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The differences between translators and compilers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a compiler has an average salary of $53,597, which is higher than the $44,278 average annual salary of a translator.
The top three skills for a translator include target language, translation services and vice versa. The most important skills for a compiler are C, compilers, and code generation.
| Translator | Compiler | |
| Yearly salary | $44,278 | $53,597 |
| Hourly rate | $21.29 | $25.77 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 1,206 | 465 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A translator is an expert of one or multiple languages, responsible for transcribing communication between parties for easy comprehension. Translators often work with written documents, relaying the core context and original message from the source. They should also be able to translate jargon, slang, cultural expressions, and related technical terms in an understandable format, depending on the level of the target audience. A translator must be highly fluent with the language to render ideas accurately, as well as have excellent time-management skills to meet project deadlines.
Compilers are skilled professionals who are responsible for compiling directories and census reports using data obtained from surveys or census. These compilers must assist survey crews in developing and producing maps and cartographic information using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for property owners and businesses. They must utilize analytical mapping software and hardware so that they can compile planimetric data and DTM data for contour generation. Compilers must also create tutorials on spatial methodology related to spatial analysis for GIS users.
Translators and compilers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Translator | Compiler | |
| Average salary | $44,278 | $53,597 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $70,000 | Between $25,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Burlingame, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a translator and a compiler in terms of educational background:
| Translator | Compiler | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | English | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between translators' and compilers' demographics:
| Translator | Compiler | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6% | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 32.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 37.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 7% |