Translator

Translators use their language skills to adapt written texts for new audiences, and while postgraduate study isn't essential, it can help you stand out in a competitive field

As a translator, you'll use your language skills to convert written material from one language into another, usually translating from a foreign language (the source language) into your mother tongue (the target language). Your aim is to make sure the translation keeps the meaning, style and tone of the original text.

You might also do transcreation - a mix of translation, localisation (adapting for cultural differences) and copywriting - where the text is tailored to suit a specific audience.

Types of translation

You can translate a variety of content, including:

• commercial
• educational
• financial
• legal
• marketing and advertising
• medical
• political
• scientific
• technical.

You may specialise in one of these areas or work across several. Other options include literary translation (fiction and non-fiction), subtitling for film, TV and games, or localisation for digital content such as websites and apps.

Responsibilities

As a translator, you'll need to:

• read original texts and rewrite them accurately in the target language
• use translation memory software such as Trados Studio, memoQ or Wordfast to keep work consistent and efficient
• use dictionaries, glossaries and reference materials to check terminology
• research specialist vocabulary in areas such as law, science or technology
• adapt text where needed for cultural or linguistic differences
• liaise with clients to clarify details
• proofread and edit your translations
• provide cost estimates for your services
• build specialist knowledge in chosen subject areas
• follow professional standards and ethical guidelines.

Salary

• Most translators work freelance. Rates vary depending on your experience, qualifications, the subject matter and the demand for the languages you offer.
• In-house translators may work for government departments, translation agencies or private companies. Government roles usually follow set pay scales, while salaries in the commercial sector can vary depending on the industry and workload.
• Specialist texts or rare languages usually attract higher rates.

Many new freelancers start by combining translation with other work, such as interpreting, teaching or writing.

Working hours

In-house translators usually work a standard 9am to 5pm week. If you work as a freelance translator, your hours can be flexible, but you'll need to ensure you meet deadlines.

You may work on several projects at once, and workflow can be unpredictable.

Part-time or temporary contracts are available.

What to expect

• Freelancers can benefit from flexible working at home, though workflow can be unpredictable and you'll usually have quite regular interaction with clients.
• In-house roles are mainly office-based, often in translation agencies or large companies.
• You'll need to concentrate for long periods and work under pressure close to deadlines.
• Spending time in countries where your source language is spoken is highly valuable for keeping up cultural knowledge and language skills.

Qualifications

You don't need a specific degree to become a translator, but you'll need fluency in at least two languages and strong writing skills. Useful degrees include:

• translation studies with languages
• modern languages
• business, law or science with languages.

The following professional qualifications evidence relevant skills and help you stand out:

• CertTrans - Level 6 Certificate in Translation delivered by CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) - aimed at new entrants.
• DipTrans - Level 7 Diploma in Translation - also delivered by CIOL – suitable for experienced professionals.
• Postgraduate Masters - degree in translation or translation and interpreting. There are many courses offered at universities across the UK, with some accredited by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).

Search postgraduate courses in translation.

If you don’t have formal qualifications but can demonstrate excellent language skills, you may still be able to find translation work. Subject-specific knowledge, e.g. medicine, finance, law is a strong advantage.

Skills

You need to have:

• fluency in two or more languages
• strong cultural awareness
• excellent grammar and writing skills
• subject-specific knowledge
• attention to detail and accuracy
• good time management and organisation
• ability to work quickly under pressure
• initiative and commercial awareness
• confidence with translation software and IT tools
• motivation and resilience if freelancing.

Work experience

It's possible to get an internship with a translation agency, which can give you invaluable experience. Some ITI corporate members offer placements (in person or remote) lasting from one to six months. See ITI for helpful information about starting out in this career.

Voluntary projects with organisations like Translators without Borders or UN Volunteers are another good way to build a portfolio.

Work experience in your chosen sector, study-related projects, copywriting and living abroad can all help you build valuable translation skills.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Most translators are freelancers, but you could also work for:

• translation agencies or companies
• government departments (e.g. FCDO, GCHQ, MI5, MI6)
• international organisations such as the UN or EU institutions
• commercial businesses needing legal, financial or marketing translations.

Specialist growth areas include digital subtitling, website localisation and audio-visual translation.

You may also find work within the public sector services, for example with the police, where some translation and frequent interpreting, is required.

Growth areas include digital subtitling for streaming platforms and video games, website translation, localisation (adapting content so it's culturally and linguistically appropriate for the audience), and audio-visual translation - which is expanding further due to accessibility and disability legislation.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Civil Service Jobs
• Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) - Jobs board.

Specialist translation and interpreting companies also have opportunities for translators. These include:

• My Language Supplier
• Prestige Network
• Tomedes Translation Company
• Translation Services 24

As a freelance translator, you can advertise your services on databases held by professional bodies and translator networks, such as:

• Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) - Find a Linguist directories
• Association of Welsh Translators and Interpreters
• Society of Authors - Translators Association
• Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) - Find a Professional
• ATC (Association of Translation Companies) - Member Directory
• International Federation of Translators - source of news about translation
• North West Translators' Network - support, training and networking.

Professional development

The training you receive will depend on your employer. Agencies may offer mentoring and chances to specialise in legal, medical, technical or literary translation, while government departments and large organisations often provide more structured training and progression opportunities.

Completion of the DipTrans makes you eligible to apply for full CIOL membership and Chartered Linguist status. Find out more, including a list of course providers, at CIOL Qualifications.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential throughout your career, and you’ll have to manage this for yourself if you work freelance. Professional bodies such as CIOL and ITI can support you, and it’s important to make use of webinars, workshops, events and other networking opportunities and learning resources available.

Other ways to develop your professional skills and knowledge include reading industry publications, books and online content; listening to podcasts and consuming media in the languages you translate; learning new technologies and tools and gaining experience through mentoring or volunteer work.

Career prospects

There is no fixed career pathway for translators, so how you progress will depend to some extent on your goals.

If you’re a freelancer, you may grow your business through networking, repeat clients and specialising in high-demand areas.

Working as an in-house translator, you may specialise in legal, technical or scientific translation, or move into project management roles.

AI and machine translation are changing the industry, with many translators now working as post-editors to refine and improve machine-produced texts. At the same time, globalisation has increased demand for transcreation - a process that blends translation with marketing and copywriting to achieve the same emotional and cultural impact in the target language.

With experience, you could set up your own translation agency or move into teaching, training or academic research.