Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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. PayThe median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $60,170 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,000 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interpreters and translators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interpreters and translators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $60,170 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,000 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interpreters and translators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interpreters and translators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,000 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interpreters and translators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interpreters and translators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They 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 $60,170 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 6,000 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interpreters and translators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interpreters and translators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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 $60,170 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 6,000 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interpreters and translators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interpreters and translators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interpreters and translators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interpreters and translators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about interpreters and translators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.