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Freelance Writing Translation Jobs in California

VIZ Media

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

Oversee freelance translators, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels ... Write cover text, catalog copy, and other related marketing and sales materials * Check promotional ...

Adecco

Subtitling Coordinator

Burbank, CA

$28 - $30/hr

... translators, territory approvers) * Manage custom payments for atypical tasks performed by freelance resources * Collaborate on production-related initiatives to drive customer satisfaction

Solomon Page

SEO Specialist

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$45.50/hr

This freelance role will run until June 2027 and will be fully onsite in their LA office. * Pay ... Support the editorial content program through SEO brief generation, brief review, writer feedback ...

Visible Hands

Content Studio Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Insight-to-creative translation: Turn audience insights and performance data into creative concepts ... Experience developing creator concepts, writing creator briefs, directing creator talent, and ...

Nashville Public Radio

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Oversee freelance translators, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels ... Write cover text, catalog copy, and other related marketing and sales materials * Check promotional ...

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Freelance Writing Translation information

See California salary details

$7

$22

$32

How much do freelance writing translation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance writing translation in California is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance writing translation?

A Freelance Writing Translation job involves converting written content from one language to another while maintaining accuracy, tone, and context. Freelancers work independently with clients or agencies on a project-by-project basis. This job requires strong language skills, cultural understanding, and writing proficiency. Common projects include translating articles, marketing materials, websites, and technical documents. Freelance translators often set their own rates and schedules, making it a flexible career option.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in freelance writing translation?

To thrive as a Freelance Writing Translation professional, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, excellent writing skills, and a solid understanding of grammar and cultural nuances. Familiarity with CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, terminology databases, and certification from recognized translation bodies such as ATA or equivalent is valuable. Strong time management, communication skills, and adaptability are important soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for delivering accurate, culturally-appropriate translations on deadline and maintaining positive client relationships in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance writing translators and how can they be overcome?

Freelance writing translators often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, inconsistent workloads, and projects involving specialized terminology. To manage these effectively, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, maintain clear communication with clients, and continuously expand your subject matter expertise. Utilizing professional translation tools can help increase efficiency and consistency, while networking with fellow freelancers may provide support and project referrals. Over time, building a diverse portfolio and long-term client relationships can also lead to a more stable and rewarding freelance career.

How do I become a freelance translator?

To become a freelance translator, you should develop fluency in at least two languages and obtain relevant certifications or degrees in translation or linguistics. Building a portfolio, gaining experience through practice or internships, and establishing an online presence can help attract clients; proficiency with translation tools like CAT software is also beneficial.

How much do freelance writers and translators make?

Freelance writers and translators typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, language pairs, and specialization. Many work on a per-project basis, with rates varying widely based on complexity and client budget, and income can fluctuate based on workload and skill level.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Writing Translation jobs in California?

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What job categories do people searching Freelance Writing Translation jobs in California look for?

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What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Writing Translation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Writing Translation job openings:

Freelance Writing Translation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Writing Translation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,778 per year, or $23 per hour.

Hiring Freelance Academic Editors

Crimson Interactive

San Francisco, CA

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Crimson Interactive is an ISO-certified organization (ISO 9001:2008) providing Japanese and English language solutions to customers globally. Our brands deliver services in three professional areas:


Editing (www.enago.com)

Translation (www.ulatus.com)

Transcription (www.voxtab.com)

Since our inception in 2005, we have moved from strength to strength and now have a team of several hundred translators operating all over the globe. We also successfully partnered with Japan's largest Academic Publisher, Maruzen, and the second largest publisher in the world, Dai Nippon Publishing (DNP), for their editorial and translation needs.

Crimson is a company where cultures across boundaries thrive together. We have Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Taiwanese, and Indians working for a common objective. We have clients in various geographies-Japan, China, Taiwan, Germany, Korea, the US, UK, etc.

Please do visit http://www.crimsoni.com/crimson-videos.htm to watch some videos about "Life at Crimson" and "Expats working at Crimson".


Job Description

Job description

We are looking for experienced copy editors & substantive editors in Physics, Engineering and Medicine with a core academic background.

Qualities we look for in our freelance editors:

  • Proficiency and competence in the most widely spoken language across the world-English!
  • Knack for diligently editing, restructuring, and polishing articles written by non-native speakers, with least 5 years of relevant copyediting/academic editing experience
  • Extensive subject matter expertise

We prefer editor profiles that reflect

  • Research experience (studies conducted, papers written/published, papers reviewed, etc.)
  • Certificate/experience in academic editing, publishing, scientific communication, and journal article writing
  • Extensive experience in editing ESL (English as a Second Language) manuscripts
  • Knowledge of the style (such as APA, CMS, AMA, CSE, IEEE) and conventions followed in academic writing
  • Member of acclaimed editing and publishing associations such as EFA, EASE, BELS

A glimpse at what you would edit:

You will be assigned papers of varying difficulty levels (in terms of English, subject matter expertise, and the extent of revision needed) written by non-native speakers in either English or their native language (translated papers). These papers written by what we believe constitute an eclectic group of authors and writers, i.e., we receive work from not only scientists, researchers, and students but also corporates, linguists, and the common man trying to communicate in English--from the latest in cutting-edge technology to the timeless fascination with history and arts!

Our freelance editors should ensure:

  • Immaculate grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice
  • Flow, transition, correct terminology, correctness of content, and coherence
  • Appropriate manuscript format* that conforms to academic conventions in terms of citation style, layout, section headings, and tense usage
  • Preservation of the author's intended meaning even in papers where the content requires extensive revision *Freelance editors also thoroughly format the manuscript as per mentioned journal guidelines when clients opt for our journal formatting service.

Enago will ensure

  • Possibility of a guaranteed monthly income while freelancing: Apart from offering work in the typical freelancing manner, we also offer opportunities that guarantee a minimum monthly/annual income, along with the possibility of an additional annual bonus (monetary), based on your performance.
  • A smooth performance-driven progression curve with an effective feedback mechanism: This ensures that the expectation mismatch is nearly zero. In the past, the strong professional bonding with our freelance editors has also led to mutual recommendations-a definite plus factor!
  • A rewarding experience, both monetarily and intellectually: You will get the opportunity to apply your domain knowledge and skills to help non-native authors present their work to the world through esteemed journals and renowned conferences, with the flexibility of timings dedicated to editing.
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply