Description
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Interests
- Conventional
- Artistic
- Social
Work Values
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Cooperation
Tasks
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
Work Activities
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Detailed Work Activities
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Technology Skills
- Web platform development software
- Presentation software
- Foreign language software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
Skills
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Foreign Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Professionally Qualified InterpreterCertifying Organization
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Level Sign LanguageCertifying Organization
American Sign Language Teachers Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified TranslatorCertifying Organization
American Translators Association
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Medical Interpreter - MandarinCertifying Organization
National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
ACTFL Writing Proficiency TestCertifying Organization
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $NaN |
| Median (50%) | $NaN |
| High (90%) | $NaN |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $50,000 |
| Mid Level | $100,000 |
| Senior Level | $150,000 |
Employability
There are currently 78,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 80,100 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 2%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 2%
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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