How to Become an Interpreter / Translator
Carry meaning across languages in real time or in writing, from courtrooms and hospitals to publishing. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $60,170 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$60,170/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
6,900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Fluency in Two or More Languages
- Interpretation
- Translation
- Active Listening
- Cultural Competence
Helpful certifications
- ATA certification (translation)
- CoreCHI/CHI (healthcare interpreting)
- Court interpreter certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an Interpreter / Translator make?
The median pay for an Interpreter / Translator is $60,170 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Interpreter / Translator?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Linguistics, World Languages, Communications, and English.
Is Interpreter / Translator a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 6,900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Interpreter / Translator use most?
Common skills for this role are Fluency in Two or More Languages, Interpretation, Translation, Active Listening, and Cultural Competence.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.