Q: How long does it take to become an interpreter?

It takes at least four years to become an interpreter. However, many companies seek to hire a person who is already fluent in any language they are interpreting, so the time it takes to become an interpreter is largely dependent on their own language skills.

Q: Can you be both a translator and an interpreter?

Yes, you can be both a translator and an interpreter. However, these are separate roles with very different skill sets. People in roles as both translators and interpreters spend their lives converting words in one language into words in another language. However, it is not very common to find individuals who provide both translation and interpretation services. This is because these are roles that are not as interchangeable as a person might initially think.

Q: How much do interpreters and translators make?

Interpreters and translators make about $51,000 in a year. However, the best paid 25% generally make over $71,000 in a year, while the lowest-paid 25% only make around $38,000 per year. The highest-paid roles in translation services are for literary translators. Literary translators earn an average of $51,000 a year. This is most likely because literature is considered the most challenging content to rewrite in a different language.

Question 1

How long does it take to become an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

It takes at least four years to become an interpreter. However, many companies seek to hire a person who is already fluent in any language they are interpreting, so the time it takes to become an interpreter is largely dependent on their own language skills.

Question 2

What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an interpreter and a translator is the method they are using. These are separate roles with very different skill sets.

People in both roles as translators and interpreters spend their lives converting words in one language into words in another language. However, it is not very common to find individuals who provide both translation and interpretation services. This is because these are roles that are not as interchangeable as a person might initially think.

Question 3

Can you be both a translator and an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can be both a translator and an interpreter. However, these are separate roles with very different skill sets.

People in roles as both translators and interpreters spend their lives converting words in one language into words in another language. However, it is not very common to find individuals who provide both translation and interpretation services. This is because these are roles that are not as interchangeable as a person might initially think.

Question 4

Do translators or interpreters get paid more?

Accepted Answer

Both translators and interpreters are paid at similar rates. However, certain types of translators and interpreters are paid more than others.

The highest-paid roles in translation services are for literary translators. Literary translators earn an average of $51,000 a year. This is most likely because literature is considered the most challenging content to rewrite in a different language.

Question 5

How much do interpreters and translators make?

Accepted Answer

Interpreters and translators make about $51,000 in a year. However, the best paid 25% generally make over $71,000 in a year, while the lowest-paid 25% only make around $38,000 per year.

The highest-paid roles in translation services are for literary translators. Literary translators earn an average of $51,000 a year. This is most likely because literature is considered the most challenging content to rewrite in a different language.

Question 6

How do you describe a translator job?

Accepted Answer

You describe a translator job as someone who can accurately convey the meaning of written words from one language to another.

A translator interprets written or spoken material into one or more other languages. This can include maintaining meaning and context, creating glossaries or term dictionaries, possessing knowledge of multiple languages, and working with individual clients and corporations.

Question 7

How do you write a translator resume?

Accepted Answer

You write a translator resume by highlighting your training, experience, and unique skills and qualifications you bring to the table. The entire resume (from the profile summary to work experience to skills section) should show the hiring manager why you would make an excellent candidate for the translator position.

Question 8

What is the role of a translator/interpreter?

Accepted Answer

The role of a translator/interpreter is someone who aids in communication by converting messages or text from one language into another language. Although some people do both, interpreting and translating are different professions: interpreters work with spoken communication, and translators work with written communication.

Question 9

What should an interpreter put on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You should put information that showcases your excellent verbal and non-verbal abilities, as well as other factors such as cultural awareness and interpersonal skills on an interpreter resume.

Frequently asked questions about interpreter and translators

Questions about becoming an interpreter and translator