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Translator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

BuzzClan

Program Specialist (Coordinator)

Orange, CA · On-site

Coordinate translation, interpretation, and alternative format (Braille, Audio, Large Print) requests. Schedule and manage face-to-face interpreter services with contracted vendors. Process vendor ...

Jj

CMSO, APAC and Preclinical Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

Medical Translation: Provides counsel on large / complex product research projects in preparation for health authority submissions. Translate preclinical and translational findings into coherent ...

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All JobsTranslator JobsTranslator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Translator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$28.7K

$59.7K

$91.3K

How much do translator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for translator in Riverside, CA is $59,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a translator do?

Translators and interpreters convert text, conversations, speeches, and other types of information from their original language into another language. The primary difference between the two jobs is translators work with written documents while interpreters convert spoken or sign language. It is a translator's goal to have the translated text with the same tone and meaning as the original version. For example, they must be able to express the meanings behind slang and other expressions that may not translate literally. For this job, you must be fluent in at least two languages and have a good understanding of the cultural expressions and social influences on the languages.

How do you become a certified translator?

To become a certified translator, you typically need to earn a professional certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Translators Association or similar bodies in your country. This usually involves passing a written and/or oral exam demonstrating language proficiency and translation skills, along with relevant education or experience in translation. Certification requirements can vary depending on the region and specialization.

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 familiarizing yourself with translation tools like CAT software can improve your chances. Job opportunities are found through online platforms, language agencies, and networking within professional associations.

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

To thrive as a Translator, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, strong cultural knowledge, and typically a degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology management systems, and sometimes certification from recognized organizations like ATA is common. Attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help translators deliver precise and culturally appropriate content. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate, contextually relevant translations that meet client needs across various industries.

What are some common challenges translators face when working on specialized texts, and how can they overcome them?

Translators often encounter challenges when working with specialized texts, such as legal, medical, or technical documents, due to complex terminology and nuanced concepts. To overcome these challenges, it's important to conduct thorough research, consult subject matter experts, and utilize specialized dictionaries or glossaries. Building a strong network of professional contacts and continually updating one’s industry knowledge can also help translators maintain accuracy and clarity in their work. Collaboration with editors or peers is common to ensure the final translation meets both linguistic and subject-specific standards.

How much money do you make being a translator?

Translator salaries vary based on experience, language pairs, and work setting. In general, freelance translators earn between $20 and $50 per hour, while salaried positions typically pay between $40,000 and $70,000 annually. Advanced skills, certifications, and specialization can lead to higher earnings.

What does a translator do?

A translator is a language professional who converts written text from one language into another while maintaining the original meaning, tone, and style. Translators work on various materials, including books, legal documents, websites, and technical manuals. Their goal is to make content accessible and accurate for speakers of different languages. Translators must have excellent language proficiency in both the source and target languages, as well as strong cultural knowledge to ensure the translation is appropriate and effective.
More about Translator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Translator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Translator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Translator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Translator job openings:
Translator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Translator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,675 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Translator I - (Bilingual Japanese / English)

Sega of America

Irvine, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Hybrid Work Model
#LI-hybrid
Job Summary:
SEGA of America is seeking a Translator I to help deliver top-class, Japanese products to Western markets.
Our translators are specialists in the Japanese language and work closely with a team of fellow translators alongside a partnered editing team. The primary responsibility is to provide raw Japanese-to-English translations and support the editors as they craft them into evocative, meaning-faithful English localizations. This includes dialogue, narrative text, system messages, and other in-game content, all of which should accurately reflect the intent, tone, and experience of the original Japanese source and while resonating with Western audiences.
We are seeking candidates for this position who are passionate about video games, language, cross-cultural storytelling, and who bring a friendly, professional, and collaborative approach to their work.
Translators who consistently demonstrate a sustained, high-quality performance for a prolonged period may be considered for future lateral growth opportunities.
This is a hybrid position, with employees expected to be in-office on specified days each week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Translate game text, scripts, manuals, web content, QA bugs, and other materials from Japanese to English with accuracy and attention to context.
  • Create preparation materials for localization, such as terms list, character descriptions, voiceover scripts, and related documentation.
  • Become familiar with assigned projects by playing builds, creating summaries, and sharing relevant information with the project team.
  • Collaborate with editors, translators, and project team members on assigned projects; communicate in person and via messaging tools to clarify game text and resolve issues.
  • Coordinate with Project Leads to track progress and receive translation guidance.
  • Attend daily/weekly project-specific meetings as required.
  • Attend voiceover recording sessions as needed, either for in-studio or remote sessions.
  • Update and maintain translation style guides, glossaries, and story bibles for assigned projects.
  • Stay current with video game trends, game terminology, first-party naming conventions, and relevant subcultures.
  • Solve localization challenges by finding effective English equivalents for Japanese nuances such as jokes, idioms, etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Project Leads, Senior Translators, Lead Translators, or Localization Management.
  • Other responsibilities are performed as assigned or needed.

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
    • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
    • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
    • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
    • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders' work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.
  • Typically has 1-2+ years of translation experience
  • Fluency in Japanese (written and verbal) is required, basic English grammar skills are also required.

Bonus:
  • Passionate and active video game players.
  • Knowledge of SEGA's IPs.
  • Understanding of Japanese culture.

Career Progression & Leveling:
Translator roles are structured across three levels: Translator I, Translator II, and Translator III. Progression is based on demonstrated proficiency, competencies, and seniority.
Core Competencies (Required at All Levels)
  • All Translators are expected to consistently demonstrate the following competencies:
    • Performance: Quality, proactiveness, meticulousness, knowledgeable
    • Timeliness: Regularly hits or surpasses average quotas, attendance punctuality, meeting punctuality, quick to follow up on tasks/requests
    • Communication: Highly communication, asks/answers questions, quick to inform/reply, raises attention to issues in a timely manner
    • Consistency: Reliability, self-management, strong and regular demonstration of all other competencies

Proficiencies
  • QA Bridge:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of QA during LQA period, for bug fixing, bug translations (J>E or E>J), etc.
  • Marketing Bridge:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of Marketing for promotional materials, interview translations/editing, collaboration requests, etc.
  • VO Support:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of PD, VO actors, and VO directors during recording and post-recording, such as pacing, line read accuracy, performance assistance, audio checks, etc.
  • Project Archivist
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of our own Localization department during and after a project period by archiving project information, archiving post-mortems and other administrative information, updating story and character content, etc.

Apply