Occupation

Interpreters and Translators

Human Advantage 72%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.2 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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

Also Known As: American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter), Arabic Translator, Bilingual Interpreter, Bilingual Secretary, Braille Transcriber, Braille Translator, Community Interpreter, Contract Translator +25 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
  2. Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
  3. Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
  4. Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
  5. Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
  6. Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
  7. Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
  8. Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.

Supplemental Tasks (9)

  1. Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.
  2. Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.
  3. Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.
  4. Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.
  5. Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.
  6. Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
  7. Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.
  8. Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language.
  9. Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
55%
Master's Degree
28%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
8%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
4%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
4%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (27)

  • AceTools.biz Ace Translator
  • Adapt It
  • AmoK Translator
  • Ashkon Translation Pad
  • Babylon Online Translator
  • DocTranslate
  • Electronic dictionaries
  • ExcelTrans Translator
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • Google Translate Client
  • HunterSoft Business Translator
  • Intrado SchoolMessenger
  • Language Engineering Corporation Translate Pro
  • Lingoes
  • OmegaT
  • Smart Link Corporation ImTranslator
  • Stormdance CatsCradle
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • Web browser software
  • jalada GmbH Just Translate

Tools & Equipment (12)

  • Compact binoculars
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital audio recorders
  • FM transmission equipment
  • Headsets
  • Infrared transmission equipment
  • Interpreter consoles
  • Laptop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Portable calculators
  • Tablet computers
  • Tie clip microphones

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Teaching, Training, & Facilitation Education

Zone 4
Interpreters and Translators You are here

Learner Support & Community Engagement Education

Zone 3
Zone 4
Interpreters and Translators You are here

Judicial Systems Education

Zone 4
Interpreters and Translators You are here

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Real Talk

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