How to become a Translator

Translators convert written documents from one language to another while maintaining the precise meaning of the original text. Translators usually specialise in two or more languages. They may also specialise in a particular field of work such as commerce, law, health, science, technology or literature.

Personal requirements for a Translator

Excellent command of written English
Fluency or ability to learn at least one other language
Understanding of different cultures
Able to work accurately and objectively
Initiative and research skills
Able to maintain confidentiality
Broad general knowledge

Education & Training for a Translator

To become a translator you require fluent written language skills in English and fluent reading comprehension of at least one other language. You will also need to complete a VET or university qualification. These courses can help you become qualified by developing the language skills needed to meet the entry requirements for a further course of study in translating.Entry to VET qualifications or degree courses usually requires you to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

After completing an appropriate qualification or gaining significant experience you may be able to gain accreditation through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The NAATI levels of accreditation range from Paraprofessional Translator and Professional Translator to Advanced Translator and Advanced Translator (Senior). Both Advanced Translator accreditations require the high levels of proficiency needed for legal and academic texts. The minimum level of accreditation that NAATI recommends for professional work in Australia is the Professional Translator level.

Duties & Tasks of a Translator

Translators:

Study original texts and transcripts of recorded spoken material to understand the subject matter
Translate the meaning and feeling of written material in the appropriate register and style
Translate a wide range of written material, including business letters, application forms, legal texts, novels and detailed scientific articles
Make sure that phraseology and terminology in legal, technical and scientific texts are accurately translated
Supply subtitles for films and television programs
Revise translations done by others.

Tasks

Studies original texts and transcripts of recorded spoken material to comprehend subject matter and translates them into another language.
Renders the meaning and feeling of written material, such as literary, legal, technical and scientific texts, into another language in the appropriate register and style, so that it will read as an original piece rather than as a translation.

Employment Opportunities for a Translator

Translators are employed, usually on a freelance basis, by federal, state and territory government departments concerned with immigration, defence, legal issues and law enforcement, social security and education. Organisations such as hospitals, banks, tourist agencies and private interpreting and translating firms may also employ translators on a contract or freelance basis. Permanent employment opportunities are limited, but are most likely found in law, finance and defence.Most translators in Australia are self-employed or work as freelancers, casuals or contractors. The most successful translators in Australia work for international clients using modern technology to service clients and collaborate with colleagues on projects.

Specializations

Translator

Average age
47 years
Future Growth
Moderate
Gender Share
64% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,942
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
41% Full-Time
Employment Size
1,500 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 3.8%
NSW: 35.1%
NT: 1.1%
QLD: 17.3%
SA: 5.9%
TAS: 1.5%
VIC: 29.0%
WA: 6.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.2%
20-24: 3%
25-34: 19.8%
35-44: 21.8%
45-54: 22%
55-59: 9.5%
60-64: 10%
65 and Over: 13.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 7.8%
Bachelor degree: 36.3%
Certificate III/IV: 1.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 44.4%
Year 10 and below: 1.4%
Year 11: 0.3%
Year 12: 8.5%