Interpreters and Translators

SOC code 27-3091 · O*NET-SOC 27-3091.00 · Considerable preparation needed

Interpreters and Translators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$60,170

a year

Hourly

$28.93

per hour

10th$37,070Median$60,17090th$103,660

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$66,360

$31.90 per hour

Middle 50%

$46,530 – $80,830

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,070 – $103,660

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

52,060

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,070; $17.82/hr
25th percentile: $46,530; $22.37/hr
Median percentile: $60,170; $28.93/hr
75th percentile: $80,830; $38.86/hr
90th percentile: $103,660; $49.84/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

75,300

jobs in 2024

76,600

projected for 2034

About 1,300 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do interpreters and translators do?

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.
Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree55%
Master's Degree28%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)8%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%

Common questions

How much does an interpreters and translators earn?

The national median is $60,170 a year. The full range runs from $37,070 at the 10th percentile to $103,660 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an interpreters and translators without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is interpreters and translators in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.7/5
Foreign Language4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Administrative3.2/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Law and Government3.0/5
Computers and Electronics2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making.