Businesses are increasingly looking for multilingual individuals who can assist them in navigating the global marketplace as globalization continues to change the world. Being an interpreter or translation in this situation might be a very gratifying career decision. But which languages offer the best salaries? Moreover, is it possible to enter this industry without a degree?
As of May 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median yearly salary for interpreters and translators was $52,330. However, this number might differ significantly based on a variety of variables, such as the language(s) you speak and your level of experience. In general, the most lucrative languages are those with high demand and few skilled professionals.
Mandarin Chinese is one of the highest-paying languages on a consistent basis. Businesses are looking for more Mandarin interpreters and translators than ever before as the Chinese economy expands and the nation assumes a more significant role in the world. Additionally, there is a great need for languages like Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
However, it goes beyond just the language you use. Specialists in particular sectors of interpretation and translation may also command higher wages. For instance, people who work in the legal or medical sectors frequently make more money than people who work in other sectors.
So how can you get started in this industry? While it can be helpful to have a degree in a discipline connected to languages, it is not necessarily required. Many linguists, including interpreters and translators, begin their careers by obtaining experience through volunteer work, internships, or modest projects for friends and family. It’s crucial to acquire good language abilities in both your mother tongue and the language or languages you want to interpret or translate.
It appears that the answer to the issue of whether interpreters and translators are content with their careers is a resounding “yes.” The American Translators Association conducted a study, and 77% of respondents stated they were happy with their jobs. Many respondents cited the flexibility and variety of work as important benefits.
For those looking to work as interpreters or translators, there is no one “best” language to study, however some languages and specialties do pay more than others. When pursuing a career in this industry, it’s crucial to keep in mind that job satisfaction is just as significant as money. And even without a degree, success as an interpreter or translation is attainable with commitment, perseverance, and a love of language and culture.