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Make money as a language translator with this step-by-step guide

Although the two professions operate very similarly, they are not exactly the same. 

A language translator works with written texts, while an interpreter works with the spoken language, according to the American Translators Association. 

If you're interested in becoming a language translator, here's everything you need to know. 

1. What are the requirements to be a language translator?
2. Where do language translators usually work?
3. What are the responsibilities of a language translator?

Language translators play an important role in connecting those who are separated by a language barrier. (iStock)

1. What are the requirements to be a language translator?

To be a language translator, the first qualification you'll need to meet is fluency in at least two languages. While this is a baseline requirement of language translators, many know more than two languages. 

Foreign language, business and communications are all common fields that language translators major in, according to the source. 

One of the most recognized certifications among language translators can be obtained through the American Translators Association. 

The certification is currently available for a variety of language combinations, including English into Arabic, English into French, English into Japanese, English into Portuguese and English into Spanish. 

Many language translators work from home. They could also work in the office of the company that employs them. The job can be a full-time career, but many language translators work on a part-time basis. (iStock)

2. Where do language translators usually work?

A lot of language translators work from home, on a self-employed basis, according to Indeed. 

Thirty-two percent of interpreters worked from home in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They may also work in an office of the company they are employed by if they work full time. 

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Examples of texts that language translators work on include official documents, legal documents, books, technical documentation, marketing copy and subtitles for foreign films, according to the American Translators Association. 

Interpreters, on the other hand, often have a bit of a different work environment than translators. 

3. What are the responsibilities of a language translator?

The responsibilities of a language translator go behind simply converting a written text, word for word, from one language to another. 

They also have to understand expressions that may not translate exactly to properly convey the overall meaning of a message. 

The job of a language translator is to convert a written text from one language to another, making sure the tone and style of the text remains through the translation. (iStock)

They are responsible for maintaining the tone and style of the original language the text is presented in, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Many language translators also build glossaries over time, according to the source, which can help them excel in the work.

The median hourly wage for interpreters and translators was $27.45 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

While language translators can work full-time in the field, it is also a common part-time or freelance job for many.