What Does A Translator Do?
Translators typically work for corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations or courthouses to translate documents on behalf of their employer. They work closely with other Translators, Editors and business professionals to accurately convert documents from one language to another. Their job is to review documents and translate them word-for-word. They may also be responsible for revising already-translated documents to reflect current policies or other information changes.
Translator Skills and Qualifications
Successful Translators will have skills and qualifications for their responsibilities. Translator skills are
- Using dictionaries and thesauruses to find the exact words
- Using Translation Memory software
- Management of time to complete documents
- Understanding different cultures in translation
- Working with people from different cultural backgrounds and industries
Translator Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Translator in the United States is $20.10 per hour. This is the average, but the compensation your company offeres may vary depending on the bonus packages offered, what industry you work in and the geographical region where you live. The salary estimates are based on salaries that are submitted anonymously to Indeed by translator employees, users, as well as being collected from relevant job advertisements on Indeed.
Translator Education and Training Requirements
The work of a Translator usually requires a bachelor’s degree. Translators who go into specialized fields such as technology, finance or education should be familiar with the career requirements and knowledge of the specific fields. For example, a translator who works for a financial firm should be fluent in foreign language financial vocabulary as well as the general languages.
Translator Experience Requirements
Living abroad in a country where people speak your translating language is useful for real-life experience in translating and interpreting of your chosen languages. Being involved in local community language groups where you live is also useful to your role as a Translator. Teaching classes or acting as a language tutor are ways you can gain experience. Many businesses look for Translators who have had real-life experience as Translators.