I want to become an interpreter. Any ideas?

Question

I am thinking of becoming an interpreter. What language would you learn first? How would you go about learing a new language. Does anyone know what the average salary of an interpreter might be? Any help would be good.

Answer 1

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook will help you. Go to http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos175.htm under "Interpreters and translators."
Here are some excerpts in answer to your questions.

Demand will remain strong for translators of the languages referred to as “PFIGS”—Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Spanish(and the principal Asian languages—Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. In addition, current events and changing political environments, often difficult to foresee, will increase the need for persons who can work with other languages. For example, homeland security needs are expected to drive increasing demand for interpreters and translators of Middle Eastern and North African languages, primarily in Federal Government agencies.

The educational backgrounds of interpreters and translators vary. Knowing a language in addition to a native language is essential. Although it is not necessary to have been raised bilingual to succeed, many interpreters and translators grew up speaking two languages.

In high school, students can prepare for these careers by taking a broad range of courses that include English writing and comprehension, foreign languages, and basic computer proficiency. Other helpful pursuits include spending time abroad, engaging in comparable forms of direct contact with foreign cultures, and reading extensively on a variety of subjects in English and at least one other language.

Beyond high school, there are many educational options. Although a bachelor’s degree is often required, interpreters and translators note that it is acceptable to major in something other than a language. However, specialized training in how to do the work is generally required. A number of formal programs in interpreting and translation are available at colleges nationwide and through nonuniversity training programs, conferences, and courses. Many people who work as conference interpreters or in more technical areas—such as localization, engineering, or finance—have master’s degrees, while those working in the community as court or medical interpreters or translators are more likely to complete job-specific training programs.

Salaried interpreters and translators had median hourly earnings of $16.28 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.40 and $21.09. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.67, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $27.45.

Earnings depend on language, subject matter, skill, experience, education, certification, and type of employer, and salaries of interpreters and translators can vary widely. Interpreters and translators with language skills for which there is a greater demand, or for which there are relatively few people with the skills, often have higher earnings. Interpreters and translators with specialized expertise, such as those working in software localization, also generally command higher rates. Individuals classified as language specialists for the Federal Government earned an average of $71,625 annually in 2005. Limited information suggests that some highly skilled interpreters and translators—for example, high-level conference interpreters—working full time can earn more than $100,000 annually.

Answer 2

Somewhat wrong, Alexander. While interpreting is not an MOS, the army trains soldiers to be interpreters. That would mean that you would have to join under a different MOS, and (I'm not totally aware of the logistics here) submit a packet/apply to become an interpreter. You have to have a certain score on specific areas of your ASVAB, but if you qualify and are accepted, you train wherever you're required. If you ALREADY speak a language, you can maybe, if you're lucky, find a job as a civilian contracted by the military. OR, you could join the Army under an MOS of your choice (usually) and apply for a certain identifier based on the language you speak. Not all languages are needed, though, and some pay more than others.

Answer 3

Most interpreters know more than 2 languages. You'll definitely need to learn Spanish and French, master English if you havent already, and one or two languages from the rest of Europe and Asia couldnt hurt.

The majority of professional full-time conference interpreters work for international organisations like the United Nations, the European Union, or the African Union.

The world's largest employer of interpreters is currently the European Commission, which employs hundreds of staff and freelance interpreters working into the official languages of the European Union. The European Union's other institutions (the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice) have smaller interpreting services.

The United Nations employs interpreters at almost all its sites throughout the world. Because it has only six official languages, however, it is a smaller employer than the European Union.

Courts, Hospitals and Embassies/Consulates are good bets too.

How much they pay will vary depending on what country you work in.

Answer 4

Obviously you need to learn at least 2 languages, and you apparently already speak English. Here are some guesses at where there might be current and future demand for translators:

English/Chinese both for trade purposes and for diplomatic negotiations. Also consider education in business or perhaps political science.

English/Arabic for intelligence purposes and/or diplomacy.

English and almost any other language for a job at the United Nations.

The US will need more and more English/Spanish translators as the percent of Spanish-speaking residents continues to increase.

For business purposes English and one or more of the following:

+ German
+ Japanese
+ Russian
+ French
+ Spanish
+ Portugese

Good luck. The world can use way more communication!

Answer 5

I agree, Spanish and French is a must, but I also highly recommend an Asian language such as Chinese or Japanese. You may want to research what companies are really up and coming powers such as China or India. If you go into Chinese, Mandarin is spoken by more Chinese than any other dialect (mostly because it's the national language) and is beginning to be mandatorily matriculated in Hong Kong who speak mostly Cantonese.

Answer 6

I think it's actually very difficult to get a job like this. A friend of mine was thinking about it.. can't remember what they said.