What is an Interpreter or Translator?
Interpreter or Translator Example Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Daily Life Of an Interpreter or Translator
- Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
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What an Interpreter or Translator Should Know
Interpreters and Translators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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 for this Occupation:
- Interpreter
- Interpreter for the Deaf
- Spanish Interpreter/Translator
- Diplomatic Interpreter
- American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter)
What Kind of Interpreter or Translator Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 68,200 jobs in the United States for Interpreter or Translator. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,800 job openings in this field each year.

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
The salary for Interpreters and Translators ranges between about $27,230 and $90,610 a year.

Interpreters and Translators who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Interpreters and Translators 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 & 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 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
Becoming an Interpreter or Translator
What kind of Interpreter or Translator requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Interpreter or Translator?

Where do Interpreters and Translators Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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