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Interpreter and translator vs technical translator

The differences between interpreter and translators and technical 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 technical translator. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, 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 technical translator are technical translation, technical manuals, and proofreading.

Interpreter and translator vs technical translator overview

Interpreter And TranslatorTechnical Translator
Yearly salary$43,870$55,019
Hourly rate$21.09$26.45
Growth rate20%20%
Number of jobs3,78768,352
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does an interpreter and translator do?

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.

What does a technical translator do?

Technical Translation is the act of translating materials in a specific technical or scientific subject domain. A Technical Translator understands the nitty-gritty of the subject matter and knows the specialized terms in that field in both the source and secondary languages. This individual works to produce translations and interpretations of either written or oral communications of one language to another for a specific purpose or industry. As a Technical Translator, your duties may include interpreting conferences and emails in an organization.

Interpreter and translator vs technical translator salary

Interpreter and translators and technical translators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Interpreter And TranslatorTechnical Translator
Average salary$43,870$55,019
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $70,000Between $37,000 And $79,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateVirginiaOregon
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between interpreter and translator and technical translator education

There are a few differences between an interpreter and translator and a technical translator in terms of educational background:

Interpreter And TranslatorTechnical Translator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Interpreter and translator vs technical translator demographics

Here are the differences between interpreter and translators' and technical translators' demographics:

Interpreter And TranslatorTechnical Translator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 17.9% White, 42.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between interpreter and translator and technical translator duties and responsibilities

Interpreter and translator example responsibilities.

  • Coach and teach students to achieve grades at or beyond expect IEP goals.
  • Lead an international team of HUMINT collectors for the NATO mission in Bosnia where overt and covert collection protocols are observed.
  • Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
  • Provide foreign language support services, including transcription, and translation / interpretation services in support of military operations.
  • Carry out assignments within the intelligence community in the capacity of Linguist/Interrogator in the Thai language.
  • Provide written translation of general and technical material into and from the Urdu language to English, and English into Urdu.
  • Show more

Technical translator example responsibilities.

  • Manage group-wide collaboration using SharePoint and enable cross-team communication base on unique team needs.
  • Freelance conference interpreting (English-Spanish).
  • Assist senior mechanic with the installation of HVAC systems up to 10 tons and associate gas lines and copper line sets.
  • Assist medical professionals with several types of surgical procedures including obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, general surgery, endoscopy, and genitourinary.
  • Prepare patients for MRI procedure by conducting intake interview, positioning patient for imaging and initiating contrast administration.

Interpreter and translator vs technical translator skills

Common interpreter and translator skills
  • Transcription, 13%
  • English Language, 12%
  • Security Clearance, 12%
  • Law Enforcement, 12%
  • Target Language, 10%
  • Vice Versa, 4%
Common technical translator skills
  • Technical Translation, 13%
  • Technical Manuals, 12%
  • Proofreading, 11%
  • User Interface, 7%
  • Proofread, 7%
  • Technical Specifications, 7%

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