Interpreters and translators
SOC Code: 27-3091Also known as:
American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter), Arabic Translator, Bilingual Interpreter, Bilingual Secretary, Braille Transcriber
Median Annual Salary
$59,440
+1.7% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
75K
Current Jobs
What Interpreters and translators Do
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
💰 Salary
$59,440
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.7%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
75,300
Projected Employment (2034)
76,600
Related Careers
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270 •
+0.0% growth
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$77,010 •
-0.2% growth
Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors
$59,950 •
-13.7% growth
Speech-language pathologists
$95,410 •
+15.0% growth
Healthcare support workers, all other
$46,050 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
- Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Interpreters and translators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a interpreters and translators:
Spanish Language and Literature
8,891 degrees awarded •
813 colleges offer this program
Linguistics
2,847 degrees awarded •
159 colleges offer this program
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
2,396 degrees awarded •
206 colleges offer this program
French Language and Literature
2,001 degrees awarded •
373 colleges offer this program
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation
1,420 degrees awarded •
114 colleges offer this program
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
1,204 degrees awarded •
195 colleges offer this program
Language Interpretation and Translation
967 degrees awarded •
73 colleges offer this program
Japanese Language and Literature
920 degrees awarded •
127 colleges offer this program
German Language and Literature
907 degrees awarded •
201 colleges offer this program
American Sign Language (ASL)
879 degrees awarded •
102 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Interpreters and translators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become interpreters and translators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interpreters and translators make?
The median annual salary for interpreters and translators is $59,440.
What education do interpreters and translators need?
Most interpreters and translators positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Spanish Language and Literature, Linguistics, Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
Is becoming interpreters and translators a good career choice?
Interpreters and translators is projected to see +1.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for interpreters and translators?
Top colleges for aspiring interpreters and translators include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, The University of Texas at Austin, Columbia University in the City of New York, University of California-Berkeley.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to interpreters and translators?
Interpreters and translators may also be known as: American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter), Arabic Translator, Bilingual Interpreter, Bilingual Secretary, Braille Transcriber, Braille Translator, Community Interpreter, Contract Translator, Court Interpreter, Cryptologic Linguist, Deaf Interpreter, Diplomatic Interpreter, Educational Interpreter, English Translator, Farsi Linguist, Foreign Language Interpreter, Freelance Translator, Interpreter, Language Interpreter, Language Translator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.