Interpreting

Interpreting in Australia: prices and how to book

Updated 1 November 2026

An interpreter in Australia usually costs about A$100–A$200 an hour on site and A$2–A$5 a minute by phone, according to sellers' websites, November 2026. Some providers set a minimum fee, so a short booking costs more per hour. For the exact price for your language pair and date, describe the job in a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Minimum fees and what the price includes

Rates are quoted by the hour, by the half-day or by the day, depending on the type of interpreting. One Auslan provider quotes its hourly rates excluding GST, so ask for the total with GST before you book. Northern Territory government fees work differently: A$140 covers the first two hours and A$35 is charged for each half hour after that, with after-hours fees on weekends, public holidays and evenings. The national professional body for interpreters and translators notes that there is no standard industry rate, so each provider sets its own fees and terms.

Certification and what to check

For legal, medical or government appointments, ask whether the interpreter holds national certification. Certification requires passing two tests, and the pathway assumes an advanced diploma or higher (AQF level 6). Queensland legal aid is a special case: it pays reasonable fees only for an accredited interpreting service, for example when a client needs an interpreter for an interview. So ask for accreditation before you book if a legal aid matter is involved.

Seasons, cities and timing

The seasons are reversed compared with the Northern Hemisphere: summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. Weather matters most for outdoor events and travel, so if your event falls in summer or winter, say so and name the venue. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have very different weather, and a quote depends on where the interpreter has to be, so give the exact city and address.

What to write in your request

Name the language pair and the type of interpreting (on site, by phone or by video, consecutive or simultaneous), the subject, such as a medical consultation or a conference, and the date and start time. Give the expected duration in hours, the number of people in the room and whether equipment such as a booth or headsets is needed. Add a budget if you have one, so the seller can say what fits it.

Getting offers through BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. Describe the job in your own words in a chat, and add a photo of a programme or document if that helps. The AI asks for any missing details, such as the language pair or the number of hours, then looks through interpreting providers' websites and price lists in Australia and shows the prices and businesses it found. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice receive the request and reply in the chat with their price, minimum fee and terms. Your contact details stay hidden until you decide with whom to exchange them. Start with the request form on the home page, or read how it works.