Translator
Translators convert written text from one language to another, conveying meaning as faithfully as possible.
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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
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: Translators (5125.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (F025)
- 2011 NOC: Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)
- 2016 NOC: Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)
Interest Codes
The Translator is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Translators
- METHODICAL
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Interest in transcribing text in formats such as memoranda, reports and letters using knowledge of grammar and terms employed in business, professional, technical and trade organizations
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in analyzing information to produce translated documents that help readers understand the contents of original material; and in localizing software and accompanying technical documents to adapt them to another language and culture
- directive
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Interest in consulting with clients to determine the most appropriate adaptation of content from one language to another; may train and supervise other translators
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, 2016
Translators generally translate into their mother tongue. To meet tight deadlines they sometimes work in teams, each person translating a different part of the same text. This requires ensuring consistency of terminology and similarity of style through all revisions.
Freelance translators may work on a wide variety of documents such as:
- international trade publications
- news articles
- books
- industry manuals
- legal documents
- technical or scientific reports or articles
- radio and television scripts
- information related to entertainment, banking or medicine.
The process of translating from 1 language to another often includes:
- researching the topic before beginning the actual translation
- compiling terminology information
- revising, editing and proofreading translated material.
Translators may use reference materials such as:
- dictionaries, lexicons and glossaries
- Internet search engines
- computerized terminology banks and encyclopedias
- general correspondence and reports
- documents such as parallel texts
- technical specifications
- manuals and educational textbooks.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2016
Translators may work long hours to meet deadlines or complete rush jobs.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2016
Translators need the following characteristics:
- inquisitiveness and an interest in researching information
- the ability to pay close attention to detail for extended periods of time
- adaptability
- good interpersonal skills
- a willingness to work long hours when required to meet deadlines.
They should enjoy transcribing and analyzing text, and determining the most appropriate adaptation from one language to another.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2016
Translators need the following knowledge and skills:
- mastery of both source and target languages
- excellent linguistic capabilities and writing skills
- knowledge of current affairs
- an understanding of the fundamentals of business, technology and law
- knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheet programs
- knowledge of the latest electronic resources for translators.
The recommended educational route is to earn an undergraduate degree in 1 or more languages, then complete a specialized program in translation. The best practical training for translators is to spend a considerable length of time living in the culture of the targeted language.
European standards for translators require at least 2 languages in addition to their mother tongue. Studying or living in Europe is excellent preparation for employment with international organizations.
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 Alberta
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
In Canada, programs specifically in translation are offered by:
- College Universitaire de St. Boniface in Winnipeg
- Concordia University in Montreal
- Glendon at York University in Toronto
- Laurentian University in Sudbury
- McGill University in Montreal
- Simon Fraser University in Vancouver
- Université Laval in Quebec City
- University of Ottawa
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo.
Some international programs in translation are offered by distance education.
Certification through the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) is recommended because it shows clients that translators have met national standards and are bound by a code of ethics. Candidates for ATIA membership must pass an exam administered by the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC). Exams are held yearly in Edmonton and Calgary.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2016
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2016
Translators may be employed full time or part time by, or work on a freelance basis for:
- private translation firms and corporations
- schools
- federal and provincial governments.
Translators also may work as terminologists or revisers. Some freelance translators work for clients in other parts of the world via electronic communications. Advancement generally takes the form of building a more extensive client base.
Translators 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 in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- the translator's combination of languages
- 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, 2016
Freelance translators work on a contract basis on specific projects and may be paid by the word. Annual incomes therefore vary from 1 translator to another and may vary from 1 year to another.
Translators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5125: Translators, terminologists and interpreters.
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Translators, terminologists and interpreters occupational group earned on average from $34.71 to $39.64 an hour. The overall average was $35.24 an hour. For more information, see the Translators, terminologists and interpreters wage profile.
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2016
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) website: www.atia.ab.ca
Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) website: www.cttic.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 25, 2016. 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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