Translator | Explore careers | National Careers Service (2024)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a translator

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • applying directly
  • a qualification with a professional body

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in translation.

Relevant degrees include:

  • languages - courses which specialise in linguistics or translation may give you an advantage but are not essential
  • combined degrees which include a subject like law or science with languages

You could also do a postgraduate course like an master's in translation or translation studies.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Other Routes

You can take a diploma in translation through the Chartered Institute of Linguists, which is a postgraduate level qualification.

The Institute of Translation and Interpreting also has details of organisations offering training in translation.

More Information

Career tips

Language translation skills in demand include:

  • French
  • German
  • English
  • Russian
  • Chinese
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Further information

You'll find more details about becoming a translator from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • foreign language skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You must be fluent in one or more languages as well as English, and have knowledge of the culture in the relevant country, usually gained from living and working there.

You may have to pass enhanced background checks if your work is related to national security.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • reproduce text clearly, accurately and in the style intended by the author
  • use specialist translation software
  • use specialist knowledge, like technical terminology
  • research legal, technical or scientific terms
  • consult with experts to make sure the translation is accurate
  • keep your language skills up to date and current

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

Most translators work freelance or through translation agencies. With experience you could start your own translation agency, or move into teaching.

You could specialise in a particular subject area like law, medicine or finance.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a translator right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

French into English translation in practice

  • Provider: THE CITY LITERARY INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 29 January 2024
  • Location: Not known

Virgil's Aeneid reading group (in translation)

  • Provider: THE CITY LITERARY INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 18 October 2023
  • Location: Not known

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Translator | Explore careers | National Careers Service (2024)

FAQs

What is the highest paying Translator job? ›

Highest paying translation jobs
  • Literary translators, who make an average of $51,000 per year, are the highest paid of the many categories of translation services. ...
  • Medical and legal translations are two more categories of translations that pay well owing to the high degree of accuracy necessary.
Jan 26, 2022

Is there a high demand for translators? ›

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,200 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

How much should I get paid as a Translator? ›

The average salary for a language translator is $45,490 in the US. The average language translator salary ranges between $29,000 and $70,000 in the US. Language translators' hourly rates in the US typically range between $13 and $33 an hour.

How do I get hired as a Translator? ›

Here are several steps you should take to become a professional translator:
  1. Become fluent in another language. To become a translator, you must master a second language. ...
  2. Get specialized training. ...
  3. Become certified. ...
  4. Target a specific industry and learn the terminology. ...
  5. Gain work experience.
Feb 16, 2023

Which states pay translators the most? ›

Best-Paying States for Interpreters and Translators
  • District of Columbia. $97,510.
  • New York. $80,640.
  • Virginia. $76,670.
  • $73,490.
  • Connecticut. $72,920.

Which foreign language pays the most? ›

The Chinese (Mandarin) is the highest paid foreign language in India. Chinese speakers usually receive as much as Rs Million-plus annually. Chinese language jobs salary in India is Rs11,89,234 per year on average in December.

What languages are most in need of translators? ›

10 high-paying languages for translators
  1. German. German translators who are interested in international business have plenty of opportunities to secure a job. ...
  2. Mandarin. ...
  3. Arabic. ...
  4. French. ...
  5. 5. Japanese. ...
  6. Hindi. ...
  7. Spanish. ...
  8. Italian.
Feb 16, 2023

Can I be a translator without a degree? ›

At a minimum, professional language translators have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential. Typically, employers don't require a formal degree in the language or languages you desire to translate, though some employers or clients may prefer it.

Is it worth it to become a certified translator? ›

A translation degree or certification illustrates that a translator has the knowledge necessary to do translation work and do it well. This is especially helpful for those who are new in their career without much work experience under their belt.

How many hours do you work as a translator? ›

Regardless, most interpreters and translators work 40 hours a week, typically during normal business hours.

What is the difference between translator and interpreter? ›

Although interpreters and translators have similarities, interpreting and translation involve different skillsets. Interpreters mediate languages orally while translators work with written material.

What is the hourly rate for translators in the US? ›

The average hourly wage for a Translator in the United States is $29 as of June 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $25 and $34. Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Is it hard to become a certified translator? ›

The current pass rate for the American Translators Association exam is less than 20% so we can certainly say it is not easy to become certified as a translator.

What qualifications does a translator need? ›

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in translation. Relevant degrees include: languages - courses which specialise in linguistics or translation may give you an advantage but are not essential.

Can you work from home as a translator? ›

You can work as a freelancer from home and most translators today do work remotely. You can be in charge of your own working hours, while respecting deadlines. Communication is key, especially for a freelance translator, and you will be working with our project managers on a daily basis.

Can an interpreter make 6 figures? ›

Earning six figures (meaning over $100,000 US dollars per year) is a significant goal for lots of freelancers. It's an ambitious but achievable goal for most translators and interpreters who are good at their work, are ambitious, have good business skills, and are willing to work hard.

How much do MLB translators make? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $114,362 and as low as $28,591, the majority of salaries within the Mlb Interpreter jobs category currently range between $53,900 (25th percentile) to $74,400 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,626 annually in Brooklyn.

What languages are most needed for Translator? ›

10 Most Requested Languages for Translation Services
  • Spanish Translation.
  • French Translation.
  • Portuguese Translation.
  • German Translation.
  • Canadian French.
  • Arabic Translation.
  • Simplified Chinese Translation.
  • Korean Translation.

Is being a Translator a good job? ›

A career in translation can be very gratifying and come with many benefits, including: Diverse work environment : Translators and interpreters work in a diverse array of work environments. Professionals in various sectors, along with communities that have bilingual citizens, often require their services.

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