Occupation AtlasInterpreters and Translators
O*NET · 27-3091.00
Interpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Also called American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter) · Arabic Translator · ASL Interpreter · Bilingual Interpreter · Bilingual Secretary · Braille Transcriber · Braille Translator · Community Interpreter
28 more
Contract Translator · Court Interpreter · Cryptologic Linguist · Deaf Interpreter · Diplomatic Interpreter · Educational Interpreter · English Translator · Farsi Linguist · Foreign Language Interpreter · Freelance Translator · Interpreter · Language Interpreter · Language Translator · Legal Translator · Linguist · Medical Interpreter · Paraprofessional Interpreter · Russian Linguist · School Sign Language Interpreter · Sign Language Interpreter · Sign Language Translator · Spanish Analytic Linguist · Spanish Interpreter · Spanish Translator · Spanish-English Interpreter · Technical Translator · Translator · Vietnamese Interpreter
Compare with another occupationCompare with Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CASConventional · Artistic · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional4.79
- A Artistic4.28
- S Social3.48
- I Investigative3.19
- E Enterprising1.90
- R Realistic1.89
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (58%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (36%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.3Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.1Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 9 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.Importance 4.9
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.Importance 4.7
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.Importance 4.5
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.Importance 4.5
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.Importance 4.4
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.Importance 4.4
- Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.Importance 4.3
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.Importance 4.2
Show the other 9
- Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.Importance 4.4
- Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.Importance 4.3
- Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.Importance 4.2
- Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.Importance 4.0
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.Importance 3.9
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.Importance 3.8
- Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.Importance 3.7
- Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided.Importance 3.5
- Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language.Importance 3.5
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.7Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Foreign LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Ask directions in a foreign city
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 2.7
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- GeographyImportance 2.2Level 2.8
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.2Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.6
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- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Static StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.8
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Getting InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
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- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 2.6
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Processing InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
28 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Productivity software
Hot (4; 3 more marked hot above)
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (20)
- AceTools.biz Ace Translator
- Adapt It
- AmoK Translator
- Ashkon Translation Pad
- Babylon Online Translator
- DocTranslate
- Electronic dictionaries
- ExcelTrans Translator
- Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
- Google Translate Client
- HunterSoft Business Translator
- Intrado SchoolMessenger
- jalada GmbH Just Translate
- Language Engineering Corporation Translate Pro
- Lingoes
- OmegaT
- Smart Link Corporation ImTranslator
- Stormdance CatsCradle
- Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +0.7, Quality Control Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Human Resources Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis +0.8, Monitoring −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.7, Writing −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −0.9, Learning Strategies −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Police Identification and Records Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.3, Management of Personnel Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.3, Negotiation +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Childcare Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking −1.0, Active Listening −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Writing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.