Quick Facts: Interpreters and Translators

Summary

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another.

Quick Facts: Interpreters and Translators
2015 Median Pay	$44,190 per year $21.24 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Short-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2014	61,000
Job Outlook, 2014-24	29% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2014-24	17,500

What Interpreters and Translators Do

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.

Work Environment

Interpreters work in schools, hospitals, courtrooms, and conference centers. Some work for translation companies or individual organizations, and many translators also work from home. Self-employed interpreters and translators frequently have variable work schedules. Most interpreters and translators work full time during regular business hours.

How to Become an Interpreter or Translator

Although interpreters and translators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is to have native-level proficiency in English and at least one other language. Many complete job-specific training programs.

Pay

The median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $44,190 in May 2015.

Job Outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by increasing globalization and by large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States. Job prospects should be best for those who have professional certification.