Many people confuse the phrases “translator” and “interpreter” when referring to language services, however these are two different occupations. Although they both use language, translators and interpreters undertake separate duties and have different skill sets. Who makes more money, a translation or an interpreter, is still up for debate.
Since it relies on a number of variables, including the language pair, location, experience, and type of employment, the answer to this issue is not simple. Interpreters typically make more money than translators. The median annual salary for interpreters and translators was $51,830 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, interpreters made more money than translators did, with a median hourly compensation of $23.80 as opposed to $22.17 for translators.
Additionally, beginning a career as a freelance translation can be a fantastic way to make money while working from home. Excellent language proficiency in the source and target languages, subject-matter knowledge, and a solid grasp of translation technology are requirements for becoming a freelance translator. Building a portfolio of your work, connecting with other translators, and finding clients via freelance platforms or translation firms are all good places to start.
There are various online programs and courses that can assist you in learning the skills required to become a translator online. To obtain access to materials and network with other professionals, you can also join professional organisations like the American Translators Association or the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters.
Excellent communication skills, sensitivity to cultural differences, and the capacity to function under pressure are requirements for the position of interpretation. Along with having an excellent grasp of the source and target languages, you should also be an authority on the subject. Although it is not necessarily necessary, most interpreters hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
A bachelor’s degree in translation, linguistics, or a closely related discipline is required to become a translator. Additionally, some businesses can need certification from a professional body like the American Translators Association. Along with having strong language abilities in both the source and target languages, you need also be an authority in the field you are translating from.
In summary, both translators and interpreters have the potential to make decent livings, however interpreters typically do. A career as a freelance translation is a fantastic option to work remotely and get important expertise. You need to be fluent in more than one language, have knowledge of the subject area, and in some situations, a degree or certification to work as an interpreter or translation.
While a translator translates written content from one language into another, an interpreter translates spoken language in real-time. Translators work with written language, whilst interpreters work with spoken language. Translators need to be outstanding writers and be able to carefully evaluate their word choices, while interpreters also need to have strong oral communication skills and the ability to think rapidly on their feet.