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Professional Translator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LILT, Inc

Medical Translators - Dari - US-based

$45K - $58K/yr

Professional experience in translation and localization within the Medical/Life Sciences domains . Why Collaborate with Lilt? * Your schedule, your rules. As an independent contractor, work when you ...

LILT, Inc

Medical Translators - Quechua - US-based

$45K - $58K/yr

Professional experience in translation and localization within the Medical/Life Sciences domains . Why Collaborate with Lilt? * Your schedule, your rules. As an independent contractor, work when you ...

LILT, Inc

Medical Translators - Burmese - US-based

$45K - $58K/yr

Professional experience in translation and localization within the Medical/Life Sciences domains . Why Collaborate with Lilt? * Your schedule, your rules. As an independent contractor, work when you ...

LILT, Inc

Medical Translators - Bengali - US-based

$45K - $58K/yr

Professional experience in translation and localization within the Medical/Life Sciences domains . Why Collaborate with Lilt? * Your schedule, your rules. As an independent contractor, work when you ...

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Professional Translator information

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$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do professional translator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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 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.

More about Professional Translator jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Translator jobs? Cities with the most Professional Translator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Translator jobs? The most popular types of Translator jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Translator jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Translator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional Translator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Translator jobs are:
Professional Translator jobs near you
Spanish Linguist (2026-0022)

Spanish Linguist (2026-0022)

Acclaim Technical Services

Reston, VA • On-site

$34.50 - $37/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Acclaim Technical Services, founded in 2000, is a leading language and intelligence services company supporting a wide range of U.S. Federal agencies. We are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, which is uncommon within our business sector. We see this as a significant strength, and it shows: ATS is consistently ranked as a top workplace among DC area firms and continues to grow.
We are actively hiring a Spanish Professional Translator/Interpreter to join our team working in Reston, VA. Linguist must have a minimum of 3 years working as a professional translator and/or interpreter within the last 7 years or a recently completed M.A., degree in Translation and or Interpretation. You will be responsible for supporting a government agency and your office with translation, transcription, and interpretation services.
Testing Requirements: Translation Assessment: 4; Speaking/Listening/Reading: 4's; Interpretation 3+
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • In this role, linguists will use native reading and writing skills and cultural expertise.
  • Linguists to provide high-caliber Spanish to English and vice versa interpretation, translation, and transcription
  • Perform proofreading and quality control of final products
  • Provide Spanish conversational one-on-one support sessions as needed
  • Work independently, under no supervision
  • Ability to work as part of at team and able to meet deadline on short-notice
  • Work flexible hours Monday - Friday during normal business hours between 0700 and 1800 or as needed depending on the workflow in order to complete deadlines
  • Occasionally may be required to work overtime, including weekends and holidays
  • As needed, linguists may be asked to travel CONUS and OCONUS TDY'S opportunities to meet the office's requirements, as needed. Travel - Approximately 60%

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in Interpretation and Translation
  • Interpretation between source and target languages
  • Translation into English and target language
  • Transcription into English and target language
  • Summarizing/Gisting while drawing upon linguistic or cultural expertise
  • Subject Matter Expertise in Religion and Culture, and Linguistics

PREFERRED SKILLS
  • Translation Related Services
  • Summarizing/Gisting, Triage, Quality Control and Editing of language products
  • Consecutive note taking, public speaking
  • Workflow
  • Lexicographer
  • Human Language Technology (HLT), CAT tools (e.g., Lilt, MS Suite etc.)
  • Terminology Management vetting, and sharing word or phrase translations with context specific meaning, e.g., software, medical or military terminology
  • Subject Matter Expertise in Counter-Proliferation, Counterterrorism, Legal/Law, Narcotics Regional Politics and Science and Technology are desired.
  • Professional translation and/or interpretation certifications obtained (e.g., ATA, FCICE, CHI/CMI, etc.)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT
ATS is committed to a program of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion/creed, hairstyles and hair textures, handicap/disability, genetic information/history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law. We support the employment and advancement in employment of individuals with disabilities and of protected veterans, and we treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.

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