Translator / Interpreter
Bridges languages so people can understand each other.
Strengths this career uses
This profile uses communication, empathy, problem solving — add your child to compare it with their real signals.
Watch a favorite show with foreign subtitles
About 30 minutes. No special gear — just curiosity.
Videos for kids
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Communication
Translator / Interpreter · communication in action
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Empathy
Translator / Interpreter · empathy in action
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Problem Solving
Translator / Interpreter · problem solving in action
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What is it?
Translators work with written text and interpreters work with spoken language — helping hospitals, courts, businesses, and refugee families communicate.
A typical day might include…
Morning translating documents, mid-day live interpreting at a hospital, lunch reviewing terminology, afternoon proofreading, evening study of the language.
They might…
- Speak two or more languages fluently
- Translate documents carefully
- Interpret in real-time for meetings
- Understand culture, not just words
"You're not the message — you're the bridge."
— Court interpreters
Helpful subjects
Pay range
$45k–$90k (US, 2024)
Just one factor — not the point.
Gentle reminder
A door, not a destination. Many people change careers 5+ times.
Adjacent paths
Careers that share strengths with this one.