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The differences between interpreter and translators and freelance translators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an interpreter and translator and a freelance translator. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $43,870 average annual salary of an interpreter and translator.
The top three skills for an interpreter and translator include transcription, english language and security clearance. The most important skills for a freelance translator are target language, web content, and vice versa.
| Interpreter And Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,870 | $44,736 |
| Hourly rate | $21.09 | $21.51 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 3,787 | 1,162 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An interpreter and translator are language experts responsible for translating one language to another for communicative purposes and context comprehension in the highest accuracy. Interpreters and translators must ensure that the translations keep the core message of the speaker or author's statement, including the proper interpretation of terminologies for the target audience. An interpreter and translator should also observe strict grammar rules and composition structures to maintain context integrity. They should have excellent communication skills, especially in the aspects of listening, writing, and speaking crucial for this kind of expertise.
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.
Interpreter and translators and freelance translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interpreter And Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Average salary | $43,870 | $44,736 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | - |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | - |
| Best paying company | Apple | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between an interpreter and translator and a freelance translator in terms of educational background:
| Interpreter And Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between interpreter and translators' and freelance translators' demographics:
| Interpreter And Translator | Freelance Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 34.3% Asian, 14.2% White, 39.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |