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Professional Translator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Arlington Public Schools

Hourly Translator

Arlington, VA

$50K - $66K/yr

The Hourly Translator also provides leadership, training, and support to teachers, resource ... Demonstrated English and Spanish language skills at a professional or highly competent level ...

Arlington Public Schools

Hourly Translator

Arlington, VA

$50K - $66K/yr

The Hourly Translator also provides leadership, training, and support to teachers, resource ... Demonstrated English and Spanish language skills at a professional or highly competent level ...

Arlington Public Schools

Hourly Translator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Hourly Translator works independently performing a variety of professional translation activities under the general supervision of the Coordinator Language Services Registration Center. The ...

Leidos

Khmer Linguist/Translator

Reston, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate materials (both ...

Leidos

Khmer Linguist/Translator

Reston, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate materials (both ...

Leidos

Chechen Translator/Linguist

Reston, VA · On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate materials (both ...

Leidos

Chechen Translator/Linguist

Reston, VA · On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate materials (both ...

JTG, inc.

Expert Level Translators

Reston, VA · On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

... professional capability of ILR 5 in the source language • Proficient computer skills, including ... Translation (CAT) and adaptive machine translation tools Preferred Qualifications: • In-depth ...

Leidos

Somali Translator/Linguist

Reston, VA

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate materials (both ...

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All JobsProfessional Translator JobsProfessional Translator Jobs in Virginia

Professional Translator information

See Virginia salary details

$27.3K

$56.7K

$86.8K

How much do professional translator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional translator in Virginia is $56,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Translator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Professional Translator, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, a strong grasp of grammar and cultural nuances, and often a relevant degree or certification in translation. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology management systems, and industry-specific software is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help translators deliver accurate and culturally appropriate work. These abilities ensure clear, effective translation that meets client needs and maintains the integrity of the original message.

What are some common challenges faced by professional translators when working with specialized or technical content?

Professional translators frequently encounter challenges when translating specialized or technical content, such as medical, legal, or scientific documents. These challenges include understanding complex terminology, ensuring accurate meaning without introducing ambiguity, and staying up-to-date with industry-specific language changes. To overcome these hurdles, translators often collaborate with subject matter experts and use specialized glossaries or translation memory tools. Maintaining consistency across large projects and managing tight deadlines are also common aspects of the role.

What are professional translators?

Professional translators are language experts who convert written text from one language into another while preserving the original meaning, style, and tone. They typically work with a wide range of documents, such as legal contracts, technical manuals, literature, and marketing materials. Professional translators possess deep knowledge of both the source and target languages, as well as cultural nuances, to ensure accurate and effective communication. They may specialize in specific fields, such as medical, legal, or technical translation, to provide more precise services. Many professional translators also use specialized software to enhance their efficiency and consistency.

What is the difference between Professional Translator vs Interpreter?

AspectProfessional TranslatorInterpreter
CredentialsLanguage degrees, translation certifications (e.g., ATA)Language degrees, interpretation certifications (e.g., CI, CT)
Work EnvironmentOffices, remote work, translation agenciesConferences, meetings, live events
Industry UsagePublishing, legal, technical, medical translationDiplomatic, legal, medical, conference interpreting
Search & ComparisonOften compared for language services, written translation focusCompared for real-time communication, spoken language

Professional Translators primarily work with written content, translating documents, books, or digital media. Interpreters focus on spoken language, providing real-time translation during conversations, meetings, or events. Both roles require language proficiency and certifications, but they differ in work environment and skill application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Translator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Translator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Translator jobs in Virginia? For Professional Translator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Translator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Translator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Translator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Translator job openings:
Professional Translator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Translator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,710 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Professional Translator - Naval Technical Services

CLFC Healthcare and Communications

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

$48 - $58/hr

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Professional Translator - Naval Technical Services | Dahlgren, VA

Independent Contractor | $48 - $58/hour | Flexible Scheduling

Why Translators Choose CLFC

CLFC Healthcare & Communications connects elite linguists with high-impact federal translation work. Our translators support critical national defense and technical programs, working alongside naval engineers, scientists, and program managers on documents that shape military readiness and international cooperation.

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out

  • Mission-Critical Work: Translate technical documents that directly support naval surface warfare capabilities and national defense programs
  • Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in military, technical, and engineering terminology across multiple defense domains
  • Flexible Engagement: Independent contractor arrangement with scheduling flexibility built around project deliverables
  • Competitive Compensation: $48 - $58/hour commensurate with experience and specialization
  • Virginia Location: Work supporting one of the Navy's premier research and development installations in the Northern Virginia/Fredericksburg corridor
  • Security Clearance Pathway: Opportunity to obtain or utilize existing government security clearance for classified translation work
  • Long-Term Stability: Ongoing federal contract with consistent translation volume and project continuity

The Role

CLFC is seeking Professional Translators to support a federal naval research and development facility in Dahlgren, Virginia. You will provide high-quality written translation services for technical, scientific, and administrative documents supporting naval surface warfare programs. This role requires exceptional linguistic precision, subject matter expertise in military and technical domains, and the ability to handle sensitive materials with discretion and professionalism.

What You Will Do

  • Technical Document Translation: Translate complex engineering, scientific, and technical documents between English and target languages with precision and accuracy
  • Military Communications: Translate operational correspondence, reports, briefings, and technical manuals supporting naval programs
  • Research Translation: Support translation of research papers, technical specifications, test reports, and program documentation
  • Quality Assurance: Review and proofread translated materials for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to military terminology standards
  • Terminology Management: Maintain and develop specialized glossaries for naval, technical, and defense-related terminology
  • Cultural Consultation: Provide cultural context and guidance to ensure translations are appropriate for their intended audience and purpose

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

  • Native or near-native fluency in English and at least one additional language
  • Minimum 2 years of professional translation experience, preferably in technical, military, or government contexts
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and scientific documents with accuracy
  • Eligible for U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in all deliverables
  • Proficiency with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and translation memory software

Preferred Qualifications:

  • ATA (American Translators Association) certification
  • Active or recently held government security clearance (Secret or Top Secret)
  • Experience translating for Department of Defense, Navy, or other military branches
  • Specialization in engineering, weapons systems, naval architecture, or related technical fields
  • Familiarity with DoD translation standards and military document formatting
  • Experience with SDL Trados, MemoQ, or similar professional CAT tools
  • Additional language pairs beyond the primary combination

Compensation and Details

  • Pay Rate: $48 - $58/hour, commensurate with experience and language specialization
  • Engagement Type: Independent Contractor
  • Location: Dahlgren, Virginia (federal naval facility)
  • Schedule: Project-based with flexible scheduling around deliverable deadlines

About CLFC Healthcare & Communications

CLFC Healthcare & Communications is a nationwide federal contractor providing healthcare staffing and language access services. With 500+ healthcare professionals and 200+ interpreters and translators, CLFC delivers critical linguistic and clinical support to federal agencies, military installations, and government programs across the country. CLFC is a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) committed to excellence in every engagement.

CLFC Healthcare & Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.