Earn A Living As A Professional Translator?

Answer 1

Interpreters and language translators hold many different positions in a number of industries. Some of these men and women use their talent to translate written material for clients. This material could include product descriptions, movie scripts, articles, fiction and non-fiction books, and how-to manuals. Interpreters often accompany business people or government officials on overseas trips or are present when foreign nationals visit for business purposes.

Salaries For Translators And Interpreters

The salary varies according to the actual job duties, whether the individual is employed full time, and whether the translation service is provided through actual employment or is performed freelance. Company employed interpreters and translators generally earn a starting salary of around $24.00 per hour, or about $50,000 per year. Some of the experienced interpreters and translators working for the large corporations or the federal government earn in excess of $100K annually.

Education Requirements For Translators

Although many language students are proficient in several foreign languages, most employers prefer to hire individuals who have direct contact with native speakers of a certain language. Much of the familiar speech, slang phrases and symbolic speech - such as verbally describing a math problem - requires plenty of experience dealing directly with those who are native speakers. Formal education and postsecondary coursework in ethnic studies as well as continued language lessons is highly desirable.

Most employers looking for proficient translators and interpreters will only consider those who hold a Bachelor's or Associate degree. The degree does not necessarily have to be in the field of language arts, but the individual should have completed an advanced program in whatever language he or she is now proficient. Many of the 50,000 translators currently employed in the United States began their career as a bilingual store clerk or service representative, and their job training alone plus continued education was enough to land a lucrative position with an international corporation or government.

Responsibilities Of A Translator

Translators have to constantly brush up on the contemporary language trends. They must also be able to quickly refer to lexicons, foreign dictionaries and encyclopedias, and even online interpretive help materials and foreign language databases to ensure accurate translation of both spoken and written words. Translators must also follow certain ethical Codes of Conduct, since much of what is being translated or interpreted is very sensitive material. Confidentiality is a high priority, and many employers require translators to sign documents that are the equivalent to being bonded and licensed.