For a rare few, who have been raised in bilingual households and who are naturally suited to the working world, it is possible to work as a translator by the age of around 16/17. However, for the majority of people a translation career could more appropriately begin around the start of their 20s.
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in translation. Relevant degrees include: languages - courses which specialise in linguistics or translation may give you an advantage but are not essential. combined degrees which include a subject like law or science with languages.
The road to your first translation job
In order to obtain the position, you must have experience. This can come via an internship and/or through volunteering. Working as an in-house translator will allow you to learn your trade in a real-world environment and provide you with plenty of hands-on experience.
Interpreters and translators typically need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. They also must be proficient in at least two languages (English and one other language), as well as in the interpretation or translation service they intend to provide.
Translation is a challenging career path, but also immensely rewarding when you see how it impacts others and, very often, how grateful your clients are for your help. If you're worried you're not good enough, remember that you don't have to be perfect to start with.
Interpreters and Translators earned an average salary of $58,400 in 2021.
In the US, the average salary for a translator is $40,000 per year (Sources: Glassdoor, Totaljobs, LinkedIn — via Translate Media). Translators for the European Union and United Nations tend to earn the most. As a result, these positions are extremely competitive.
Translators typically have office jobs, although some of them may work from home. Since they work with written language, in some cases they have more time to do their work. However, they may also encounter tight deadlines at times. It is not common for translation work to require frequent travel.
It's certainly possible to earn a big salary as a professional freelance translator through massive output. And also by working very long hours. But these strategies will only work for a few. You can also have a great lifestyle without earning megabucks if you live, or are prepared to move, somewhere nice and cheap.
A career in translation can be very gratifying and come with many benefits, including: Diverse work environment: Translators and interpreters work in a diverse array of work environments. Professionals in various sectors, along with communities that have bilingual citizens, often require their services.
Average starting Salary for Freelance Translator in India is around ₹0.4 Lakh per year (₹3.3k per month). 1 year of minimum experience is required to be a Freelance Translator.
Alternatively you may consider a Bachelor degree in Interpreting and Translation, which will take 3 years of full time study and usually requires completion of Year 12 for entry.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow twenty percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than for all jobs.” About 9,200 openings for translators and interpreters are projected annually for the next decade.
German tops our list of the highest paying translation languages. The language is closely associated with the business world, so German translators often make good money. The average annual income of a German translator in the US is $50,000.
Earning six figures (meaning over $100,000 US dollars per year) is a significant goal for lots of freelancers. It's an ambitious but achievable goal for most translators and interpreters who are good at their work, are ambitious, have good business skills, and are willing to work hard.
For a rare few, who have been raised in bilingual households and who are naturally suited to the working world, it is possible to work as a translator by the age of around 16/17. However, for the majority of people a translation career could more appropriately begin around the start of their 20s.
It isn't physically exhausting to work as a translator. After all, you're just sitting in front of a computer. But it can be mentally tiring, especially if the document you're translating is poorly written, and the meaning of entire sentences is obscure.
For those who work in the translation field, becoming a certified translator and attaining certifications can help you stand out in your career. Credentials help set you apart in from competitors and also demonstrate a commitment to your field of study.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% employment growth for interpreters and translators by 2026 due to this need for businesses to go global. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, and the industry is on track to add another 11,400 positions during this time.
How much does a Translator make in Australia? The average translator salary in Australia is $90,191 per year or $46.25 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $67,548 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $122,635 per year.