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The differences between foreign language interpreters and technical translators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a foreign language interpreter and a technical translator. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, which is higher than the $44,242 average annual salary of a foreign language interpreter.
The top three skills for a foreign language interpreter include target language, foreign language and medical terminology. The most important skills for a technical translator are technical translation, technical manuals, and proofreading.
| Foreign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $44,242 | $55,019 |
| Hourly rate | $21.27 | $26.45 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,134 | 68,352 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Foreign language interpreters and technical translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Foreign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Average salary | $44,242 | $55,019 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $37,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a foreign language interpreter and a technical translator in terms of educational background:
| Foreign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between foreign language interpreters' and technical translators' demographics:
| Foreign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.5% Female, 60.5% | Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 33.0% Asian, 14.0% White, 39.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 17.9% White, 42.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |