How would you depict an interpreter? What age would they be? What traits of character and professional skills does a typical interpreter have?
One of the artificial intelligence tools I used to reveal how AI sees an interpreter offered me an image (above) of a woman in her late 30s, dressed up in a business suit and holding a trophy (probably for her hard work).
Let’s check if statistics back up the AI version of an average interpreter. According to the data tracking website zippia.com, there are over 30,152 interpreters currently employed in the United States (Interpreter demographics and statistics in the US). Demographics of the interpreting job have been steadily showing that the majority of interpreters are women: 61.3% to 38.7% (female to male ratio). The average interpreter is 41 years old.
The influx of refugees and immigrants, as well as the rise of OPI (Over the Phone Interpreting) and VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) services are main reasons for the constant growth of demand for interpreters in fields like education, medicine, social care, and legal services. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor predicts a 20% increase in medical interpreter jobs by 2031.
In 2019, the global language services industry was worth 49.6 BN dollars.
The most recent statistics show that as of April 2024, the average interpreter salary in the United States is $42,008 (the average hourly rate is $20.2). Interpreter salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. By the way, Virginia holds the crown as the state which pays the most for interpreting services.
I Am An Interpreter. What Is Your Superpower?
It goes without saying that being bilingual does not equate being an interpreter.
Profound knowledge of the source and target languages is required for a career in interpreting. However, a qualified language services specialist has to gain a list of skills in order to become a successful professional in the field.
Hard work and persistence always pays off, and so will your efforts on the road to success in the language services industry.
Let’s look at particular skills and suggestions for ways to improve them.
Skill #1: Reliable and well-trained short-term memory.
Improvement tip: Do brain exercises: crossword puzzles, Sudoku; play chess and video games; start a vocabulary journal and write down all new words you come across when reading or watching TV. Check out 22 ways to improve memory, cognitive, and creativity here Medical New Today: Brain Exercises.
Skill #2: Quick reaction when switching between languages.
Improvement tip: Regular use of both (or more) languages throughout the day; simultaneous interpreting exercises, i.e. watching TV or listening to the radio and interpreting it at the same time.
Skill #3: An “open ear” for accents, articulation errors and dialects.
Improvement tip: Do “warm-up” exercises, for example, listen to people speaking with various accents prior to the interpreting sessions.
Skill #4: Exceptional note-taking skills.
Improvement tip: Take a training course on note-taking and always have a pen and paper ready during work to write down dates, numbers, names, etc.
Skill #5: Well-developed problem-solving skills and resilience to stress.
Improvement tip: Meditation, breathing techniques and understanding that Rome was not built in a day. Practice makes perfect. The more you interpret, the more confident you become.
To Be or Not To Be: Contractors vs Employees
I don’t think I exaggerate when I say that the majority of interpreters in the US are contractors or freelancers. They are language craftsmen earning a living with the help of excellent linguistic intermediator skills.
Oftentimes, freelance interpreters strive to become full-time employees. Both work options have their pros and cons.
Being a contractor means to:
- Have a flexible working schedule but no stable income
- Pay no payroll taxes but get no employment related benefits
- Have potential to start your own language services company, but no guarantee it stays in business under the current economy
- Have an ability to gain experience by working in different industries but no paid vacation or parental leave
- Use extra time off for self education but no unemployment benefits
- No corporate policy or micromanagement but no vertical career growth
And please keep in mind that a core skill for any rookie contractor is self-discipline.
When you become a full-time interpreter, your work dynamic changes.
Among the pros of a 9-5 job are:
- Psychological job security
- Stable weekly/biweekly salary
- No need to “chase” clients
- Free professional trainings, seminars and workshops
- A benefits package and paid time off
- Career advancement
Nevertheless, there is always a fly in the ointment.
Cons of an employee status include:
- No work flexibility (no more being your own boss)
- No ability to work for another Language Service Provider (LSP) due to the conflict of interest
- Lower hourly rate in comparison to contractor fee
- In worse case scenarios, “call center” work ethics
- Burnout and overwork
No matter what professional road you choose, building your brand as an interpreter is a brilliant idea. Not only will it allow you to build an excellent reputation, but also promote your language services and draw new clients.
Branding Strategies That Work
- Develop your LinkedIn profile and keep it active (write or share at least 1 post a week)
- Create a portfolio website (for example, Linktree, WordPress, etc.)
- Be visible—there is no such thing as too much time spent networking
- Become part of a professional organization or group
- Attend conferences, webinars, and career events
- Earn your reputation by delivering high quality language services to clients and pursuing continuous education
Being an interpreter is a lifelong learning journey. It’s a rewarding profession that allows you to see the difference you make in the lives of people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and deaf and hard of hearing people instantly.
Nevertheless, it’s also a mentally and emotionally demanding job.
Are you up for the challenge?
Wise people say: “The one who walks will master the road”.
Let’s walk together! Join the Hello Interpreters community and take the first step towards your interpreting career!
References
- Interpreter Demographics and Statistics in the U.S. 2024, April 5. https://www.zippia.com/interpreter-jobs/demographics/
- Andrew, T. How to become a medical interpreter. Interpreters and Translators, Inc. 2023, June 1. https://ititranslates.com/blog/how-to-become-a-medical-interpreter/
- Statista Research Department. Market size of the global language services industry from 2009-2019 with a projection until 2022. 2023, January 25. https://www.statista.com/statistics/257656/size-of-the-global-language-services-market/
- Johnson, J. 22 brain exercises to improve memory, cognition, and creativity. Medical News Today. 2023, April 4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-exercises
