Interpreters and Translators

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-3091
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
• Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
• Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
• Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.
• Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.
• Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.
• Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.

Tools and technology

Hypertext markup language HTML, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Productivity software, AceTools.biz Ace Translator, Adapt It, AmoK Translator, Ashkon Translation Pad

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
• English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
• Tutors
• Proofreaders and Copy Markers
• Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Interpreters and Translators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.