We surveyed 6,904 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.

Info

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.