Interpreters and Translators

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This occupation is part of the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media cluster

About the Job

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

It is also Called

  • Administrative Aide
  • American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter)
  • Arabic Translator
  • Bilingual Interpreter
  • Bilingual Secretary
  • Braille Translator
  • Conference Interpreter
  • Conference Translator
  • Court Interpreter
  • Deaf Interpreter

What They Do

  • Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
  • Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
  • Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
  • Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
  • Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.
  • Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
  • Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
  • Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
  • Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
  • Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: AS.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Artistic interests, but also prefer Social environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Working Conditions and Recognition in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Foreign Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Education Required

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $51,340.00 with most people making between $26,810.00 and $84,640.00

Outlook

3.03%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 8,900 people in California. It is projected that there will be 11,500 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 270 openings due to growth and about 240 replacement openings for approximately 510 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

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