Careers

Occupational Outlook Handbook Describes hundreds of careers, including required training, future salaries, and future demand.
Interpreter Resources: Overview & Career Info A comprehensive list from RIT Libraries providing an overview of different types of interpreters and their work environments.
O*NET Online The O*NET program is the nation's primary source of occupational information. Central to the project is the O*NET database, containing information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. The database is continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. Information from this database forms the heart of O*NET OnLine, an interactive application for exploring and searching occupations.
General Career LibGuide Websites to help with job searching, resume building, interview skills, and more!
ACC Career Exploration Web Page ACC Career Exploration Webpage -- includes links to helpful career exploration websites!

LearningExpress Library Plus This link opens in a new window
This product (and not ACC) requires that you register for a free account before accessing.Tutorials and e-books to help with job preparation, career advancement, and college readiness, as well as practice tests for the TOEFL, MCAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE, and AP tests. Also includes Computer Skills, Job & Career Accelerator, and Adult Learning centers..

Summary of Career Info

Summary

Quick Facts: Interpreters and Translators

2021 Median Pay	$49,110 per year $23.61 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2020	81,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30	24% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2020-30	19,300

What Interpreters and Translators Do

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.

Work Environment

Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Some work for translation and interpretation companies, individual organizations, or private clients. Many translators also work remotely. Self-employed interpreters and translators frequently have variable work schedules. Most interpreters and translators work full time during regular business hours.

How to Become an Interpreter or Translator

Although interpreters and translators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is to have native-level proficiency in English and at least one other language.

Pay

The median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $49,110 in May 2021.

Job Outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 24 percent from 2020 to 2030 much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 10,400 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Job prospects should be best for those who have professional certification.

American Sign Language - Interpreter Training: Careers