1

Independent Contractor Chinese Translator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chinese Translator, DOJ LSS

Washington, DC · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or ... Job Title Chinese Translator, DOJ LSS Location National Capital Region (NCR) - Washington, DC 20540 ...

Chinese Translator, DOJ LSS

Washington, DC · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Materials may be provided to the Contractor in a variety of formats, including electronic or hard ... Minimum of two (2) years of experience in translation Qualifying scores ILR 3 minimum or equivalent ...

Freelance Translator

Verona, WI · On-site

$45K - $58K/yr

Freelance Translator Position Summary Epic is seeking freelance translators to support our ... independent contractor agreement. Test the limits of our software for the most innovative health ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Independent Contractor Chinese Translator information

See salary details

$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do independent contractor chinese translator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor chinese translator in the United States is $57,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do freelance translators get paid?

Freelance Chinese translators typically earn between $0.08 and $0.20 per word, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Rates can also vary based on the client's budget and the translator's expertise with tools like CAT software. Many freelancers set their own rates and may charge hourly or project-based fees as well.

How do Independent Contractor Chinese Translators typically manage workload and deadlines when working with multiple clients?

Independent Contractor Chinese Translators often juggle projects from various clients, which requires excellent time management and organizational skills. They must prioritize assignments based on deadlines, project complexity, and client requirements while maintaining high translation quality. Most translators use project management tools or calendars to track deliverables and communicate proactively with clients about timelines or any potential delays. This role offers flexibility, but it also demands strong self-discipline to meet client expectations and build a reliable professional reputation.

What are independent contractor Chinese translators?

Independent contractor Chinese translators are professionals who work on a freelance or contract basis to translate written or spoken content between Chinese and other languages. They are not full-time employees but instead work independently for clients or agencies, often handling projects such as documents, websites, or live interpretations. These translators must possess strong language proficiency, cultural understanding, and specialized knowledge in various fields like legal, medical, or technical translation. Their flexible work arrangement allows them to choose projects and set their own schedules. Many independent contractor Chinese translators work remotely, leveraging technology to communicate with clients worldwide.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Chinese Translator vs Freelance Chinese Interpreter?

AspectIndependent Contractor Chinese TranslatorFreelance Chinese Interpreter
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications (e.g., ATA)Language proficiency, interpretation certifications (e.g., CI, CT)
Work EnvironmentHome office, client sites, online platformsConferences, meetings, remote or on-site events
Employer/Industry UsageBusinesses, publishers, translation agenciesConferences, legal, medical, business events
Search/Comparison IntentTranslation services, written Chinese translationInterpretation services, spoken Chinese interpretation

The main difference is that Independent Contractor Chinese Translators focus on written translation work, often providing documents and texts, while Freelance Chinese Interpreters specialize in spoken communication during live events. Both roles require language proficiency and relevant certifications but serve different client needs and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Contractor Chinese Translator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Chinese Translator, you need fluency in both Chinese and English, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and often a degree in linguistics or translation. Familiarity with CAT tools like SDL Trados, MemoQ, or Wordfast, as well as knowledge of localization platforms, is typically expected. Attention to detail, time management, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for delivering accurate and contextually appropriate translations. These abilities ensure high-quality work that meets client expectations and enables effective communication across languages.

How much do Chinese translators get paid?

Chinese translators' pay varies based on experience, location, and project complexity, but they typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour or $0.10 to $0.25 per word. Freelance translators often set their rates, while those working for agencies or companies may have fixed salaries or hourly wages. Certification and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

Can I be a freelance translator?

Yes, as an independent contractor Chinese translator, you can work as a freelance translator. Many freelance translators set their own schedules, choose their clients, and use translation tools like CAT software to deliver projects. Success often depends on language proficiency, specialized knowledge, and building a strong client network.

Are Chinese translators in demand?

