How to become interpreters and translatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Writing & Media Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$60,170

25th–75th pct. $46,530–$80,830

Top pay (est.)

$134,800

Top 10% $103,660

Pay in 5 years

$68,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$78,500est.

$67,500–$91,100

Outlook score

52/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

57%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.0%

6,000 openings / yr

How to become interpreters and translators

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Interpreters and Translators

Key skills

Active Listening

4.2

Writing

4.0

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Speaking

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

Monitoring

3.8

Social Perceptiveness

3.6

Service Orientation

3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language

5.1

Foreign Language

4.9

Customer and Personal Service

4.7

Administrative

4.2

Education and Training

3.9

Computers and Electronics

3.3

Psychology

3.0

Law and Government

2.8

What the work involves

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

55%

Master's degree

28%

High school diploma

Associate's degree

Post-master's certificate

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

58%

2–4 years

14%

3–6 months

11%

1–2 years

10%

6–12 months

1–3 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

27%

1–2 years

19%

6–12 months

10%

1–3 months

10%

6–8 years

3–6 months

None

4–6 years

Over 10 years

8–10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as interpreters and translators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Editors Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material.	$77,920	42/100	68%
2	Writers and Authors Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.	$76,910	48/100	77%
3	Technical Writers Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions.	$90,390	40/100	75%
4	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television.	$62,200	35/100	66%
5	Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media.	$47,340	33/100	64%
6	Media and Communication Workers, All Other All media and communication workers not listed separately.	$73,620	60/100	45%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.