Translator
Convert the written word from one language into another without changing the meaning or tone.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£680
Average
Monthly
£2,946
Average
Yearly
£35,360
Average
7,600
people are currently employed
High growth
500 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would convert the written word from one language into another without changing the meaning or tone.
You could work on a number of subjects, or specialise in a particular area, such as:
Scientific, technical or commercial material like reports, manuals and brochures
Legal documents, such as contracts
Literary work, such as novels, plays and poetry
Media work, such as film scripts and subtitles for films
Educational resources, such as textbooks, e-books and apps
Online content, such as e-commerce, interactive platforms, business to business websites and blogs
You would:
Reproduce the text clearly, accurately and in the original style
Use specialist knowledge, such as technical terms
Research legal, technical or scientific terms and consult with experts to check accuracy
Match the culture of the target audience
In large companies you may edit rough translations created using computers. You may also use other types of translation software.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Chartered Institute of Linguists - professional membership body for language practitioners
Society of Authors Translator Association - professional body for people working in this field
European Commission Directorate-General for Translation - About translating for Europe
Scotland's National Centre for Languages - Case studies and information
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- problem solving
- observation
- researching
- written communication
- verbal communication
- recalling
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Cantonese
English
English and Communication
ESOL
French
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
German
Italian
Latin
Mandarin
Spanish
Urdu
You do not always need a Higher in each language, as long as you can show good language ability.
Entry to a postgraduate diploma, PgDip, (SCQF level 11) in Translating requires a relevant degree.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate the application of linguistic skills such as SQA Modern Language for Life and Work Award (SCQF Level 3/4).
The Chartered Institute of Linguists' Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) is valued within the industry.
Once qualified membership of The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) may be helpful.
To enter this career you must be fluent in at least one other language but some roles require fluency in two or more languages.
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