Interpreters and Translators
O*NET 27-3091.00 · SOC 27-3091
Interpreter is a solid career choice. Median pay is $60k a year with +2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 6,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Translate written documents between two or more languages
- →Interpret spoken conversations for non-English-speaking clients
- →Review translated text for accuracy and cultural appropriateness
- →Specialize in legal, medical, or technical subject matter
- →Maintain confidentiality of sensitive interpreted information
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Interpreter roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Interpreter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Interpreter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Interpreter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Interpreters and Translators is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·37% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Interpreter make?
The median Interpreter earns $60k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Interpreter jobs?
Our model puts Interpreter at 41 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 37% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Interpreter a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 6,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Interpreter?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Interpreter roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Interpreter?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Interpreter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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