Launch your career as a translator or interpreter: A step-by-step guide
Translators and interpreters bridge language gaps to connect people from different cultures. Find out how to become a translator or interpreter and explore online courses on edX.
What do translators and interpreters do?
Translators and interpreters convert messages from one language to another. This process involves listening or reading text, considering the message, and translating that message into another language to create mutual understanding between two parties.
To work as a translator or interpreter, you must be fluent in at least two languages. You may also need a solid understanding of cultural customs and nuances in each language.
Many interpreters and translators work as public employees, in schools, or in international businesses. Their daily responsibilities may include translating documents, interpreting conversations or speeches, and reviewing automated translations for accuracy.
What's the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
The difference between translators and interpreters is that translators work with written language, while interpreters work with spoken or sign language. Both are responsible for preserving meaning from one language to another, but they work with different types of source material.
Your path to becoming a translator or interpreter
For career starters
If you're interested in starting a career as an interpreter or translator, start by gaining fluency in at least two languages. To become fluent in another language, you can:
- Take an online language course, like TsinghuaX: Japanese Culture and Language (I).
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a second language or international studies, such as Maryville University: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies online.
- Search for frequent opportunities to speak the language to familiarize yourself with common tones, expressions, and references.
For career starters
If you're interested in starting a career as an interpreter or translator, start by gaining fluency in at least two languages. To become fluent in another language, you can:
- Take an online language course, like TsinghuaX: Japanese Culture and Language (I).
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a second language or international studies, such as Maryville University: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies online.
- Search for frequent opportunities to speak the language to familiarize yourself with common tones, expressions, and references.
Programs that can prepare you for a translator or interpreter role
What do you need to learn to work as a translator or interpreter?
Essential skillsets
- Fluency in two or more languages
- Grammar rules
- Communication
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Cultural awareness
Educational requirements
- A bachelor's degree in a language, communication, or international business and relations
- Some international travel or study abroad
Licenses/Certifications: Do I need one?
- Optional state department certifications
- Professional organization memberships
Translator and interpreter industry insights
Industries you could work in
- Government
- Education
- Legal services
- Healthcare
- Publishing
- International business
Common job titles
- Community or conference interpreters
- Medical or legal interpreters and translators
- International liaisons
- Localizers
- Literary translators
Top 5 paying industries for translators and interpreters
Source: BLS
Explore top salaries for translators and interpreters by state
Discover where in the U.S. translators and interpreters can earn the most money:
Translator and interpreter career track
Translators and interpreters often start their careers by specializing in a particular industry. For example, someone who speaks a second language and has a bachelor's degree in a healthcare subject may consider becoming a medical interpreter. In this role, they would help people who don't speak the country's language accurately communicate their symptoms and needs with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate treatment.
Education is a common career path for early-career translators and interpreters. Whether this means helping students learn a second language and progress through a school system, interpreting conversations between instructors and students' families, or translating curricula, educational translators are crucial in U.S. schools.
Many interpreters and translators are self-employed. These freelance workers market themselves to companies that need temporary translation services for events like conferences.
As you progress in your translation and transcription career, you can find opportunities to advance through continuing education, networking, and professional organizations. Continuing education can help you gain new skills and expand your scope. Networking and professional organizations can also help you find new roles that you may not have encountered without a mentor's guidance.
Advanced degrees, such as a master's or a doctoral degree, may also offer advancement opportunities for translators and interpreters. By gaining additional education and experience, you can advance into high-stakes roles that require intimate familiarity with both languages, such as political diplomacy, international business, or collegiate instructional design.
Early career roles
1-4 years
- Educational interpreter
- Medical translator or interpreter
- Legal translator or interpreter
Mid-career roles
5-10 years
- Literary translator
- Conference interpreter
- Localizer
Late career roles
11-15 years
- State diplomat
- Instructional designer or curriculum developer
- International business liaison
C-suite
(15+ years)
- CEO
- College dean or director
- CIO
Ready to advance your career?
Check out courses and programs on edX that can boost your career as a translator or interpreter.