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Interpreters and Translators

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media (27-3091)

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

At a Glance

Interpreters and Translators earns a median of $59,440/yr with +1.7% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others, English Language, Microsoft Excel.

Median Annual Wage

$59,440/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.7%

Annual Openings

7

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (6)

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.1
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.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.9
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.8
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.6
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.6

Knowledge (4)

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.7
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.

4.1
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.

3.9
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.4

Abilities (9)

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.3
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.1
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.0
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.9
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.9
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.8
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.6
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.6

Technology (8)

Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Hypertext markup language HTML

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Productivity software

Category: Project management software

4.0

Work Activities (18)

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.7
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.2
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.8
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.8
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.7
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.7
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.6
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.5
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.5
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.3
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.3
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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