What does a language translator do?
Language translators are linguistic professionals who are responsible for converting information from one language to another to help people read the translation based on the original source. These translators must use a computer to translate the original language into their native language. They can work for software development companies as under contract independent foreign language translators. They must utilize target language to translate and transcribe critical information and performing immediate data analysis. Language translators must also provide interpretations for meetings, conferences, and administrative hearings for any sponsored functions.
Language translator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real language translator resumes:
- Lead an international team of HUMINT collectors for the NATO mission in Bosnia where overt and covert collection protocols are observed.
- Provide written translations from Dari and Pashto, and some Urdu, into English.
- Consult employees on proper multicultural etiquette while connecting with Thai, Thai Yai, and Burmese sex workers.
- Conduct interviews for a study on the male sex work industry and translate the answers from Thai to English.
- Train soldiers to perform in a combat environment including tactical navigation, military communications, and several types of weapons.
- Conduct monitoring, translating, transcribing, interpreting, perform translation/transcription, quality control and perform validating services.
Language translator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Language Translators are proficient in Proofreading, Foreign Language, and Target Language. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Concentration, and Cultural sensitivity.
We break down the percentage of Language Translators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Proofreading, 16%
Translate and proofreading Chinese patents documents; patentdata analyzing Work with IT dept.
- Foreign Language, 15%
Created and implemented a foreign language methodology and instructional techniques and selected research materials.
- Target Language, 12%
Repeat the original message accurately and completely in target language without adding, omitting or changing key information or intended meaning.
- Haitian Creole, 10%
Coordinated moot court trials in the languages of French and Haitian Creole in order to prepare for political asylum court appearance
- Thai, 9%
Qualified as SOF Support, Senior Parachutist, and Jump Master with foreign parachute wings awarded by the Royal Thai Army.
- Translation Services, 8%
Provided language translation services in medical and legal environments
Most language translators use their skills in "proofreading," "foreign language," and "target language" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential language translator responsibilities here:
Business skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a language translator to have is business skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "self-employed interpreters and translators must be able to manage their finances." Language translators often use business skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "communicated effectively with international business leaders while translating the language of contracts from vietnamese to russian and vice versa. "
Concentration. Another essential skill to perform language translator duties is concentration. Language translators responsibilities require that "interpreters and translators must be able to focus while others are speaking or moving around them." Language translators also use concentration in their role according to a real resume snippet: "utilized language skills to teach arabic, with a concentration on idioms and nuances of words and expression. "
Cultural sensitivity. language translators are also known for cultural sensitivity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to language translator responsibilities, because "interpreters and translators must be aware of expectations among the people for whom they are helping to facilitate communication." A language translator resume example shows how cultural sensitivity is used in the workplace: "consulted employees on proper multicultural etiquette while connecting with thai, thai yai, and burmese sex workers. "
Dexterity. language translator responsibilities often require "dexterity." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "sign language interpreters must be able to make quick and coordinated hand, finger, and arm movements when interpreting." This resume example shows what language translators do with dexterity on a typical day: "delivered lectures on asian countries and cultures through powerpoint presentations, hands on experiences, personal and professional expertise. "
Listening skills. Another crucial skill for a language translator to carry out their responsibilities is "listening skills." A big part of what language translators relies on this skill, since "interpreters must pay attention when interpreting for audiences to ensure that they hear and interpret correctly." How this skill relates to language translator duties can be seen in an example from a language translator resume snippet: "developed listening skills and an acquired excellent medical terminology. "
The three companies that hire the most language translators are:
- SOS International24 language translators jobs
- Imua Family Services4 language translators jobs
- Dow Jones2 language translators jobs
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Language translator vs. Historical interpreter
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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a language translator are more likely to require skills like "proofreading," "foreign language," "target language," and "haitian creole." On the other hand, a job as a historical interpreter requires skills like "historic sites," "gift shop sales," "public speaking," and "customer service." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that historical interpreters earn slightly differ from language translators. In particular, historical interpreters are 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a language translator. Additionally, they're 3.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Language translator vs. Educational interpreter
A per diem interpreter is responsible for interpreting sign or oral language and translating text from one specific language into another. You will perform several tasks that include adapting translations to students' grade and cognitive levels, working closely with other educational team members when necessary, and proofreading, revising, and editing translated materials. Additionally, you are responsible for translating messages into one language orally using hand signs and explaining translation requirements to clients. As a pier diem interpreter, you are also responsible for checking translated texts for technical terminology.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, language translator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "proofreading," "foreign language," "target language," and "haitian creole." Meanwhile, an educational interpreter has duties that require skills in areas such as "eipa," "math," "mathematics," and "educational programs." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Educational interpreters earn a lower average salary than language translators. But educational interpreters earn the highest pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $46,788. Additionally, language translators earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $60,664 annually.educational interpreters earn lower levels of education than language translators in general. They're 7.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for language translators in the next 3-5 years?
Sharon Rowley Ph.D.
Professor, Christopher Newport University
Language translator vs. Per diem interpreter
A court interpreter is responsible for translating one language to another in real-time in a courtroom setting. Court interpreters work closely with clients and law officers to relay accurate and reliable information from the actual context. Apart from having excellent communication skills, a court interpreter should also possess extensive knowledge of the legal industry to understand and interpret terms accordingly. They also translate legal documents for court reference. In some cases, a court interpreter may also read the statements beforehand to have a good grasp of courtroom procedures.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a language translator is likely to be skilled in "proofreading," "foreign language," "thai," and "translation services," while a typical per diem interpreter is skilled in "patients," "per diem," "customer service," and "bls."
Per diem interpreters earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $52,530. Language translators earn the highest pay from the government industry, with an average salary of $60,664.When it comes to education, per diem interpreters tend to earn similar degree levels compared to language translators. In fact, they're 0.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Language translator vs. Court interpreter
Even though a few skill sets overlap between language translators and court interpreters, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a language translator might have more use for skills like "proofreading," "target language," "thai," and "hindi." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of court interpreters require skills like "criminal justice," "vice versa," "court cases," and "court hearings. "
The government industry tends to pay the highest salaries for court interpreters, with average annual pay of $59,820. Comparatively, the highest language translator annual salary comes from the government industry.court interpreters reach similar levels of education compared to language translators, in general. The difference is that they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of language translator
Updated January 8, 2025











