Translator

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Work Tasks

• Translate written documents from one language to another
• Read documents, reports, or books about law, science, news, or any other topic and rewrite the words in another language
• Translate stories or poetry for publishers and work with authors to make sure the words are translated correctly
• May listen to a recorded discussion and write the discussion in another language
• Work for federal or state governments, international agencies, news agencies, or companies doing business in another country
• Work with books, papers, reports, recordings, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $47,500 average per year ($22.75 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 in a foreign language and knowledge of the culture and customs of the country in which the language is spoken
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in a foreign language and knowledge of specialized areas such as engineering or finance
• Skills/Courses: College courses include languages, and study of the history and culture where the language is spoken.
• Certification/Licensing: A bachelor's degree in the main language, and being skilled in three of the six official United Nations languages are the minimum requirements needed to work for the United Nations.