How much does an interpreter cost?
New clients often ask about an interpreter's hourly rate. Conference interpreters, however, do not charge by the hour but receive a daily fee, which covers the assignment during the event and the preparation.
What the daily fee covers
For simultaneous interpreting, a daily fee usually covers 8 hours of attendance and 6 hours of actual interpreting time for a team of two. The amount depends on the language, the subject and the preparation required.
If an event lasts longer, an overtime fee is charged. Working hours cannot be extended indefinitely, however, as simultaneous interpreting requires the highest level of concentration. A team of three or four may be needed instead of two.
Other costs that may apply
- Travel expenses: every conference interpreter has a professional domicile. No travel expenses are charged for assignments there. If an interpreter travels from elsewhere – for rare languages, very specialised topics or when local interpreters are fully booked – travel costs are charged as a lump sum or as incurred.
- Travel fee: if arrival on the day of the event is not possible, the interpreter travels the day before or leaves the day after.
- Daily allowance (per diem): for meals during assignments away from the professional domicile.
- Overnight allowance (per noctem): as a full allowance or, if you provide the hotel room, as a reduced allowance.
- Standby days: if an interpreter from elsewhere stays on site on a day without assignment between two working days, a standby fee is paid. This is often cheaper than travelling back and forth.
- Recording and streaming: for the use of the interpretation, for example in live streams and live broadcasts or for recordings, the interpreters receive an additional fee. See interpreters' copyright.
- Remote surcharge: at hybrid and virtual events, interpreters often have to interpret speakers connected with poor sound quality. This extra effort is compensated by a surcharge.
Your individual quote
Because the costs can be made up of all these components, they vary considerably from event to event. We therefore calculate every quote individually. The information we need is listed in the frequently asked questions on the Interpreting page.