Libraries: Translation & Interpretation: Careers

Interpreters and Translators Career Video

Translation & Interpretation Career Summary

Summary

What Interpreters and Translators Do

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language.

Work Environment

Interpreters and translators work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary.

How to Become an Interpreter or Translator

Interpreters and translators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They also must be proficient in English and at least one other language, as well as in the interpretation or translation service they intend to provide.

Pay

The median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $59,440 in May 2024.

Job Outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 7,500 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Interpreters and Translators,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm (visited May 24, 2025).

Helpful Career Databases

HCC Career Coach Find descriptions and employment outlook here.
HCC CareerHub "HCC CareerHub is the largest online Career Services destination in the city of Houston! Houston Community College is pleased to present to you this new and engaging job search/networking tool! Connecting HCC Talent with Houston employers is our daily goal! "
Ferguson's Career Guidance Center Provides detailed profiles of more than 3,300 jobs and 94 industries, invaluable advice on career skills, more than 55,000 resource entries, and much more!
Job and Career Accelerator LearningExpress Job & Career Accelerator gives job seekers the tools they need to explore careers, find open positions, apply for jobs and get hired. Create your personal account to get started.
JobsNowHouston "JobsNowHouston showcases in-demand occupations and the accelerated certificate and education pathways offered at HCC to obtain these jobs. The goal of this page is to easily connect you with to relevant programs and certifications that will get you back to work fast."
LearningExpress Library LearningExpress Library is an easy-to-use online test prep resource that helps people improve their core academic skills, earn a high school equivalency, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.
Mometrix eLibrary If you see a Bad Gateway error from on-campus, try this link: https://portal.mometrixelibrary.com/
O*NET OnLine O*NET OnLine (Occupational Information Network) is administered and sponsored by the US Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
Occupational Outlook Handbook Occupational Outlook Handbook is from the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. This online, searchable version of the OOH contains information on training, education, expected growth, conditions, and more for a wide array of careers.