Job title

Job title

Translator

What you do in the job?

Read material from the source language and rewrite it in the required (target) language

Check that the original meaning and feeling of the text is not lost

Ensure that technical terms are correctly translated

Proofread and edit other translators' work

Discuss clients' translation requirements and give quotations for services provided

Research the meaning of words and terminology using dictionaries and the internet

Use computer-aided translation tools.

Education and experience

There are no specific training requirements but you will need to know the language fluently and have a passion towards the language and a good memory

Skills and qualities

Translators need the knowledge of:

Written English and a sound general knowledge

At least one other language and culture or more

Small business management if the operate business

Income/pay

In New Zealand, translators are generally paid on a per-word basis. Other options are charging per line of translated text, per hour or on a project basis. The New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters estimates that a skilled translator earns an average of $360 a day (based on translating 2,000 words at a rate of 18 cents a word). This sum can vary depending on the working languages and on whether the translator works with direct clients or agencies.

Hours of work and Annual leave

usually, work regular business hours, but may work longer hours when they need to meet deadlines, or may work part-time