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Translation Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Japanese Translator

Marion, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

SUMMARY This position supports the Production Engineering and General Administration functions by providing technical interpretation and translation between Japanese and English. The role facilitates ...

Japanese Translator

Marion, IL

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

SUMMARY This position supports the Production Engineering and General Administration functions by providing technical interpretation and translation between Japanese and English. The role facilitates ...

Previous healthcare interpretation and translation experience working in a hospital or clinical atmosphere, familiarity with hospital setting and operations is preferred. Experienced in customer ...

New

General Description The Clerk-Translator is a valuable member of our Behavioral Health team whose primary responsibilities are Spanish interpretation for Spanish-speaking behavioral health patients ...

Medical interpretation and/or translation certificate. Completion of basic medical interpreter training Specialized Skills Required: Must be fluent in English and the target language. Ability to ...

New

Hourly.1 General Description The Clerk-Translator is a valuable member of our Behavioral Health team whose primary responsibilities are Spanish interpretation for Spanish-speaking behavioral health ...

Showing results 21-40

Translation information

See Illinois salary details

$26.6K

$55.4K

$84.8K

How much do translation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for translation in Illinois is $55,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $55,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a translator do?

Translators convert written materials from one language into another while preserving the original meaning, tone, and style. They work with a variety of documents, including books, articles, websites, legal papers, and technical manuals. Translators must have excellent language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and attention to detail to ensure accuracy. Their work often involves researching terminology and collaborating with clients to clarify ambiguities.

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

To excel as a Translator, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of grammar and cultural nuances, and often a relevant degree or certification in translation studies. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology databases, and industry-specific software is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills that set top translators apart. These abilities are crucial for accurately conveying meaning, maintaining context, and ensuring clear communication between diverse audiences.

How do translators typically balance accuracy and cultural nuance when working on projects?

Translators often face the challenge of ensuring translations are both accurate and culturally appropriate. This involves not only conveying the literal meaning of the original text but also adapting idioms, tone, and context to resonate with the target audience. Many translators work closely with clients or subject matter experts to clarify ambiguities and consult style guides or glossaries specific to the industry. Collaboration with editors and other translators is also common, especially for large projects, to maintain consistency and quality throughout the work.

What is the difference between Translation vs Interpreter?

AspectTranslationInterpreter
Required CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications (e.g., ATA)Language proficiency, interpreting certifications (e.g., CI, CT)
Work EnvironmentOffice, remote, or freelance settingsConferences, meetings, live events
Industry UsagePublishing, legal, technical, businessConferences, legal proceedings, healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentTranslation vs Interpreter

Translation involves converting written text from one language to another, typically done in a static setting like documents or websites. Interpreter work focuses on real-time spoken communication, such as at conferences or legal proceedings. Both roles require strong language skills and certifications, but they differ mainly in the medium (written vs spoken) and work environment.

Are translation jobs still in demand?

Yes, translation jobs remain in demand due to globalization and the need for multilingual communication in various industries such as healthcare, legal, and technology. Proficiency in multiple languages and familiarity with translation tools like CAT software can enhance job prospects.

Do translators make a lot of money?

Translator salaries vary based on experience, language pairs, specialization, and location. On average, freelance translators earn between $20 and $50 per hour, while salaried positions typically range from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Advanced skills, certifications, and working with niche markets can lead to higher earnings.

How do I get a job as a translator?

To get a job as a translator, you typically need fluency in at least two languages and often a relevant degree or certification such as the ATA certification. Building a portfolio, gaining experience through freelance work, and using translation tools like CAT software can improve your chances. Many translators work independently or for agencies, and strong language skills and cultural knowledge are essential.

What qualifications do I need to be a translation?

To work as a translator, you typically need fluency in at least two languages and a strong understanding of cultural nuances. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field, and professional certification such as the ATA (American Translators Association) credential can enhance job prospects. Proficiency with translation tools and good communication skills are also important.

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

The most popular types of Translation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Translation jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Translation job openings:

Infographic showing various Translation job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,429 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Internal Revenue Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

WHAT IS TAXPAYER SERVICES? A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
- TS- Customer Assistance Rltshp/Ed, Media and Publications, Tax Forms & Publications
This job (or announcement) is open to current permanent IRS competitive service employees in all business units
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
IOR BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- the appropriate foreign language from an English-speaking college or university, English from a college or university in the other country, or translating or interpreting where English and the foreign language were prerequisites.
OR
Experience in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities: translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-09: To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must meet the following requirements. In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Experience translating material from and into the language;
  • Experience with tax law, Publication 850, and language translation reference websites to perform research;
  • Experience assisting in writing documents using correct grammar, syntax, spelling and use of both non-technical and technical vocabulary;
  • Experience with oral and written techniques to communicate effectively with the intended audience.
OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field of study.
OR Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field of study.
OR LL.B. or J.D., if related
OR A combination of qualifying education and experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-11: To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must meet the following requirements. In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Experience translating material involving subject matter such as technical publications, tax forms and instructions, correspondence and training material from and into the language;
  • Experience with tax law, Publication 850, and language translation reference websites to perform research;
  • Experience with various software programs (i.e. MS Office, Adobe) to create written material;
  • Experience writing documents using correct grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, syllabification and use of both non-technical and technical vocabulary;
  • Experience providing clear and accurate oral and written techniques to communicate effectively and prepare written material for the intended audience.
OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field of study
OR Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a graduate degree in a related field of study. One year of graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
OR LL.M., if related
OR A combination of qualifying education and experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-12: To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position must include:
  • Experience translating material involving difficult subject matter such as technical publications, tax forms and instructions, correspondence and training material from and into the language;
  • Experience with tax law, Publication 850, and language translation reference websites to perform research;
  • Experience with various software programs (i.e. MS Office, Adobe) to create written material;
  • Experience writing documents using correct grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, syllabification and use of both non-technical and technical vocabulary;
  • Experience with providing clear and accurate oral and written techniques to communicate effectively and prepare written material for the attended audience.


You must also meet the following requirement(s):
TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): Current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens".
TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05, applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-5, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.
BILINGUAL POSITION: Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency (ability to speak, read, and write) in both English and Spanish. You may be tested at some point in the hiring process to determine if you possess the required level of proficiency. If you are unable to demonstrate proficiency, you will not be considered for the position.
For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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