A Career as a Translator

Answer 1

The global economy and the growing diversity among national populations have triggered a need for skilled translators who can convert documents, communications and other text from a source language into a target language. According to the American Translators Association, one of the largest professional associations for translators and interpreters in the United States, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job opportunities for translators are rapidly increasing. While interpreters work with spoken language and are in particularly high demand for courts, health care providers and government bureaus, translators work with written text. They convert advertising materials, academic studies, literature, news reports, business contracts and agreements and a variety of other written text from the original language into a target language.

Skilled translators do more than just substitute the words of one language for another. They also capture the original author's the tone and style. Translators convey nuances in arguments and descriptions and are able to make cultural references and idiomatic expressions clear in a translated text. Translators must have a thorough understanding of culture of the source language in order to effectively translate written ideas.

Most translators have a bachelor's degree and there are a variety of special training programs offered through colleges and universities. Certification is offered through organizations including the American Translators Association, the U.S. Department of State and the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators. Certification generally requires passing an exam, and while it is voluntary, it is considered a valuable credential when applying for jobs.

Translators work for companies and agencies that provide a variety of services. Some have a special niche such as business translation, technology or travel information. Some translators also work on editorial boards for publications that print in a variety languages. However, many translators have their own businesses and work independently from home. Translated text is often delivered electronically and is usually subject to schedules and deadlines. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for translators is $43,300 annually or about $21 per hour.