Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and translators convert spoken or written language from one language into another. Interpreters work with oral or sign language in real-time settings like medical offices, courts, conferences, and community organizations. Translators work with written text, converting documents, websites, and other materials between languages.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against interpreters and translators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work varies by specialization and setting. An interpreter might spend a morning at a medical appointment clarifying patient symptoms, then move to a court proceeding translating testimony. A translator working with written materials spends time researching terminology, translating documents section by section, and reviewing their work for accuracy. Both roles involve managing multiple projects with different deadlines and subject matter.
Who this work suits
Holland code CAS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You excel at this work if you have strong language skills and attention to detail. If you're organized and methodical (conventional interests) while also attuned to nuance and cultural context (artistic interests), you're well-suited to interpreting or translating accurately and meaningfully.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- International Remote Yupik Interpreter · Language Services Associates · USA · Remote
- International Remote Kizigua Interpreter · Language Services Associates · USA · Remote
- International Remote Bassa Interpreter · Language Services Associates · USA · Remote
- Gen Interpreter · LanguageLine Solutions · United States · Remote
- Sign Language Interpreter · National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency · Multiple Locations · $76573–$158322
- International Audio/Video Remote Karen and Thai Interpreter · Language Services Associates · Anywhere · Remote
- International Audio/Video Remote Hakha Chin Interpreter · Language Services Associates · Anywhere · Remote
- International Audio/Video Remote Kunama Interpreter (Must also speak Tigrinya or Arabic) · Language Services Associates · Anywhere · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $77,060 | $109,970 | $124,450 | 280 |
| Maryland | $63,270 | $88,550 | $102,750 | 1,150 |
| New York | $56,010 | $84,090 | $107,800 | 3,240 |
| Rhode Island | $58,240 | $82,320 | $134,270 | 200 |
| Massachusetts | $58,050 | $72,750 | $93,010 | 2,280 |
| Colorado | $61,630 | $71,790 | $86,300 | 800 |
| California | $56,230 | $70,770 | $102,010 | 5,560 |
| Connecticut | $46,470 | $68,340 | $93,960 | 280 |
| Minnesota | $63,010 | $66,410 | $78,520 | 1,030 |
| Oregon | $56,200 | $66,300 | $80,580 | 660 |
| Idaho | $56,520 | $66,130 | $96,870 | 300 |
| Utah | $50,090 | $65,770 | $79,970 | 850 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Interpreter Certification (NIC) — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) — Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
- Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter (CCHI) — Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
- Certified Translator — American Translators Association
- Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) — National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against interpreters and translators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-3091.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.