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The differences between freelance translators and bilingual interpreters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a freelance translator and a bilingual interpreter. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $44,168 average annual salary of a bilingual interpreter.
The top three skills for a freelance translator include target language, web content and vice versa. The most important skills for a bilingual interpreter are patients, translation services, and interpretation services.
| Freelance Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $44,736 | $44,168 |
| Hourly rate | $21.51 | $21.23 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,162 | 5,338 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format. Being a freelance translator means that they can work remotely at their preferred schedule, most of the time, working from home. They are not employed under a company, which is why most freelance translators prepare their own portfolios and create client bases through websites and other platforms.
A bilingual interpreter is responsible for translating communications from one language to another without compromising the focus of the context. Bilingual interpreters manage verbal and written interactions between parties, including the translation of complicated terminologies to comprehensive statements with the same meaning. They should be excellently familiar with the style and structure of their language expertise to translate codes effectively. A bilingual interpreter must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as coordinating with different kinds of people efficiently to assist clients in their daily tasks.
Freelance translators and bilingual interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Freelance Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $44,736 | $44,168 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $27,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Virginia |
| Best paying company | - | Randolph Health |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a freelance translator and a bilingual interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Freelance Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between freelance translators' and bilingual interpreters' demographics:
| Freelance Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 28.0% Asian, 16.3% White, 43.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 47.2% Asian, 11.0% White, 32.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |