Q: Can you be an interpreter without a degree?

Yes, you can be an interpreter without a degree. Though, this is rare. Just 7% of interpreters have only their high school diploma or equivalent. And, just 15% have only their associate's degree.

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: How much do starting interpreters earn?

Starting interpreters earn $28,000 a year, on average. That equates to $13 an hour, which is well below minimums to meet the cost of living and well-being satiation standards. Interpreters working in signals and niche languages have the highest earning potential, though these jobs may be harder to find.

Q: How much does an interpreter make an hour?

An interpreter makes $19.24 an hour, on average. On average, the top 90% of interpreters make upwards of $27 an hour. An interpreter can make just $13 an hour or less starting out. Interpreters make the most in Texas and New York, making the least in Michigan and Tennessee. Interpreter pay is highest in finance, technology, and telecommunication.

Q: Do interpreters make good money?

No, interpreters do not make good money. Interpreters make $40,000 a year, on average, with those just starting out making an average of $28,000 annually. Even at the high end of the pay spectrum, interpreter jobs yield just $56,000 a year, on average.

Q: Is being an interpreter a good job?

Yes, being an interpreter is a relatively good job. Interpreter jobs are in-demand and can be dynamic and challenging. Interpreter jobs are in-demand. The language industry has a roughly $50 billion value, according to a 2019 study by independent research company, Statista.

Question 1

Can you be an interpreter without a degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can be an interpreter without a degree. Though, this is rare. Just 7% of interpreters have only their high school diploma or equivalent. And, just 15% have only their associate's degree.

Question 2

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 3

How much do starting interpreters earn?

Accepted Answer

Starting interpreters earn $28,000 a year, on average. That equates to $13 an hour, which is well below minimums to meet the cost of living and well-being satiation standards.

Interpreters working in signals and niche languages have the highest earning potential, though these jobs may be harder to find.

Question 4

How much does an interpreter make an hour?

Accepted Answer

An interpreter makes $19.24 an hour, on average. On average, the top 90% of interpreters make upwards of $27 an hour. An interpreter can make just $13 an hour or less starting out.

Interpreters make the most in Texas and New York, making the least in Michigan and Tennessee. Interpreter pay is highest in finance, technology, and telecommunication.

Question 5

Do interpreters make good money?

Accepted Answer

No, interpreters do not make good money. Interpreters make $40,000 a year, on average, with those just starting out making an average of $28,000 annually. Even at the high end of the pay spectrum, interpreter jobs yield just $56,000 a year, on average.

Question 6

How do I get a job as an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

You can get a job as an interpreter by earning a relevant college degree and becoming fluent in at least two languages. Next, look into companies and roles that require interpreters and decide on a career path.

Question 7

Is being an interpreter a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being an interpreter is a relatively good job. Interpreter jobs are in-demand and can be dynamic and challenging.

Interpreter jobs are in-demand. The language industry has a roughly $50 billion value, according to a 2019 study by independent research company, Statista.

Question 8

Compiler vs. Interpreter

Accepted Answer

A compiler scans an entire program and translates all of it into machine code at one time, while an interpreter translates just one statement of the program at a time into machine code.

A compiler converts high-level language or source code in one sitting into machine code to be understood by the computers. A high-level language can be understood by humans. It is the compiler's goal to make this language understood in binary code form by a computer or computers.

Question 9

Interpreter vs. Translator

Accepted Answer

An interpreter translates spoken language orally, while a translator translates written language.

Interpreters translate oral language in real-time without using dictionaries or other reference materials. They must possess expert listening skills and a command of knowledge about the languages they translate. Interpreters must also have excellent public speaking skills and be able to instantly translate idioms, colloquialisms, and other cultural-specific references.

Frequently asked questions about interpreters

Questions about becoming an interpreter