How To Become A Technical Translator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a technical translator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Mark Rush

Technical translators interpret messages concurrently or consecutively into specified languages either orally or using hand signals, and retaining message material, meaning, and style as much as possible. They often use reference sources, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized vocabulary banks to ensure the precision of the translation. They check the translation of technical words and terminology to ensure that they are correct and reliable during translation revisions.

Aside from their primary duties and responsibilities, technical translators follow strict rules of ethics that protect the security of information. They are in charge of interpreting the written text, such as legal records, research works, or news stories, then rewrite the material in a particular language. From time to time, they also identify and address disputes relating to the interpretation of words, ideas, practices, or activities.

Most employers look for applicants who possess a master's degree, preferably with a focus on Information Technology. It is important to have at least three years of similar translation experience or at least two years of experience in distinguished English comprehension to be competitive for this role. Employers also look for applicants who are a self-starter and have strong verbal and written communication skills.

What general advice would you give to a technical translator?

Mark Rush

Prof. of Politics and Law, Washington and Lee University

Good, clear writing is critical. But, it requires practice and regular reading to maintain a sense of clarity to be able to express your ideas succinctly. I'd recommend acquiring and maintaining skill in at least one other language. This is a means of empowerment as well as ensuring real cultural understanding-not just cultural understanding translated into English.

ScoreTechnical TranslatorUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $55,019

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.1

Growth rate 20%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.26%

Asian 17.93%

Black or African American 6.83%

Hispanic or Latino 27.50%

Unknown 4.85%

White 42.64%

Gender

female 56.34%

male 43.66%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

6.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a technical translator

Explore technical translator education requirements

Most common technical translator degrees

Bachelor's

62.8 %

Master's

16.7 %

Associate

8.5 %

Start to develop specific technical translator skills

Skills	Percentages
Technical Translation	12.75%
Technical Manuals	11.79%
Proofreading	10.91%
User Interface	6.69%
Proofread	6.57%

Complete relevant technical translator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical translators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a technical translator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical translator resumes.

Research technical translator duties and 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 your technical translator resume

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