Interpreters and Translators

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

Median Annual Wage: $43,590

Education: Bachelor's degree (52%); Master's degree (26%); Associate's degree (11%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Sign Language Interpreter; Interpreter; Translator; Educational Interpreter; Medical Interpreter; Paraprofessional Interpreter; Court Interpreter; Deaf Interpreter; Spanish Interpreter; Technical Translator

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Interpreters and Translators.

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  • 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.
  • Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.
  • Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
  • Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
  • Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
  • Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Interpreters and Translators.

  • 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.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Interpreters and Translators.

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