Interpreter

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Work Tasks

• Help people who speak different languages to understand each other
• Repeat what one person says in a language that other people will understand
• Know the culture and history of the countries whose languages they interpret
• Interpret what someone says into sign language for people who cannot hear
• Work indoors for international organizations and banks, embassies in the U.S. and other countries, import/export companies, hospitals, and courts
• Work with books, magazines, and newspapers, radios, microphones, headphones, and electric tuning panels

Salary, Size & Growth

• $45,500 average per year ($22.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (44,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree and fluency in at least one foreign language
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree and fluency in 2 or 3 foreign languages
• Skills/Courses: College courses include languages and studying the culture and history of each country in which a language is spoken.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is required to interpret in courts and for the government.