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Literary Translator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Scientist will integrate literature, experimental data, and translational insights to strengthen program rationale, inform clinical development, and identify opportunities for pipeline ...

$142 - $236/hr

Synthesize published literature, real-world evidence, internal research findings, and behavioral ... Claims and Evidence Translation: Support the generation of evidence-based claims related to ...

Gained experience working within a translational cancer research laboratory. * Strengthened scientific communication and critical thinking skills. * Contributed to literature review, laboratory ...

Gained experience working within a translational cancer research laboratory. * Strengthened scientific communication and critical thinking skills. * Contributed to literature review, laboratory ...

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Literary Translator information

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$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do literary translator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for literary translator in the United States is $57,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a literary translator?

Literary translators are professionals who translate written works of literature—such as novels, poems, plays, and short stories—from one language to another. Their goal is to preserve not just the meaning, but also the style, tone, and cultural nuances of the original text. This requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as literary techniques. Literary translators often work closely with authors, publishers, or editors to ensure the translated work resonates with new audiences while staying true to the original. Their work is essential for making literature accessible across cultures and languages.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a literary translator?

To thrive as a Literary Translator, you need advanced proficiency in both the source and target languages, along with a deep understanding of literary and cultural contexts. Familiarity with translation software (such as SDL Trados or MemoQ) and, in some cases, professional certification can be beneficial. Exceptional attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help convey the tone, style, and nuances of the original text. These abilities are crucial for accurately and artfully rendering literary works so they resonate with new audiences.

What are common challenges faced by literary translators, and how can they be addressed?

Literary translators often encounter challenges such as capturing the author's unique voice, conveying cultural nuances, and preserving the stylistic elements of the original text. Balancing fidelity to the source material with readability in the target language can be demanding. To address these, translators typically collaborate closely with editors, conduct thorough research on cultural references, and engage in multiple rounds of revision. Regular feedback from peers and participating in translator communities can also help refine translations and resolve ambiguities.

What is the difference between Literary Translator vs Technical Translator?

AspectLiterary TranslatorTechnical Translator
Required CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications, literary knowledgeLanguage proficiency, technical certifications, subject matter expertise
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, freelance, literary agenciesEngineering firms, technical manuals, corporate settings
Industry UsageLiterature, publishing, artsEngineering, IT, healthcare, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonLiterary Translator vs Technical Translator

Literary translators focus on translating books, poetry, and creative works, emphasizing style and nuance. Technical translators specialize in translating manuals, technical documents, and scientific texts, requiring subject matter expertise. Both roles demand strong language skills and certifications but serve different industries and purposes.

Are literary translator jobs still in demand?

Literary translator jobs continue to be in demand as global publishing and media expand, requiring skilled translators to adapt works across languages. Demand is influenced by the growth of international literature, digital content, and localization needs, with proficiency in multiple languages and cultural knowledge being valuable skills.

How do you become a literary translator?

To become a literary translator, one typically needs fluency in at least two languages, strong writing skills, and a deep understanding of both cultures. Many translators pursue a degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field, and gain experience through internships, freelance work, or specialized training. Building a portfolio and networking within literary circles can also help establish a career in this field.
More about Literary Translator jobs
Infographic showing various Literary Translator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Full Time, 87% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Department Administrator, World Languages & Literature

Boston, MA • On-site


Boston University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$67K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Department Administrator, World Languages & Literature

Job Description

Department Administrator, World Languages & Literature

Category

Charles River Campus --> Professional

Job Location

Boston, MA, United States

Tracking Code

26500049460716

Posted Date

7/17/2026

Salary Grade

Grade 47

Expected Hiring Range Minimum

$62,000.00

Expected Hiring Range Maximum

$67,000.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Department of World Languages & Literatures seeks a professional to oversee the administration of its financial, operational and faculty action functions. This involves managing the department's various budgets, implementing College and University policies and procedures, and being the primary contact for faculty, staff, other university administrators and officials, and external parties. This position is responsible for the academic functioning of the department, which includes overseeing class scheduling and administering faculty actions (processing hires, tenure and promotion, leaves and sabbaticals). The successful candidate will be highly organized, meticulously detailed, and able to multi-task. Candidate will be self-motivated and take the initiative, following through on all projects until completion. Candidate will be comfortable working independently, but also able to interact amicably with faculty, leadership in the College and University, and staff in other departments. Candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills. The Department of World Languages & Literatures is home to the study of global cultural traditions taught by a diverse group of faculty. We teach ten languages (Arabic, Chinese, German, Hebrew, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish), and a wide range of courses in premodern and modern literature, film, translation, and gender. Our MFA program in Literary Translation and an annual lecture series featuring renowned translators adds vibrancy to our department. The Department is committed to diversity and accessibility in the study of linguistic and literary cultures in a globalized world.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Administer Faculty Actions procedures for department, including tenure review and promotion, lecturer promotion, faculty searches, appointments, personal and research leave applications, and peer evaluations of teaching.

  • Coordinate multi-step visa applications for international scholars along with ISSO Manage and monitor departmental operating budget, faculty research accounts, and restricted accounts.

  • Work with Associate Chair to track department teaching assignments and Summer Term offerings; coordinate CAS Bulletin editing process and academic planning process.

  • Serve as primary departmental contact for faculty and administrators.

  • Manage office facilities, maintenance, and improvements.

  • Supervise Administrative Coordinator Assist Admin. Coord, in supervision of student office workers and other undergraduates employed as language and writing tutors, and research assistants.

  • Advise chair on space issues and personnel considerations involving office assignments.

  • Assist faculty in planning special events and effect interdepartmental funds transfers related to joint events and BUCH-funded projects.

  • Process honoraria and expense reimbursements and advise faculty & staff on use of Concur.

  • Assist the Director of MFA to administer the BU Seminar in Literary Translation, with 8-10 guest speakers every spring; Big Fat Books symposium; and other events.

Established in 1873, Arts and Sciences is Boston University's largest and most academically diverse unit, encompassing over 8,400 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 800 faculty members, and 300 staff across 50 departments, programs, centers, and institutes. Our faculty are award-winning researchers, innovative teachers, and dedicated mentors committed to exploring the complexities of our present and past, uncovering new perspectives, and crafting creative solutions to real-world problems. Our staff are dynamic, mission-driven professionals who foster community, inclusion, and belonging to advance every aspect of the college enterprise. Our community thrives on collaboration, bold ideas, and interdisciplinary exploration. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge that changes the world and provides boundless opportunities to inspire the next generation of leaders.

We offer generous benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, tuition remission, retirement savings, paid time off, and holiday leave.

Required Skills

  • B.A./B.S. and 3+ years of relevant administrative experience is required for this position.

  • Strong Microsoft Office skills.

  • Experience with student information systems Proficiency with data collection and analysis.

  • Strong verbal and written skills, along with strong interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to manage large projects as well as day-to-day tasks and queries.

Preferred:

  • Prior management experience, experience with intercultural work environments, and experience with data analysis programs such as PowerBI

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Skills

Job Location: Boston, MA

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Salary Grade: $62,000.00-$67,000.00

To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/317040 (https://apptrkr.com/9737184)

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About Boston University

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Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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Hours and flexibility

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