Interpreting Fee Calculator (half / full day + travel)

Understanding the interpreting fee calculator — concept and principle

Interpreters are usually booked by the half day or full day rather than by the minute of speech, because preparation, travel and being available for a fixed block of time are all part of the job. This calculator adds up a booking from full-day and half-day rates, travel and accommodation costs, and overtime, giving the total fee to quote or to budget for. Use it for conferences, meetings and site visits. It works with any currency.

How it is calculated

• Total fee = full days × full-day rate + half days × half-day rate + travel and accommodation + overtime hours × overtime rate

Each part is entered in your currency. A half-day rate is often set at around 60–65% of the full-day rate rather than exactly half, as the page notes.

The principle

The fee follows how interpreters actually sell their time. A booked day blocks the interpreter from taking any other work, whether the meeting lasts five hours or seven, so the day is the natural unit. A half day costs more than half of a full day because the interpreter still has to prepare terminology, travel and keep the slot free, and often cannot sell the other half. Travel and accommodation are passed on at cost, and overtime covers time beyond the agreed working hours, since interpreting is mentally demanding and quality falls with fatigue.

Worked example

1. Inputs: 2 full days at $700, 1 half day at $450, travel $400, 1 overtime hour at $120.
2. Full days = 2 × 700 = $1,400.
3. Half day = 1 × 450 = $450.
4. Overtime = 1 × 120 = $120.
5. Total = 1,400 + 450 + 400 + 120 = $2,370.00.

How to read the result

The total is the fee for one interpreter. Simultaneous interpreting at conferences is normally done by a team who take turns, so a full-day event often needs two or more interpreters per language pair, which multiplies the professional fees. Rates vary with the language combination, the mode (simultaneous, consecutive or whispered), the subject's difficulty and the region. Cancellation terms, recording rights and preparation materials should be agreed in writing.

Common mistakes

• Booking a single interpreter for a long simultaneous session.
• Charging exactly half the day rate for a half day.
• Forgetting travel days, which usually block the interpreter even without interpreting.
• Leaving overtime and cancellation fees out of the contract.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?

In simultaneous interpreting the interpreter speaks at almost the same time as the speaker, usually from a booth. In consecutive interpreting the speaker pauses and the interpreter then renders what was said.

Is preparation time charged separately?

Usually it is included in the day rate, but very technical assignments may carry an extra preparation fee.

Do interpreters charge for recordings?

Many charge extra or ask for consent when their interpretation is recorded or broadcast, because it becomes reusable content.

Sources: AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters), Professional Standards