Translator
Convert source material from one language into another language.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Translator?
- How to become a Translator
- Latest Translator jobs
- Top skills and experience for Translators
- Is Translator the right role for you?
- Translator role reviews
What's it like to be a Translator?
Translators convert written documents from one language to another. The aim is to have people read the translation as though it were the source material, with the translation maintaining the accuracy and structure of the original. Translators can work in academic, commercial or government settings.
Tasks and duties
- Meet with clients to understand briefs.
- Provide quotes and timeframes based on length and complexity of source.
- Read or listen to source material to understand the meaning and context.
- Convert source material into second language.
- Translate online, television and recorded media.
- Consult with specialist subject matter experts.
- Use online translation tools and reference books.
- Adhere to industry standards.
How to become a Translator
You don’t need formal qualifications to work as a Translator, but given the heavy emphasis on language skills continuing education may be an advantage.
- Take your advanced bilingual skills to the next level and consider completing an Advanced Diploma of Translating (PSP60816). Entry requirements may vary between providers and the course will take approximately 1 year to complete.
- Alternatively you may consider a Bachelor degree in Interpreting and Translation, which will take 3 years of full time study and usually requires completion of Year 12 for entry.
- Continue your studies with a Master of Applied Linguistics. The course will take 1-2 years full-time depending on your current qualifications, and you’ll need to have completed an undergraduate degree or have significant relevant work experience.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Translators.Latest Translator jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Translator jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Translator employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Proofreading
Linguistics
Life Sciences
Spelling
Clinical Trials
Grammar
Editing
Management Systems
Punctual
Risk Control
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Translator reviews
Feb 2025
As a translator I have successfully facilitated communication by accurately translating a wide range of documents and ensuring cultural sensitivity
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate IV in Human Resources
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationAdministration & Office Support
The good thingsThe good things:
Having a passion for languages, being a translator can be incredible rewarding.
I can help people understand and communicate across language barriers, which can be very fulfilling.
t...
The challengesTranslating documents with highly specialized vocabulary or complex sentence structures can be quite challenging.
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May 2021
Translation Job gives us flexibility of work style and lots of learning opportunities
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Law
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationLaw and financial
The good thingsTranslators don’t need to go to the office. We can work from home. We also have flexible work hours - as long as we complete the job before deadline, we can work anytime of the day. It is really good ...
The challengesWork schedule is always unpredictable - when our clients give us order, it is our work days. So, irregular work schedule and unstable income are negative part of transition job.
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through au.seek.com
