All About Interpreters and Translators
Job Description: Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Life As an Interpreter or Translator: What Do They Do?
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
- Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
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Interpreter or Translator Needed Skills
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles
- Sign Language Interpreter
- Foreign Language Interpreter
- Official Court Interpreter
- Spanish Interpreter/Translator
- Braille Translator
Are There Job Opportunities for Interpreters and Translators?
In the United States, there were 68,200 jobs for Interpreter or Translator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,100 new jobs for Interpreter or Translator by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,800 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Interpreter or Translator are Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Montana, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Interpreter or Translator
Interpreters and Translators make between $27,230 and $90,610 a year.
Interpreters and Translators who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Interpreters and Translators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,510 |
| Alaska | $52,990 |
| Arizona | $46,100 |
| Arkansas | $34,260 |
| California | $58,180 |
| Colorado | $70,050 |
| Connecticut | $47,560 |
| Delaware | $53,860 |
| District of Columbia | $93,730 |
| Florida | $49,300 |
| Georgia | $55,670 |
| Hawaii | $45,580 |
| Idaho | $37,650 |
| Illinois | $46,320 |
| Indiana | $41,700 |
| Iowa | $37,840 |
| Kansas | $40,190 |
| Kentucky | $49,690 |
| Louisiana | $40,440 |
| Maine | $63,210 |
| Maryland | $70,530 |
| Massachusetts | $55,600 |
| Michigan | $41,450 |
| Minnesota | $52,730 |
| Mississippi | $52,110 |
| Missouri | $62,610 |
| Montana | $37,910 |
| Nebraska | $43,760 |
| Nevada | $52,150 |
| New Hampshire | $49,970 |
| New Jersey | $74,750 |
| New Mexico | $58,700 |
| New York | $68,940 |
| North Carolina | $59,310 |
| North Dakota | $35,250 |
| Ohio | $58,380 |
| Oklahoma | $35,240 |
| Oregon | $50,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,100 |
| Rhode Island | $50,380 |
| South Carolina | $44,950 |
| South Dakota | $37,650 |
| Tennessee | $43,550 |
| Texas | $58,650 |
| Utah | $43,830 |
| Vermont | $46,270 |
| Virginia | $70,770 |
| Washington | $48,560 |
| West Virginia | $38,590 |
| Wisconsin | $50,750 |
| Wyoming | $48,750 |
What Tools do Interpreters and Translators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Interpreters and Translators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML
- Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software
How do I Become an Interpreter or Translator?
Are there Interpreters and Translators education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Interpreters and Translators Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Interpreters and Translators employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Susana Freixeiro via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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