subject: Professional Translation Jobs Are A Growing Business [print this page] Professional Translation Jobs Are A Growing Business
One of the requirements throughout schooling is to take a foreign language. Most schools offer Spanish, German, Latin, Japanese or Chinese, American Sign Language, and French. Although this may be just a requirement it can turn into a lucrative job for students who become fluent in the preferred language. Professional translation jobs are worth the effort it takes to learn a new language.
In America, the great melting pot, translation jobs are worth more than just words. There are millions of people immigrating to America for the freedom offered and may not know English. This has made translating one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States; especially in states such as New York, Washington, DC and California. Requirements for a translator are fluency in two or more languages, a bachelor's degree in the study of the language, and experience. Although there isn't a certification test there are tests that employers can supply to test proficiency. One of the most lucrative foreign languages would be Spanish, since this is where most of the translating jobs are offered.
Another perk of becoming a translator is to be your own boss. Some professional translation jobs are done freelance and by people who are self employed. There are two types of translating - simultaneous and consecutive. Simultaneous translating occurs when a translator is to speak while listening at the same time. This is usually done in international affairs or in court. Consecutive interpreting is when a translator listens for a length of time, taking shorthand notes, and then repeats what has been said in an alternate language. This is most likely used in person to person communication.
The most common types of professional translation jobs are judiciary interpreters in the court setting, medical interpreters - which is done in environments such as the hospital or doctor's office, sign language interpreters for the deaf or hard of hearing, conference interpreters, escort interpreters, and literary interpreters who take literature from one language and translate it to another.
The annual wage of being an interpreter is anywhere between $28,000 - $52,000, depending on your skill level and the frequency and availability of jobs. Placement is something to focus on too. If there is a high demand for your language skill and you are qualified, have experience and the skills, you're going to make more money. Some translators make a salary but freelance interpreters can make either an hourly wage or even a rate per word.
With the right skill level and the advancements through experience and training, translators can make a very steady living. As well as the salary level, there is a satisfaction that comes from being well evolved in many languages and many cultures, putting you a step ahead of everyone else.
