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Manga Translation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

Our critically acclaimed manga, graphic novels, and books have won Eisner, YALSA, and Hugo awards ... Oversee freelance translators, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels ...

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

... favorite manga to the English-speaking market! As an Editor at VIZ Media, you'll have the ... Oversee freelance translators, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels ...

Senior AI Solutions Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$59.50 - $76.75/hr

We super-serve over 100 million anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories, and ... Manage stakeholders proactively: act as the translator between business needs and technical reality ...

Manga Translation information

See salary details

$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do manga translation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for manga translation 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 manga translation?

Manga translation is the process of converting the original Japanese text in manga (Japanese comics) into another language, while preserving the story, tone, and cultural nuances. This requires not only fluency in both languages but also an understanding of manga-specific terminology, humor, and context. Manga translators often collaborate with editors and letterers to ensure that the translated text fits naturally within the artwork and panels. The goal is to provide readers with an authentic experience that stays true to the creator’s intent.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manga translator?

To thrive as a Manga Translator, you need fluency in both Japanese and the target language, with a strong grasp of cultural nuances and literary style. Familiarity with translation software, typesetting tools, and sometimes CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools is often required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication help ensure translations are accurate and engaging while working with editors or teams. These skills are crucial for preserving the original manga's meaning and tone, ensuring quality and reader satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by manga translators, and how can they overcome them?

Manga translators often encounter challenges such as conveying cultural nuances, accurately translating idiomatic expressions, and syncing dialogue with artwork and character space constraints. To overcome these, translators typically research cultural references, collaborate closely with editors and native speakers, and adapt text creatively while maintaining the original meaning. Building a strong understanding of both source and target languages, as well as regular communication with the production team, helps ensure high-quality and faithful translations.

What is the difference between Manga Translation vs Comic Localization?

AspectManga TranslationComic Localization
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation skillsLanguage skills, cultural adaptation
Work EnvironmentFreelance or studio-based, manga publishersPublishing companies, freelance projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in manga and Japanese mediaBroader comics industry, including Western comics
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding translation specifics for mangaDifferences in adapting comics for local audiences

While both roles involve adapting visual storytelling for different languages, Manga Translation focuses on converting Japanese manga into other languages, emphasizing linguistic accuracy. Comic Localization involves not only translation but also cultural adaptation to make comics relatable to local audiences. Manga Translators typically work closely with publishers and focus on maintaining the original tone, whereas Comic Localizers may adapt cultural references and humor for broader appeal.

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Cities with the most Manga Translation job openings:

What states have the most Manga Translation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Manga Translation jobs include:

What other helpful pages are available for Manga Translation?

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Infographic showing various Manga Translation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Manga Kanuri (CAT II and CAT III)

Fayetteville, NC • On-site

WorldWide Language Resources
Translation Services • 51 - 200 employees

$59K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Manga Kanuri (CAT II and CAT III)
Location
Outside Continental United States - , NC 28301 US (Primary)
Job Type
Regular, Full-time
Category
Linguist/Interpreter/Translator
Job Description
WorldWide Language Resources (WorldWide) was established in 1995 to provide U.S. and allied governments, corporations, non-profits and non-governmental organizations with highly skilled linguists, cultural experts, role players, intelligence analysts and other professionals. We support a wide range of operational missions and environments globally, from executive boardrooms in major international cities to austere mission areas. Our core business is language support services.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer; WorldWide reaffirms its long-standing commitment to equality of opportunity in every aspect of employment. The decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship, from applicant to candidate to employee, are made in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes.
  • You may be assigned to a specific country but understand due to mission requirements you may be temporarily or indefinitely assigned to a neighboring country.
  • Must be ready, willing and able to change day-to-day work/tasks as the mission requirements at the assigned location may be fluid with lots of movement and change.
  • Ability to think quickly and deal with issues that may arise professionally, timely and appropriately.
  • Typing ability, basic computer skills, use of Windows, MS Word and MS Excel.
  • Conduct oneself in accordance with the local culture and customs.
  • Ability to function effectively and efficiently during extended periods of high pressure and stress.
  • May be requested to operate a Government furnished vehicle in support of operations.
  • All Linguists may be required to go on missions (outside the wire) and be physically fit to perform these duties.
  • Read, write, listen and speak with clear and concise grammar and pronunciation in the required foreign language(s) and English. Provide idiomatic (particular language or dialect) translations of material using correct structure of sentences in the required foreign language and English. Conduct consecutive, accurate translations and interpretations of on-going conversations and activities.
  • Position requires all employees to be available to work any hours and any days depending on mission requirements.
  • Work and live in conditions that may be extreme, austere, harsh.
  • May be required to work outside and inside depending on mission requirements.
  • Working environment is deployed to inherent overseas country(ies) that may be possible war zones and have considerable risk as part of the assignment

Phased Hiring Process: once pre-screening begins for an open opportunity, you must pass/obtain/maintain...
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have active Secret or Top Secret personnel security clearance
  • Successful reference, criminal and credit screening results
  • Passing of evaluations for the required language for the position you've applied for, as applicable
  • Vetting by our client(s), as applicable
  • Qualified per USCENTCOM requirements to deploy as a contractor accompanying the force
  • Appropriate country clearance/visa, as applicable or required

Languages Required
Manga Kanuri
Citizenship
U.S. Citizen
Clearance
Active - Secret or Top Secret