Chinese translators are in high demand due to global business expansion, international relations, and the need for accurate communication in various industries. Skilled translators with certification and proficiency in specialized fields such as legal or technical translation often find steady employment opportunities, especially in freelance or contract roles.
More about Independent Contractor Chinese Translator jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Chinese Translator jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Chinese Translator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chinese Translator jobs? The most popular types of Chinese Translator jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Chinese Translator jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Chinese Translator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Chinese Translator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Chinese Translator jobs are:
Chinese Translator, DOJ LSS

Chinese Translator, DOJ LSS

Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Yorktown Systems Group, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, are a committed team of dedicated former military and civilian professionals who believe in providing ethical and quality services to Government customers. Our leadership team is composed primarily of Veterans who are now serving in a corporate environment rather than in uniform. Our customer's missions become our own and we are committed to working as a team to achieve success. Because of the depth and experiences of our corporate leadership, we can assure all our customers that "we will do what we say we can do" and will focus on our customer's missions rather than corporate goals. Our business model is based on a personal commitment from our leaders to maintain contact with our customers to continually and consistently gauge our performance. Yorktown Systems Group was founded on the idea that providing quality and ethical services with a laser focus on our customer's goals is an effective long-term business model. Our mission, therefore, is to help our customers meet their requirements and goals. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. This provision shall not apply to instances in which an employee who has access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of such employee's essential job functions discloses the compensation of such other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to such information, unless such disclosure is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or is consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. The Unconventional, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.
Job Title
Chinese Translator, DOJ LSS
Location
National Capital Region (NCR) - Washington, DC 20540 US (Primary)
Job Description
Summary:
The Unconventional (TU) is seeking a qualified Translator to support the Department of Justice (DOJ) with Translation, Interpretation, Transcription and other Linguistic Support Services (LSS). Such activities may include the translation of all manner of documents (written and electronic) and video and/or audio media content (e.g., compact discs, .wav files), as well as ancillary services, such as court and deposition interpretation. Source material will contain legal, business, public administrative, medical, scientific, financial, historical, geographical, and military terminology, and concepts, including those dealing with technology as used in the sciences (chemical, physical, cyber). The specialized terminology used to express concepts in any of the given subject areas usually vary considerably from everyday usage in any of the target or source languages in question.
The material to be translated, transcribed, or interpreted is legal in nature. Materials may be provided to the Contractor in a variety of formats, including electronic or hard copies of books, journal articles, reports, manuscripts, letters, legal documents, memoranda, multi-media presentations, spreadsheets, email correspondence, SMS and MMS messages, and audio or video files. The substance of the materials may vary widely from highly complex, technical, and specialized information, to very informal, street language and textspeak. Examples of subject matter areas include: medical and autopsy reports; chemical lab reports; bank statements, cryptocurrency transaction tracking, and wire transfers; charging documents, warrants, treaties, statutes, regulations, court decisions, executive decisions, extradition requests, and mutual legal assistance requests; informal communications using coded language, highly time-sensitive treaty or extradition matters, and law enforcement sensitive information.
All of the material made available to the Contractor will be considered "sensitive," requiring that strict controls and confidentiality measures are in place at all times.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in translation.
  • Qualifying scores ILR 3 minimum or equivalent on language/translation tests.
  • Must have lived 3 of the last 5 years in the U.S. (does not have to be consecutive).
  • Must have at least 1 year of experience working with a law enforcement and/or legal department.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Know both English and foreign language vocabularies used in formal, legal, diplomatic, consultative, and casual modes of communication in various contexts, including colloquial slang, idiosyncratic slang, and regionalisms.
  • Know specialized vocabulary (and terminology) in both English and the foreign language related to the Government's varied roles and missions, as well as possess research and analytical skills to make critical judgments regarding terminology, including expertise in the use of translation resources, monolingual reference materials, and online material.
  • Write in their native language fluently, but still have professional command of the non-native language.
  • Translate in a manner that is factually and conceptually accurate without changes, omissions, or additions.
  • Preserve the tone and register of source language materials.
  • Abide by relevant code of linguist ethics.
  • Proficient in using Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, with a strong emphasis on SDL Trados Studio.
    Clearance: Active Public Trust or higher security clearance
    Location: Remote / National Capitol Region / Various CONUS Locations
    Travel: Some travel may be required

Security Clearance
Travel
Some travel may be required
Job Type
Part-time
Exemption Type
Non-Exempt
Category
Contractors
EEO STATEMENT Yorktown Systems Group, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, are an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee or applicant for employment is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, any other non-merit-based factor, or other characteristics protected by law. As part of the company's equal employment opportunity policy, Yorktown Systems Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries, will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities. The Unconventional, LLC. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.