We surveyed 7,045 translators to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical translator. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a translator?
Low
High
Working as a translator typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that translators are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a translator?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a translator typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a translator?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a translator.
Do translators work full-time or part-time?
43% of translators work in full-time roles while 57% work part-time.
Is being a translator stressful?
Low
High
Translators tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a translator?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a translator.
How competitive is the workplace for translators?
Low
High
Translators see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a translator require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Translators will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are translators allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Translators are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do translators have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally translators will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a translator physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a translators is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are translators exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Translators tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a translator require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for translators, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good translator require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a translator.