Interpreters and Translators

People in this career convert oral, signed, or written messages to help others communicate across languages. Their daily tasks involve interpreting the meaning of information, building interpersonal relationships, and communicating with supervisors, colleagues, and the public. To do this effectively, they must gather information, identify specific events or objects, make decisions, and document their work.

Success in this field requires strong skills in speaking, active listening, reading comprehension, and writing. Critical thinking and social perceptiveness help professionals understand cultural nuances. They must possess deep knowledge of the English language, foreign languages, customer service, and communications. Depending on their specific assignments, they may also need knowledge of law, government, and public safety.

This occupation suits individuals with a conventional interest area who value order and detail. Key work styles include integrity, dependability, attention to detail, and intellectual curiosity. Because conversations can be unpredictable, workers must also show self-control, adaptability, and a tolerance for ambiguity.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related experience. Students often prepare by majoring in American Sign Language, linguistic and comparative language studies, or specific language groups such as Romance or Germanic languages. Other relevant majors include special education, legal support services, classics, and ethnic or cultural studies.

While preparing, candidates can pursue professional credentials. For instance, the American Sign Language Teachers Association offers a Certified Level Sign Language certification. Depending on where you plan to practice, some states also list specific licensing requirements for this profession.

According to 2025 data, the median annual pay for interpreters and translators is $60,170. The lowest 10 percent of earners in this field make less than $37,070, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $103,660.

There are 52,060 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 6,000 job openings each year.