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Cultural Interpreter, Interpreter, Language Specialist
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:
| Starting | $38.67 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $39.63 |
| Top | $40.82 |
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
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
Interest in speaking to facilitate communication between individuals with differing languages
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.
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.
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.
Language interpreters need:
They should enjoy:
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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).
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:
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:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 5125: Translators, terminologists and interpreters occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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.
| 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 |
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* 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.
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.
| Public Administration | $90,026 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $35,127 |
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.