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Translation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Coordinates and delivers both interpretation (oral) and translation (written) services for individuals with limited English proficiency across all Intermountain Health facilities and virtual services.

.NET Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$47 - $62.25/hr

These engineers will help build middleware translation layers to extract, transform, and transmit POS data from a new retail POS system into enterprise applications.Key Responsibilities * Design ...

Help with translation services for in-basket messages as needed. CUSTOMER SERVICE: · Greets and directs all patients, visitors, sales representatives, etc., who need assistance to the appropriate ...

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Translation information

See Iowa salary details

$25.8K

$53.7K

$82.2K

How much do translation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for translation in Iowa is $53,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do translators 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 highest paying translation jobs?

Highest paying translation jobs typically involve specialized fields such as legal, medical, or technical translation, often requiring advanced certifications and expertise. Freelance translators with rare language pairs or those working for multinational corporations can command higher rates, especially when working on complex or sensitive projects. Additionally, roles in localization and working with translation technology tools may offer higher compensation.

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.

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

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.

Is AI replacing translator jobs?

AI translation tools are increasingly used to assist human translators by providing quick and cost-effective translations, but they do not fully replace the need for skilled translators who interpret context, nuance, and cultural differences. Human translators are still essential for high-quality, accurate, and culturally sensitive work, especially in specialized fields. Many translation jobs now involve editing and post-editing AI-generated content, requiring language proficiency and technical skills.

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.

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 employability. Job opportunities are found through freelance platforms, language service providers, and direct applications to companies requiring translation services.

What qualifications do I need to be a translator?

To become a translator, you typically need a high level of proficiency in at least two languages, often demonstrated through a bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field. Certification from professional organizations, such as the American Translators Association, can enhance job prospects, and strong writing and cultural knowledge are also important skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Translation jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Translation jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Translation jobs in Iowa? For Translation jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Translation jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Translation jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Translation jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Translation job openings:
Infographic showing various Translation job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,726 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Translational AI Center (TrAC)

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Translational AI Center (TrAC)

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate, Translational AI Center (TrAC)Appointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance uncertainty quantification for large language models and agentic AI systems. The successful candidate will develop large-scale, trustworthy agentic AI frameworks for agricultural security applications, with an emphasis on detecting, understanding, and responding to biological threats. The position will involve close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams spanning artificial intelligence, engineering, agriculture, plant and animal sciences, and cybersecurity.

The scholar will also contribute to TrAC's education and workforce development mission by developing and delivering AI workshops, tutorials, and microcredential programs. Expected activities include publishing high-impact research, mentoring graduate students, contributing to research proposals, and supporting the development of externally funded, multi-institutional projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.
  • Demonstrated research experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or a related area.
  • Demonstrated research experience with large language models, generative AI, agentic AI, or related foundation model technologies.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and experience with modern machine learning frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Research experience in uncertainty quantification, model calibration, confidence estimation, hallucination detection, or reliability assessment for large language models and agentic AI systems.
  • Experience designing and developing multi-agent systems, tool-using AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation systems, or autonomous reasoning and planning workflows.
  • Experience applying artificial intelligence to agricultural systems, biosecurity, biological threat detection, plant health, animal health, or other scientific domains.
  • Experience developing and delivering AI workshops, tutorials, short courses, professional development programs, or microcredentials.
  • Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students in research settings.
  • Experience contributing to federal research proposals, sponsored research applications, and collaborative project reports.
  • Familiarity with scalable computing environments, cloud platforms, high-performance computing, distributed AI systems, or large-scale data pipelines.
  • Evidence of open-source software development, reproducible research practices, and successful interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Demonstrated record of scholarly productivity, including publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University is a multidisciplinary research and education center dedicated to developing artificial intelligence solutions for real-world challenges. TrAC brings together faculty, researchers, and students from across Iowa State University's colleges to advance innovative AI technologies and accelerate their translation into impactful applications across agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and other sectors. The center fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research while emphasizing trustworthy, scalable, and socially responsible AI solutions.

Department Unit/Website:
Translational AI Center - TrAC

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 20, 2026Posting Close Date:July 27, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19630

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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