The Strong Interest Inventory® is a comprehensive, specialized assessment designed to help match individuals with careers by first assessing their interests and preferred activities, and then comparing their responses to those of professionals already working in careers in a range of sectors. Based on these results, The Strong Interest Inventory® recommends one to three of six Theme Code Categories, each of which is characterized by different preferences, strengths, and proclivities. For instance, Translators and Interpreters are part of The Artistic Theme Code Category, meaning that they involve language arts, communication, and creativity. People who have Artistic Theme Code inclinations often value their own and others’ independence and enjoy expressing themselves through their work.

Interpreters and Translators facilitate communication by interpreting oral or sign language in real-time or by translating written texts from one language to another. At times, translation and interpretation may take place simultaneously. At other times, it may be consecutive, for instance when a speech is given first in one language and then in another. In either case, Interpreters and Translators must maintain the message’s content, meaning, and style as much as possible, to ensure that different viewers or listeners have similar experiences. Whenever possible, Interpreters and Translators may review the material to be translated beforehand, and may need to communicate with speakers to ensure an understanding of their message and meanings. This also provides an opportunity to translate technical terminology, including legal or medical material. In some cases, Interpreters and Translators may wish to read or review written reference material for background into a given subject matter, or they may be responsible for translating such material.

An additional consideration for Interpreters is the confidentiality of any information being translated, particularly for legal or medical Translators, or others who may be handling sensitive information. Interpreters are bound by ethical and legal codes which ensure their clients’ privacy. Some Translators and Interpreters may also train others to follow in their footsteps, or educate students, parents, and other stakeholders in the benefits and functions of their services. Those who manage their own services or businesses also converse directly with clients and negotiate associated fees.

Most Translators and Interpreters do not use sophisticated technology, beyond audio and video recording software and computers. Software used includes Microsoft Office Suite, as well as potentially web platform development software (e.g., Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML; Hypertext markup language HTML). Some familiarity with foreign language software, including Adapt It, Smart Link Corporation ImTranslator, and so on can also be useful. However, the true value of a Translator or Interpreter is in their knowledge and skills. Successful Translators and Interpreters need to be professionally fluent in at least two languages, though many have this level of expertise in many languages. They also need a solid grounding in customer and personal service, and in communications, as their job is to facilitate communications among others.

Translators generally hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree, most often in a foreign language or linguistics. 26% of Translators and Interpreters also hold a Master’s Degree, while 11% hold an Associate’s Degree as their highest level of education. The most common degree, with 52% of Translators and Interpreters holding it, is a Bachelor’s Degree. During this formal study, Translators and Interpreters not only develop an in-depth expertise in the languages they are translating among, but also the ability to interpret others’ meaning and intent as well as the ability to identify possible misunderstandings or miscommunications and ask clarifying questions to ensure that the service they provide is of the highest possible quality.

Nation-wide, the median wage for Translators and Interpreters is $22.17 hourly or $46,120 annually. The top 10% of Translators and Interpreters nation-wide earn an average of $83,000 per year, while the lowest 10% earn just over $25,000 on an annual basis. The most highly-paid Interpreters and Translators live in the areas with the highest demand and the highest stakes—Washington D.C. and other mid-Atlantic states, including Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. In these states, Translators and Interpreters can earn well over $100,000 annually, with their average salaries reaching over $60,000 per year. On the other hand, states like West Virginia and Kansas invest little in their translation services, with averages under $30,000. That said, employment trends are on the rise, especially in highly populated states like California, Texas, and New York, with some states projected to increase their job opening by over 40% before 2024.

Below are some employment trends for Translators and Interpreters:

• Median Salary: $22.17/hour; $46,120 annually
• Employment: 61,000 employees
• Projected growth (2014-2024): much faster than average (14% or higher)
• Projected job openings (2014-2024): 27,200

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2014-2024 employment projections]

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Gain access to your best-fit careers, occupational preferences and interests with these career based Strong Interest Inventory® Assessments:

 

Explore our Strong Interest Inventory® Blog Pages:

• Strong Interest Inventory Realistic Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Artistic Theme Explained
• Strong Interest Inventory Investigative Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Social Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Enterprising Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Conventional Theme Explained 

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org