Interpreters

Employment opportunities for interpreters and translators are expected to grow much faster than the average through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), at a rate of 19 percent. Interpreters who are fluent in French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Korean, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Mayan are predicted to be in demand in the future. Additionally, the DOL says that “job opportunities should be plentiful for interpreters and translators specializing in healthcare and law, because of the critical need for all parties to fully understand the information communicated in those fields.” Those with certification, a bachelor's degree (and preferably a master's degree), and experience will have the best job prospects.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts says that “the single greatest operational requirement in the federal courts is for Spanish-language interpreters. However, there is also a need for interpreters in other languages, including Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, and Foochow), Portuguese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, and Arabic.”

Demographic factors will fuel demand for interpreters. Although some immigrants who come to the United States assimilate easily with respect to culture and language, many have difficulty learning English. As immigration to the United States continues to increase, interpreters will be needed to help immigrants function in an English-speaking society.

Another demographic factor influencing the interpreting field is the growth in overseas travel. Americans on average are spending an increasing amount of money on travel, especially to foreign countries. The resulting growth of the travel industry will create a need for interpreters to lead tours, both at home and abroad.

In addition to leisure travel, business travel is spurring the need for more interpreters. With workers traveling abroad in growing numbers to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars with overseas clients, interpreters will be needed to help bridge both the language and cultural gaps.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “demand for American Sign Language interpreters is expected to grow rapidly, driven by the increasing use of video relay services, which allow people to conduct online video calls and use a sign language interpreter.”

While no more than a few thousand interpreters are employed in the largest markets (the federal government and international organizations), other job options exist. Interpreters will be needed to provide non-English speakers with language assistance in health care settings. Opportunities exist for qualified individuals in law, trade and business, health care, tourism, recreation, and the government.