04 Apr The Language Industry in 2025: Holding Steady or Sliding Back?
ELIS 2025 results are finally here—and they confirm what many suspected. Freelancers and smaller language service companies are under growing pressure. The market isn’t collapsing, but it’s certainly getting tougher. Want to know what’s changing and what it means for your business or career? Read on and explore our detailed insights and tips. Plus, learn how to stay ahead despite the challenges.
The report is based on feedback from over 1,300 respondents across 50 countries—freelancers, language service companies (LSCs), in-house departments, university staff, and students. And the key message? The optimism that defined the early 2020s has been replaced by caution. Revenue is down. Pricing is under pressure. And many professionals are questioning their future in the industry.
Key data from ELIS 2025
- 1322 participants across 50 countries contributed to this year’s survey.
- 654 independent professionals (77% female, 21% male).
- 179 language service companies (61% female among non-owner profiles).
- 71 language departments, 137 university staff, and 281 students participated.
- The report primarily reflects trends in small and medium-sized LSCs and independent professionals.
The data paints a clear picture: not all players are equal
The ELIS 2025 results highlight a growing divide in the language industry. Small and mid-sized LSCs are feeling the crunch. For the first time, most expect their revenue to shrink. Layoffs are rising. Prices are falling. And demand, in many cases, is shifting toward cheaper and faster services.
However, not all parts of the sector are affected the same way. Larger international providers have better weathered the storm. Niche services like audiovisual translation and interpreting are showing signs of resilience. This split is pushing many smaller players to rethink their approach—focusing on value, specialization, or closer relationships with clients.
Freelancers, especially, are in a tough spot. 23% are considering leaving the industry entirely. The reasons? Lower rates, fewer projects, less negotiating power, and a work environment that feels increasingly transactional. The shift is particularly stark among younger professionals, many of whom now see freelancing as an unstable path.
Artificial intelligence: threat or opportunity?
Another key takeaway from the ELIS 2025 results is the growing role of AI—and the mixed reactions it triggers. Over 50% of translation jobs now involve machine translation (MT). For LSCs, this can mean faster turnaround and new business models. But for many freelancers, AI is seen as a cause of declining fees and shrinking recognition for human skills.
Still, not everyone is writing off the tech. A growing number of LSCs are using AI tools to improve processes or develop new services. Some freelancers believe clients will eventually push back against poor-quality automated translations and realize the value of professional work. That moment hasn’t come yet—but signs suggest it might not be far off.
The bigger issue? The need to rethink how we position ourselves. Translators and LSCs who work in complex content areas—legal, medical, or technical—are in a better position to show their worth. Generic translation at premium rates is no longer a viable model. Specialization, value-added services, and better client communication are becoming key survival strategies.
What should we do now? Stay informed—and adaptable
The ELIS 2025 results don’t spell the end of the language industry. But they do send a clear message: change is here, and waiting for things to go back to “normal” is a risk. If you’re a freelancer or run a small LSC, you’ll need to be proactive.
That means:
- Focusing on a niche where your skills truly stand out
- Building stronger, more direct relationships with clients
- Learning how AI works—and how to use it, rather than fear it. Check our AI 101 for Linguists free course!
The market is moving quickly. Those who adapt have a chance to thrive. Those who don’t may get left behind. There’s no single path to success—but there are many smart moves you can make, starting today.
Looking ahead: a market in motion, not decline
In closing, the ELIS 2025 results show a language industry in transition. Yes, it’s becoming more competitive. Yes, some roles and business models are under pressure. But there are also new ways to grow—through technology, specialization, and stronger connections with clients.
The future will favor those who act with clarity, not just hope. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or an LSC navigating change, your ability to evolve will define your success.
Want to stay competitive in this shifting landscape? Explore our practical, hands-on courses for translators and language professionals on our CW-ELAB.
