ADD ADVICE TO FAVInterpreter / translator
What interpreters do
- convert spoken statements from one language to another
- often work at conferences using simultaneous or consecutive translation, or chuchotage (whispered translation)
- work as freelancers, or for international businesses, courts or public services.
What translators do
- convert written statements from one language to another
- may specialise in legal, literary, technical or commercial translation
- work as freelancers or for large organisations.
Key skills
- fluency in at least two languages
- interpreters need stamina and a good memory, and must be confident public speakers
- translators require attention to detail and may need specific technical, legal or commercial knowledge.
Training to be an interpreter or translator
The Civil Service, European Commission (EC) and United Nations often have vacancies.
The EC’s Directorate General for Interpretation runs postgraduate courses at several universities, including Bath, Bradford and Heriot-Watt.
The Diploma in Public Service Interpreting allows interpreters to work in legal, health and government-related services, and can be taken through the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL). Many UK universities also offer master’s and diploma courses in translation, as does the IoL.
Salaries for interpreters and translators
Starting salaries range from £19,000 to £25,000. Civil service starting salaries are around £17,000.
Typical salaries at senior level or with 10 to 15 years’ experience range from £26,000 to £53,000. Work is often on a short-term contract basis. The highest-paid jobs tend to be abroad.
Professional bodies
- Chartered Institute of Linguists
- Institute of Translation and Interpreting
- International Association of Conference Interpreters
- National Centre for Languages
