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Translators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Translators information

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$27.1K

$56.5K

$86.4K

How much do translators jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for translators in California is $56,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there still a demand for translators?

Yes, there is ongoing demand for translators due to globalization and the need for multilingual communication in various industries. Translators with expertise in specialized fields, such as legal or medical translation, and proficiency in translation tools like CAT software, are particularly sought after.

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 in translation or linguistics. Building a portfolio, gaining experience through freelance work or internships, and using translation tools like CAT software can improve your chances. Many translators find work through online platforms, agencies, or direct client outreach.

What is the difference between Translators vs Interpreters?

AspectTranslatorsInterpreters
CredentialsLanguage degrees, translation certificationsLanguage degrees, interpretation certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, remote, or freelanceConferences, meetings, live events
Industry UsagePublishing, legal, technical documentsConferences, legal proceedings, healthcare

Translators primarily work with written content, translating documents and texts, often in a static environment. Interpreters focus on spoken language, providing real-time translation during live events or conversations. While both roles require language proficiency and certification, their work settings and methods differ significantly.

How do you become a certified translator?

To become a certified translator, individuals typically need to complete a recognized certification program or pass a certification exam offered by professional organizations such as the American Translators Association or equivalent bodies in other countries. Certification requirements often include demonstrating language proficiency, passing written and oral exams, and having relevant translation experience or education. Certification can enhance job prospects and credibility in the translation industry.

How can I work as a translator?

To work as a translator, you typically need fluency in at least two languages and often a relevant degree or certification in translation or linguistics. Building a portfolio, gaining experience through internships or freelance work, and familiarizing yourself with translation tools like CAT software can improve job prospects. Many translators work independently or for agencies, and strong communication skills are essential.
What cities in California are hiring for Translators jobs? Cities in California with the most Translators job openings:
Infographic showing various Translators job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,451 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Translator I - (Bilingual Japanese / English)

Sega of America

Irvine, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 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.

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