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The differences between freelance translators and educational 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 an educational interpreter. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $39,807 average annual salary of an educational interpreter.
The top three skills for a freelance translator include target language, web content and vice versa. The most important skills for an educational interpreter are EIPA, facilitate communication, and math.
| Freelance Translator | Educational Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $44,736 | $39,807 |
| Hourly rate | $21.51 | $19.14 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,162 | 5,541 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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.
An educational interpreter specializes in providing communication assistance to students with hearing problems or difficulty in understanding the language. It is their duty to develop strategies to convey lessons through various materials and efforts, interpret messages from the speaker and receiver, and monitoring the student's progress. They may also produce progress reports, coordinating with teachers and parents at all times. Furthermore, an educational interpreter must build a positive relationship with the student, helping them feel comfortable as they adjust to the classroom environment.
Freelance translators and educational interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Freelance Translator | Educational Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $44,736 | $39,807 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $25,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Vallejo, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Irving Isd |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a freelance translator and an educational interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Freelance Translator | Educational Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | English | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between freelance translators' and educational interpreters' demographics:
| Freelance Translator | Educational Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 16.9% Female, 83.1% |
| 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, 6.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 10.3% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |