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The differences between freelance translators and cryptologic linguists 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 cryptologic linguist. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $43,225 average annual salary of a cryptologic linguist.
The top three skills for a freelance translator include target language, web content and vice versa. The most important skills for a cryptologic linguist are TIP, government agencies, and national security.
| Freelance Translator | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Yearly salary | $44,736 | $43,225 |
| Hourly rate | $21.51 | $20.78 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,162 | 696 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| 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.
Cryptologic linguists are lingual professionals who are responsible for using signals equipment to identify and analyze foreign communications. These linguists must assist intelligence community analysts in translating open source and sensitive materials as well as producing comprehensive reports about the daily activities of their enemies. They are required to supervise a team of other linguistic professionals to provide transcriptions and analysis from foreign communications. Cryptologic linguists must also identify the languages spoken at target geographic areas of interest.
Freelance translators and cryptologic linguists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Freelance Translator | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Average salary | $44,736 | $43,225 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a freelance translator and a cryptologic linguist in terms of educational background:
| Freelance Translator | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between freelance translators' and cryptologic linguists' demographics:
| Freelance Translator | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4% |
| 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, 6.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |