Careers in Language Translation Interpretation

Types of Careers in Language Translation Interpretation

Language translators are needed in many types of job situations. Some translators work in the government environment providing translation for residents who are having trouble interacting in English. Other translators work in a corporate environment, providing translation of business information and publications. Translators specialize in the language they translate. Common specialties are Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean and American Sign Language.

Court Interpreters

Federal courts in bi-lingual areas often employ professional interpreters on a day or half-day basis to provide in-court translation. Most interpreters have completed interpretation education at a college or university and many have completed the written and oral Federal certification exam which is offered every other year. Federal certified interpreters and professionally-qualified interpreters with experience earn about $355 for a full day and $192 for a half day of work. Individuals who are not certified or who have limited translation experience earn about $171 for a full day and $92 for a half day of work.

State and local courts also employ professional interpreters for in-court translation. These translators may also be asked to provide translation services to the District Attorney's office and to the police department. The educational and certification requirements vary by state as do the salaries. Generally, states with large populations of non-English speaking citizens usually have large numbers of interpreters available. These interpreters usually earn less than they would in a state where it is more difficult to find an interpreter. A court interpreter in Florida may only earn $30,008 to $44,720, but a court interpreter in Minnesota could earn $43,827 to $67,923.

Book Translator

Book publishers often employ translators to rewrite books, manuals and instructions that will be used overseas. Certification or education in translation is a plus, but is usually not required. The publisher is usually looking for someone who is fluent in the required language, has an understanding of the information that is being translated, and knows the specific vocabulary used by the employer. The employer might require a degree in the specialty being discussed in the publication and several years of experience in the field.

These translators might be working on a full-time basis or could be hired on a project basis. A typical annual salary of a book translator could range from $36,100 to $50,100. A freelance translator could earn anywhere from $20 to $150 an hour depending on the language used and the material being translated.

Hospital or Medical Interpreter

Hospitals, health organizations and large medical facilities often employ bi-lingual individual who provides a communication link between an English-speaking staff and a non-English speaking patient or family member. The interpreter often has a medical certification such as nursing which enables the interpreter to fully understand the information they are being asked to interpret.

The annual salary could range from $31,500 to $40,000 depending on the experience of the translator and the demand for bi-lingual interpreters.

Education for Careers in Language Translation Interpretation

Many professional interpreters have degrees in the field in which they have chosen to work (such as nursing or legal) with specialty courses or certification in translation.

Interpreters who are involved in the top levels of international business, entertainment, health and diplomacy often attend the Graduate School of Translation & Interpretation at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. Graduates of this highly-rated training center are often involved in:

• Court and legal translation and interpretation
• Simultaneous and consecutive conference interpretation
• Voice-over dubbing for commercial videos and movies
• Medical translation and interpretation
• Over-the-phone customer service and emergency interpretation

Translation Can Be Rewarding

Being a translator can be a terrific career for someone who is proficient in languages other than English. It can be rewarding to be able to help non-English speaking people understand the information being presented to them. It can also be an excellent way to get involved in areas such as medicine, law, politics, publishing and entertainment. Translating is a career that offers flexibility in the types of assignments you undertake as well as the geographical area in which you choose to live.