable for established freelance translators.
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