Earn Money Online As A Translator
Self-employed workers now make up more than a quarter of the work force among translators and interpreters in the United States, and many of them are independent contractors who work from home. If you’re fluent in a second language, written or spoken, and you’re looking for work you can do from home, a job as a translator or interpreter might be right for you, too. It’s a career that provides flexibility, and there’s a lot of growth in the field.
You could translate documents online, interpret over the phone, or both, if you’re qualified. Interpreting requires that you listen to other people speak, so openings for home-based interpreter jobs are naturally harder to find compared to those for home-based translators.
You need to be fluent in at least two languages (including your own), you need a high-speed Internet connection (and phone equipment if you’re going to work as an interpreter), you need an eye or ear for detail, and you need strong analytical skills, among other job requirements. Many assignments also require a bachelor’s degree, along with prior experience as a translator or interpreter.
Your earnings will depend on the number of languages you’re able to translate or interpret, the languages you can work with, and any areas of expertise you have, such as medicine or business. Middle Eastern, East Asian and the major Western European languages are in the highest demand.
With the right skills and enough work, it’s possible to earn a middle-class salary. But like many independent contractors in the field, you likely will need to supplement your income with other jobs.
There are a number of Web sites that connect freelance interpreters and translators with work they can do from home. Telelanguage.com, for example, hires telephone interpreters. Elance, Guru.com and other general freelancer sites offer job postings for translation assignments. The American Translators Association, at ATAnet.org, provides certification exams in 24 languages.