Interpreters & Translators

Also Called: Interpreter, Medical Interpreter, Sign Language Interpreter, Translator

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$35,410

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Interpreters & Translators do

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

  • Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
  • Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
  • Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
Industry Areas:

Retail Sales and Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Contact With Others
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone
  • Electronic Mail

Tools

  • Radio frequency transmitters or receivers
  • Microphones
  • Notebook computers
  • Audio mixing consoles
  • Headphones

Technology

Web platform development software
Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML
Hypertext markup language HTML
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Foreign language software
AceTools.biz Ace Translator
Stormdance CatsCradle

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities
English language
foreign language
Business
customer service
administrative services
Communications
multimedia
telecommunications
Safety and Government
law and government

Education

  • 52% Bachelor's degree
  • 26% Master's degree
  • 11% Associate's degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Interpreters & Translators Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Foreign Language & Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

  • Adams State University

    Alamosa, CO

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Social (Helper)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Hearing and Speech
  • Attention
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Interpreters & Translators across the country typically make.

$17.03 / hour
$35,410 /year

Entry Level

$27.45 / hour
$57,090 /year

Median Level

$46.68 / hour
$97,100 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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