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Professional Translation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WelbeHealth

Medical Translator

Rosemead, CA

$44K - $58K/yr

... translation and interpretation of medical information. This role ensures participants can ... Collaborate with healthcare professionals, IDT team members, and others as needed to support ...

Welbehealth

Medical Translator

Rosemead, CA

$23.23 - $30.66/hr

... translation and interpretation of medical information. This role ensures participants can ... Collaborate with healthcare professionals, IDT team members, and others as needed to support ...

WelbeHealth

Medical Translator

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$23.23 - $30.66/hr

... translation and interpretation of medical information. This role ensures participants can ... Collaborate with healthcare professionals, IDT team members, and others as needed to support ...

WelbeHealth

Medical Translator

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$23.23 - $30.66/hr

... translation and interpretation of medical information. This role ensures participants can ... Collaborate with healthcare professionals, IDT team members, and others as needed to support ...

Welbehealth

Medical Translator

Rosemead, CA

$23.23 - $30.66/hr

... translation and interpretation of medical information. This role ensures participants can ... Collaborate with healthcare professionals, IDT team members, and others as needed to support ...

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All JobsProfessional Translation JobsProfessional Translation Jobs in California

Professional Translation information

What is professional translation?

Professional translation is the process of converting written or spoken content from one language to another by a qualified individual with expertise in both the source and target languages. Unlike machine or amateur translation, professional translators ensure that meaning, tone, and context are preserved accurately. They often specialize in specific fields, such as legal, medical, or technical translation, to provide precise and culturally appropriate results. Professional translation plays a vital role in global communication, commerce, and diplomacy.

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

To thrive as a Professional Translator, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, strong grammar skills, and a relevant degree or translation certification. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology databases, and industry-specific software is commonly required. Attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and excellent time management are vital soft skills for success in this field. These skills ensure accurate, contextually appropriate translations that meet client needs and industry standards.

How do professional translators typically handle tight deadlines and multiple simultaneous projects?

Professional translators often manage several projects at once, each with its own deadlines and subject matter. To handle this effectively, they employ strong organizational skills, use specialized translation management tools, and maintain clear communication with clients and project managers. Prioritizing tasks, planning ahead, and sometimes collaborating with other translators or editors helps ensure quality work is delivered on time. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as last-minute changes or urgent requests are common in this field.

What is the difference between Professional Translation vs Interpreter?

AspectProfessional TranslationInterpreter
CredentialsTypically requires translation certifications (e.g., ATA certification), language degreesOften requires interpreting certifications, language proficiency tests
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based, working with documents, digital toolsUsually live settings, conferences, meetings, or courtrooms
Industry UsageUsed in publishing, legal, medical, technical fieldsUsed in legal, diplomatic, medical, conference settings

While both roles involve language skills, Professional Translators focus on converting written content, whereas Interpreters facilitate spoken communication in real-time. Each requires specific certifications and work environments, but both serve essential roles in cross-language communication across industries.

How do I become a professional translator?

To become a professional translator, you typically need fluency in at least two languages and often pursue a bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field. Gaining certification from recognized organizations and developing strong language skills, cultural knowledge, and proficiency with translation tools can enhance employability.

Is there still a demand for professional translators?

Yes, professional translators are in demand due to globalization and the need for accurate communication across languages. The industry values language skills, cultural knowledge, and proficiency with translation tools like CAT software, and demand is expected to grow as international business and content localization increase.

What are the most commonly searched types of Translation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Translation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Professional Translation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Professional Translation job openings:

Professional Translation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Translation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Translator - Pacific Island Languages

Prisma International, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Prisma International, Inc. - Prisma is a dynamic and growing language services provider committed to delivering exceptional translation solutions to clients worldwide. We pride ourselves on our dedication to linguistic excellence and client satisfaction.

TRANSLATOR - PACIFIC ISLAND LANGUAGES - Job Posting

We are expanding our independent contractor team and seeking experienced, professional Translators to provide vital recovery communications to individuals and communities impacted by disasters. We are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in this effort. In times of crisis, clear communication in one's native language isn't just a service-it's a lifeline. Translation projects for FEMA are urgent and require fast turnaround.

To be considered for hire, you must meet ALL minimum requirements listed below. Translation projects are assigned on an as-needed basis according to need and your availability.

TARGET LANGUAGES:

CAROLINIAN, CHAMORRO (Saipan dialect), CHUUKESE, HAWAIIAN, ILOCANO, MARSHALLESE, PALAUAN, POHNPEIAN, SAMOAN and TONGAN.

If your language is not listed above, you are welcome to apply. However, you must meet ALL requirements to be considered.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • You must reside in the United States or a U.S. territory.
  • You must be 18+ years of age.
  • Have three (3) years of professional experience providing written translations to state and/or federal government agencies. Candidates who submit resumes without a three-year timeline of fed/state government agency experience will be disqualified.
  • Certified by a translation industry organization such as: American Translators Association (ATA), Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR), etc. --OR-- a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in translation or other language-related discipline from an accredited college or university. If onboarded, you will be asked to submit proof of accreditation(s). Five+ years of professional translation services to state and/or federal government agencies may be accepted in lieu of the above.
  • Willingness to abide by Prisma's Master Service Agreement (MSA) and related Addenda.
  • High proficiency in English and a fluent speaker of the target language(s).
  • Reliable desktop PC or laptop with dedicated, secure, high-speed internet connection.
  • Experience using modern CAT tools (e.g. XTM, Trados, etc.).
  • Adobe Acrobat on your device and the ability to use Adobe's markup tools on a PDF file.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide quick-turn written translations using a Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tool. We provide XTM access to you.
  • Adhere to all project work instructions, glossaries and reference materials provided to you.
  • Ensure the source content's concept, style and register are culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target language.
  • Perform language quality check steps (before delivery) to ensure the target translation is error-free and true to the meaning of the source document.
  • Deliver completed translation jobs by the given deadlines and project budgets. FEMA projects require accelerated delivery. Due dates are driven by word count.
  • Review formatted target language PDF files for accuracy; mark any corrections needed. Using Adobe mark-up tools is required.
  • Communicate in a timely and professional manner with Prisma team members.
  • Willfully participate in quality management processes, e.g. Corrective Action Reports (CARs), Root Cause Analyses (RCAs), solution implementation.
  • Take all measures necessary to protect and keep private sensitive information shared with you to carry out translation projects (e.g. PHI, PII, SBU).
  • Adhere to policies and processes defined in Prisma's Master Service Agreement (MSA) and the Prisma Vendor Guide.

OTHER ATTRIBUTES

  • Excellent communication skills and quick responses to Prisma project team requests.
  • Ability to accommodate fast turnarounds for small word count projects.
  • After hours and weekend ability is a plus (at your discretion).

IMPORTANT APPLICANT SECURITY NOTICE:

Prisma will never ask for payment information or fee transfers during recruitment or employment preparation. Legitimate outreach for information will only originate from official @prisma.com email addresses.

Requirements

See full list of minimum requirements above.

Apply