5 Common Types of Translators and How Much They Make

Translators are the unsung heroes who bridge countries and cultures, converting written text from one language to another. But translation isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig. Most translators specialize in a specific field or industry, mastering the unique language and terminology that come with it. If you love languages and are fascinated by their finer nuances, read on to discover which type of translation could be your perfect match!

Before Picking Your Specialization

Before diving into a translation niche, there are a few key steps to consider. First, you need to master your target language. It’s not just about grammar and vocabulary, but also about understanding the cultural nuances that shape how language is used. This often requires years of study, including formal education and cultural immersion. To make this journey more enjoyable and sustainable, choose a language that genuinely interests you. While some languages may offer more job opportunities, your best bet is to pick one that keeps you motivated through years of learning and practice.

Next, focus on learning the art of translation itself. This involves specialized training, often through degree programs or certifications, where you’ll develop the techniques and skills needed to translate effectively. During this time, you’ll also decide on your source and target language combination—the languages you’ll work with throughout your translation career.

Once you have the basics of your target language down and a solid understanding of how translation works in practice, it’s time to zero in on the field or industry that best fits your skills and interests.

(For a complete guide on how to become a professional translator, check out our blog post here.)

1. Literary Translation

Estimated average salary: $59,626/year (2023)

Behind every translated book is a skilled literary translator that works on preserving the language and story of the original novel. Perhaps the most complex form of translation, it requires an overall understanding of the text as a whole and incorporates the editing and storytelling skills of an author to make foreign literature available to the rest of the world.?

Literary translation must balance the technical and subjective aspects of translating: an impeccable grasp of grammar and precise word choices combined with an understanding of time, place, and the context of both the source and target language. Reading translated fiction from across the globe is a great way to gain an appreciation for the complexities — but also beauty — inherent in this subfield.

2. Technical Translation

Estimated average salary: $55,019/year (2023)

From scientific documents to user manuals, technical translators work on translating materials that deal with scientific or technical subject matters. This subfield of translation often requires a translator to acquire expertise in the field they’re working in. That doesn’t necessarily mean they need to know everything about computer software, but they should broadly understand the topic — in two or more languages, no less — and know the terminology to use to clearly and precisely translate texts about it. An exception to this is if you’re hoping to translate articles for technical or engineering journals, which does require college level training in the subject itself, in addition to language fluency.?

This field is full of variety, though, and there are so many documents and fields that encompass “technical translation” that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Just imagine, somewhere out there, there are people translating patent documents, swearing over IKEA user manuals in multiple languages, and obsessing over software documentation — to name just a few examples. To find out if this might be the job for you, it’s worth doing your own research to explore what else you can do in this oft-forgotten but expansive subfield.?

3. Financial Translation

Estimated average salary: $70,322/year (2023)

The rise in international business has also led to an increased need for financial translators. If an American business is working with a partner in China, for example, the financial and business documents they exchange will need to be translated so each party can stay up-to-date on their business dealings.?

Enter the financial translator, who works on key documents like balance sheets, cash flow statements, account audit reports, and much more, to facilitate communications between international businesses and banks. They are an essential part of the international business process by helping companies effectively communicate.?

(?? Do none of these financial terms sound familiar? Head over to our blog post on finances for freelancers to learn more!)

4. Administrative Translation

Estimated average salary: $44,713/year (2023)

Another important part of international business is administrative translation. As companies expand into different countries and partner with international organizations, the day-to-day business documents they send out to employees and partners need to be translated to ensure proper communication and operations.?

Some of the documents an administrative translator might work on include operating procedures, strategic plans, guidelines, presentations, and newsletters. And that’s just to name a few. Dozens upon dozens of documents that most lay people never even think of are used in daily business operations and communications that may need to be translated.?

To ensure this is done smoothly and efficiently, administrative translators need to learn specific terminology in their target language in order to properly communicate business concepts and keep everyone on the same page. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt if they also have a working understanding of the administrative processes they are translating.

5. Legal Translation

Estimated average salary: $49,319/year (2023)

Businesses and government agencies often also require translations of legal or official documents, which is where legal translators come in. In this field, accuracy is key, as well as a deep understanding of the law and legal processes. They must also be familiar with legal terminology and its meanings in both the target and source languages, and also stay vigilant for errors, since even the placement of a comma can change the legal implications of a text.

Because of these strict requirements, the job of a legal translator can be quite demanding, making these specialists highly sought-after. Often, their services are needed during immigration or employment processes as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or diploma supplements need to be translated. They may also work on contracts between businesses or even actual legal texts.

In summary, translation is a diverse field with opportunities across various industries. Whether you're drawn to the creativity of literary translation or the precision of legal translation, there’s a niche for every type of translator. With the growing need for multilingual communication in today’s global economy, skilled translators are more in demand than ever!

Follow us on LinkedIn for more tips and advice on the publishing industry. Be sure to check out our guide on becoming a professional translator and learn more about translator certifications to deepen your understanding of this field.