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Language Interpreter
Language interpreters translate the spoken word from one language to another.
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Avg. Salary $35,127.00
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Avg. Wage $39.63
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Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary
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Outlook N/A
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Employed < 1500
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In Demand High
Also Known As
Cultural Interpreter, Interpreter, Language Specialist
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Interpreters (5125.3)
- 2006 NOC-S: Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (F025)
- 2011 NOC: Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)
- 2016 NOC: Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
56%
56%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $38.67 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $39.63 |
| Top | $40.82 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Interest Codes
The Language Interpreter is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Interpreters
- METHODICAL
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Interest in listening to speakers or reading from texts in order to interpret statements made during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in analyzing information when listening to and watching the source language, in processing the content, meaning, context and affect, and in reproducing messages simultaneously, or consecutively
- social
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Interest in speaking to facilitate communication between individuals with differing languages
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Language interpreters translate one language to another. In consecutive interpretation, they provide a translation when a speaker pauses. In simultaneous interpretation, they interpret the words immediately as they are spoken.
Simultaneous interpreters work in teams. Each person works for 20-minute periods during conferences and meetings. They provide services at international summits, professional seminars and other events where bilingual or multilingual communication is crucial. Ideally, language interpreters should have advance access to the text they will interpret to help them prepare for their assignments beforehand.
In addition to translating spoken words, interpreters may provide background cultural information. They may also identify and resolve conflicts related to the meaning of words, concepts, practices, or behaviour.
For information on sign language interpreters, please see the Sign Language Interpreter occupational profile.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Language interpreters often follow regular office hours, but they sometimes work evenings and weekends.
Telephone service is becoming more popular. Although it is convenient, it also adds challenges. For example, body language clues are not visible and therefore cannot be interpreted.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Language interpreters need:
- Creativity and adaptability
- An aptitude for languages
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal and active listening skills
- The ability to articulate and respond quickly
- The ability to adopt the delivery, tone and convictions of various speakers
- Good short-term memory
- Curiosity and an interest in researching information
They should enjoy:
- Variety
- Precision
- Working with people
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
There is no required education to become a language interpreter. However, interpreters often work without the benefit of written resources, so accredited training and qualifications are essential. A bachelor’s degree in 1 or more languages is recommended. The ability to read and write in their alternative languages is also an asset. The best practical training for interpreters is to spend a considerable length of time living in the culture of the targeted language.
European standards for translators and interpreters stipulate at least 2 languages in addition to their mother tongue. Studying or living in Europe is excellent preparation for employment with international organizations.
In Canada, the University of Ottawa and York University offer a master's degree in conference interpreting. For a current list of interpreter training, see the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) website.
Bilingualism or fluency in 1 or more languages other than English is a prerequisite for training programs.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Athabasca University
Concordia University of Edmonton
University of Calgary
- Bachelor of Arts - East Asian Language Studies
- Bachelor of Arts - East Asian Studies
- Bachelor of Arts - French
- Bachelor of Arts - German
- Bachelor of Arts - Latin American Studies
- Bachelor of Arts - Russian
- Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
- Certificate in French Language and Culture - FSL Foundations
- Certificate in French Language and Culture - FSL Intermediate
- Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture - Level 1
- Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture - Level 2
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, voluntary certifications are available from the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA).
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Few interpreters, other than those in government, are employed on a full-time or part–time basis. Language interpreters generally work freelance.
They may work:
- At meetings and conferences
- In courts of law or legal hearings
- During visits by foreign dignitaries
- During medical or psychological assessments
- Accompanying trade delegations
- For government translation bureaus
Advancement generally takes the form of building a more extensive client base.
Conference interpreters provide services for international and national organizations or business and academic clients who require seamless communication across languages and cultures. While most are freelance, some are employed by international or national institutions, governments, or large companies.
Language interpreters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5125: Translators, terminologists and interpreters. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- Size of the occupation
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Freelance interpreters charge hourly fees that depend on their education, background and area of specialization. Annual incomes vary from 1 interpreter to another and may vary from 1 year to another. However, in general, conference interpreters earn more than court interpreters.
Language interpreters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5125: Translators, terminologists and interpreters.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $45.00 | $38.67 | $45.00 |
| Overall | $18.45 | $45.00 | $39.63 | $45.00 |
| Top | $23.94 | $45.00 | $40.82 | $45.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $90,026 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $35,127 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
56%
56%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
N/A
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) website: www.atia.ab.ca
Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) website: www.cttic.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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