What Do Interpreters and Translators Do?

Occupation Description Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

A Day in the Life of an Interpreter or Translator

• Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
• Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
• Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
• Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided.
• Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.

What an Interpreter or Translator Should Know

When polled, Interpreters and Translators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Other Interpreter or Translator Job Titles

• Spanish Interpreter
• Hourly Sign Language Interpreter
• Staff Interpreter
• Diplomatic Interpreter
• Official Court Interpreter

Interpreter or Translator Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 68,200 jobs in the United States for Interpreters and Translators.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.7% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,100 new jobs for Interpreters and Translators by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,800 yearly job openings in this field per year.

The states with the most job growth for Interpreters and Translators are California, Texas, and Colorado.

Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Montana, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Interpreter or Translator Salary

Interpreters and Translators Make between $27,230 and $90,610 a year. The median salary is $49,930.

How much do Interpreters and Translators make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$93,730
New Jersey	$74,750
Virginia	$70,770
Maryland	$70,530
Colorado	$70,050
New York	$68,940
Maine	$63,210
Missouri	$62,610
North Carolina	$59,310
New Mexico	$58,700
Texas	$58,650
Ohio	$58,380
California	$58,180
Georgia	$55,670
Massachusetts	$55,600
Delaware	$53,860
Alaska	$52,990
Minnesota	$52,730
Nevada	$52,150
Mississippi	$52,110
Wisconsin	$50,750
Rhode Island	$50,380
Pennsylvania	$50,100
Oregon	$50,090
New Hampshire	$49,970
Kentucky	$49,690
Florida	$49,300
Wyoming	$48,750
Washington	$48,560
Connecticut	$47,560
Illinois	$46,320
Vermont	$46,270
Arizona	$46,100
Hawaii	$45,580
South Carolina	$44,950
Utah	$43,830
Nebraska	$43,760
Tennessee	$43,550
Indiana	$41,700
Michigan	$41,450
Alabama	$40,510
Louisiana	$40,440
Kansas	$40,190
West Virginia	$38,590
Montana	$37,910
Iowa	$37,840
South Dakota	$37,650
Idaho	$37,650
North Dakota	$35,250
Oklahoma	$35,240
Arkansas	$34,260

What Tools & Technology do Interpreters and Translators Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Interpreters and Translators:

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Hypertext markup language HTML

How to Become an Interpreter or Translator

Education needed to be an Interpreter or Translator:

How Long Does it Take to Become Interpreter or Translator?

Where Interpreters and Translators Work

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons