How to Price MT Post-Editing Services Fairly (and Sustainably)

Pricing MT post-editing services can be tricky. The work often sits in a grey zone between translation and editing, and rates vary wildly depending on the client, content type, and expectations. But pricing fairly is essential for you and your clients to build a sustainable and respected career.

Here’s a breakdown of how to price MTPE services with confidence, transparency, and fairness.

1. Understand the Scope: Light vs. Full Post-Editing

Before quoting a price, clarify what kind of post-editing is required:

  • Light Post-Editing: Fix obvious errors, ensure readability, minimal rephrasing.
  • Full Post-Editing: Edit to match human translation quality and improve flow, tone, and terminology.

Why it matters: Light PE may justify a lower rate, while full PE is closer in effort to translation and should be priced accordingly.

2. Know Your Baseline: Translation vs. Editing Rates

A common starting point is to base MTPE rates on your full translation rate:

  • Light PE: ~30–50% of your translation rate
  • Full PE: ~50–70%, depending on the complexity and quality of the MT

Since the quality of MT varies greatly depending on the language pair, an easy way to arrive at a rate (to be adapted case by case) is the following formula:

Rate = (number of words you translate in one hour/number you post-edit in one hour) X 100

For example, if, on average, you translate 300 words/hour and you full post-edit 600 words/hour, your MTPE rate should be at least 50% of your translation rate.

3. Factor in MT Quality and Effort

Machine translation output varies widely in quality:

  • High-quality MT (e.g., DeepL in non-creative texts) may need minimal editing
  • Low-quality MT (e.g., raw engine output for niche topics) may require heavy reworking

Tip: Always ask for a sample before quoting. If the effort is closer to full retranslation, price it accordingly or decline the job.

4. Watch Out for Time Traps

Some post-editing jobs seem quick but end up taking longer than expected due to:

  • Inconsistencies
  • Overuse of literal or unnatural phrasing
  • Client expectations not being clearly defined

Solution: Consider offering:

  • Hourly rates for complex or fuzzy projects
  • Minimum fees for small jobs

5. Communicate Expectations Clearly

Be sure to agree on the following before starting:

  • Type of post-editing (light vs. full)
  • Quality expectations
  • Final file format and any tagging/code requirements
  • QA process (yours vs. client’s)

Put these in writing:  it protects both parties and supports fair pricing.

6. Don’t Undersell Yourself

Clients may see MTPE as “less” than translation, but it still requires expertise, language sensitivity, and quality assurance. Set rates that reflect:

  • Your experience
  • The tools you use
  • The added value you bring (speed, accuracy, reliability)

Reminder: If you price too low, you risk:

  • Burning out
  • Attracting low-paying clients
  • Undermining the value of your profession

7. Adjust for Added Value

You can (and should) charge more if you offer:

  • Terminology management
  • Customized QA reports
  • Adherence to a client’s style guide
  • Fast turnaround times

These extras show professionalism and justify higher fees.

8. Monitor Your Metrics

Track:

  • Words/hour you post-edit (light vs. full)
  • Earnings/hour
  • Time spent per project

This helps you evaluate whether your pricing is working and whether it’s sustainable in the long term.

Conclusion

Fair pricing in MTPE is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding effort, setting boundaries, and communicating value. As MT becomes more widespread, post-editors who price their services with care and professionalism will be the ones who thrive. Start with clarity, stay flexible, and remember: your work has value—price it like it does.

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