Four Faqs When It Comes To Working As A Translator
If you have ever thought about working as a translator, there are some things about this career choice you might not know. To help you better understand what it's like to work as a translator, here are the answers to four frequently asked questions.
Is There a Difference Between Interpreters and Translators?
While they both convert information into another language, there are differences between interpreters and translators. One of the main differences is that interpreters deal with the spoken language while translators work with the written language. Other differences include:
- Interpretation takes place immediately while translation often takes more time.
- Interpretation requires fluency in both the source and target language while translation does not.
- Interpretation is often done in person or over the phone while translation occurs when working with text.
Knowing these key differences can help you determine whether you want to become an interpreter or a translator.
Where Can I Find Work as a Translator?
There are many different types of industries that are in need of translators. Some of the more specific jobs translators are hired to do include:
- Health or medical translators - translate research material, patient consent forms, and medical records
- Legal translators - translate court records and other legal documents
- Literary translators - translate books, poetry, and other published material into another language
- Education translators - translate textbooks, student evaluation forms, and other necessary information needed in the schools
Another popular option for translators is to work from home. Most work-from-home translators go through an agency that helps to provide consistent work.
What Are the Most In-Demand Languages for Translators?
No matter where you choose to work or what type of translator you want to become, there are some languages that have a higher demand than others. Because of the growing diversity of this country, translators in a variety of languages are needed.
Some of the languages in the United States that are the most in-demand include:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Russian
- Portuguese
Other languages that are increasing in demand include Chinese, Arabic, and Korean. If you need motivation to learn another language and you want to work as a translator, these are some good languages to learn.
What Is the Job Outlook for Translators?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for both interpreters and translators is expected to grow by 18% by the year 2026, which is much faster than average. The average hourly rate earned by translators is $22.69 per hour with an annual salary of just over $47,000. To learn more about becoming a translator, visit the Language Banc.