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The differences between technical translators and bilingual interpreters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a technical translator and a bilingual interpreter. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, which is higher than the $44,168 average annual salary of a bilingual interpreter.
The top three skills for a technical translator include technical translation, technical manuals and proofreading. The most important skills for a bilingual interpreter are patients, translation services, and interpretation services.
| Technical Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $55,019 | $44,168 |
| Hourly rate | $26.45 | $21.23 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 68,352 | 5,338 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A bilingual interpreter is responsible for translating communications from one language to another without compromising the focus of the context. Bilingual interpreters manage verbal and written interactions between parties, including the translation of complicated terminologies to comprehensive statements with the same meaning. They should be excellently familiar with the style and structure of their language expertise to translate codes effectively. A bilingual interpreter must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as coordinating with different kinds of people efficiently to assist clients in their daily tasks.
Technical translators and bilingual interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $55,019 | $44,168 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $79,000 | Between $27,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Apple | Randolph Health |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a technical translator and a bilingual interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Technical Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between technical translators' and bilingual interpreters' demographics:
| Technical Translator | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3% | Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 47.2% Asian, 11.0% White, 32.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |