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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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Most translators translate into their mother tongue. To meet tight deadlines, they sometimes work in teams, each person translating a different part of the same text. They need to ensure consistent use of terminology and similar style through all revisions.
Freelance translators may work on various documents such as:
The process of translating from one language to another often includes:
Translators may use reference materials such as:
Translators may work long hours to meet deadlines or complete rush jobs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
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
Interest in consulting with clients to determine the most appropriate adaptation of content from one language to another; may train and supervise other translators
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Translators need:
They should enjoy transcribing and analyzing text and determining the most appropriate adaptation from one language to another.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 130 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 13, 2022 and Apr 19, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Experience: Will train | 68 |
|---|---|
| Own Tools/Equipment: Cellular phone | 27 |
| Experience: 1 to less than 7 months | 24 |
| Tasks: Interpret for persons speaking an Aboriginal or foreign language | 22 |
| Tasks: Interpret language for individuals and small groups | 22 |
| Tasks: Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using electronic equipment | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 19 |
| Tasks: Translate a variety of written material | 18 |
Translators need mastery of both source and target languages. They must also be proficient in writing skills such as syntax, writing mechanics, and lexicon. Awareness of different cultures is a definite asset.
They need the following knowledge and skills:
The recommended educational route is to earn an undergraduate degree in one or more languages, then complete a specialized program in translation. The best practical training for translators is to spend a length of time living in a culture where the targeted language is spoken.
European standards require that translators speak at least 2 languages as well as their first language. Studying or living in Europe is excellent preparation for employment with international organizations.
Bilingualism or fluency in one or more languages other than English is a prerequisite for training programs in translation.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
In Canada, the following universities offer translation programs:
Some international programs in translation are offered by distance education.
Certification through the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) is recommended. 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.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Translators may work as freelancers or work full time or part time for:
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 clientele.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Translators, terminologists and interpreters
2016 NOC: 5125
84.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Freelance translators work on a contract basis on specific projects. They may be paid by the word, the page, or the project. Annual incomes therefore vary from one translator to another and year to year.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $33.81 | $45.00 | $43.59 | $45.00 |
| Overall | $33.81 | $45.00 | $43.78 | $45.00 |
| Top | $33.81 | $45.00 | $43.81 | $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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $68,225 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $67,344 |
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, 2020. 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.
