Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (NOC 5125)

What They Do Translators and translator-revisers perform some or all of the following duties: Provide consultative services to translators, interpreters and technical writers preparing legal, scientific or other documents requiring specialized terminologies. Interpreters perform some or all of the following duties: Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using electronic equipment, either simultaneously (as the speaker speaks), consecutively (after the speaker speaks) or whispered (speaking in a low whisper to one or two persons as the speaker is talking) Provide interpretation services in court or before administrative tribunals May interpret language for individuals and small groups travelling in Canada and abroad May interpret for persons speaking a Native or foreign language in a variety of circumstances May train other interpreters. Translators, terminologists and interpreters specialize in two languages, such as French and English, the official languages of Canada. They may also specialize in another language and one of the official languages. The main areas of specialization include administrative, literary, scientific and technical translation. Interpreters may specialize in court, parliamentary or conference interpretation. Sign language interpreters perform some or all of the following duties: Translate sign language to a spoken language and vice versa either simultaneously or consecutively. Translate a variety of written material such as correspondence, reports, legal documents, technical specifications and textbooks from one language to another, maintaining the content, context and style of the original material to the greatest extent possible Sign language interpreters work in French and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) or in English and American Sign Language (ASL). Localize software and accompanying technical documents to adapt them to another language and culture Revise and correct translated material May train and supervise other translators. Terminologists perform some or all of the following duties: Identify the terminology used in a field of activity Conduct terminological research on a given subject or in response to inquiries for the preparation of glossaries, terminology banks, technological files, dictionaries, lexicons and resource centres, and add to terminological databases Manage, update and circulate linguistic information collected from terminological databases

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Other professional scientific and technical services 47% Public administration 17% People in this group work for government, private agencies, schools, courts, in-house translation services, large private corporations, international organizations, and the media. They may also be self-employed. The unionization rate (46%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters are found in Quebec and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.

Related Occupation(s) Authors and Writers (NOC 5121)

Something to Think About To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider: Continually updating specialized knowledge Improving interpersonal skills Learning business management Researching social trends

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need In general, to be a translator, terminologist or interpreter, you usually need a university degree with specialization in your related field such as translation, terminology or interpretation. You also need specialization in two languages, one of which should be an official language of Canada. A university degree in a related field such as languages or linguistics plus courses in linguistic transfer and two years' experience as a translator or five years' experience as a translator may substitute for a specialized university degree. To be a translator, terminologist or interpreter, you may need certification by dossier or exam from the Canadian Translators' and Interpreters' Council and membership in your provincial/territorial association. You usually need to be fluent in three languages to obtain work in an international context. To be a sign language interpreter, you usually need a college training program or university certificate in sign language interpretation. You may also require a certification in LSQ or ASL and/or membership in a provincial/territorial association of sign language interpreters. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Linguistics, Translation and Interpretation (U404) Law (U840) Political Science (U860) Social Work/Welfare (U890) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Communication skills More than one language Specialized terminology		Useful High School Subjects English (Communication) Social Studies A second language
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated FAIR because: Employement grew at an average rate. Hourly wages ($21.34) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Fair   2009   Fair

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because: The employment growth rate will likely be average. However, the government should continue to require translation work. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition You'll be competing with a large number of recent graduates. You're more likely to find opportunities if you know Spanish and Asian languages.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $14.73 $11.74 25-54 $21.78 $19.76 55+ $21.42 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $21.34 $18.07		Hourly wages ($21.34) are close to the national average ($18.07). These earnings are close to the average for occupations in the art, culture, recreation and sport sector and are below average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Close to the average
The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%). This rate is above the average for professionnal occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 11% 10% 1992 11% 11% 1993 8% 11% 1994 6% 10% 1995 6% 10% 1996 6% 10% 1997 6% 9% 1998 6% 8% 1999 2% 8% 2000 7% 7% 2001 5% 7% 2002 3% 8% 2003 3% 8% 2004 5% 7%

% of Part-time work is above average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 67% 81% Part-time 33% 19%		There were 12,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, a decrease of 9% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers (33%) is above the 2004 average (19%) and has dropped since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Above average
The percentage of self-employed workers (49%) is above the 2004 average of 15% and has dropped since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 49% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 5% 10% 25-54 72% 72% 55+ 22% 12%		The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Above average
The percentage of women (71%) is above the 2004 average of 48% and has dropped since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 71% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31