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Translators & Interpreters
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Working as a Translator or Interpreter ....................................................... 2
Skills, Education and Experience ............................................................... 6
Finding Jobs ............................................................................................ 7
Applying for a Job .................................................................................. 10
Getting Help from Industry Sources ......................................................... 11
1. Working as a Translator or Interpreter
Job Description
Translators perform some or all of the following duties:
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Translate a variety of written material such as correspondence, reports, legal
documents, technical specifications and textbooks from one language to
another
Maintain the content, context and style of the original material to the
greatest extent possible
Localize software and accompanying technical documents to adapt them to
another language and culture
Revise and correct translated material
May train and supervise other translators.
Interpreters perform some or all of the following duties:
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Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using
electronic equipment, either simultaneously (as the speaker speaks),
consecutively (after the speaker speaks) or whispered (speaking in a low
whisper to one or two persons as the speaker is talking)
Provide interpretation services in court or before administrative tribunals
May interpret language for individuals and small groups travelling in Canada
and abroad
May interpret for persons speaking a Native or foreign language in a variety
of circumstances
May train other interpreters.
Sign language interpreters translate sign language to a spoken language and
vice versa either simultaneously or consecutively.
Last Updated: October 29, 2014
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Industry Overview
Translators and interpreters usually specialize in two languages, such as French and
English, the official languages of Canada. In British Columbia, translators and
interpreters who are fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese or Punjabi may have
an advantage in the job market. There growing demand for translators who have a
good command of Spanish.
The main areas of specialization include administrative, literary, scientific and
technical translation. Interpreters may specialize in court, parliamentary or
conference interpretation. Employment prospects are also good for translators who
are familiar with scientific and technical fields, law, biology and pharmacy. These
people are often hired as technical writers.
Demand for these professionals is concentrated in large urban centres such as
Metro Vancouver.
Source: National Occupational Classification:
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/2011/ProfileNocCode.aspx?val=5&val1=5125&val17=
5125&val18=0&val19=0
Job Outlook in BC
Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters, NOC 5125
Chart from: WorkBC, Labour Market Navigator,
http://www.workbc.ca/Navigator/occupations/5125
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The Employment Outlook for BC provides job openings projections for translators,
terminologists and interpreters within BC regions:
Region
Vancouver Island
Lower Mainland / Southwest
Thompson-Okanagan
Kootenay
Cariboo
North Coast & Nechako
Northeast
2010
Estimated
Employment
2015
Estimated
Employment
Avg Annual %
Change, 5 Years,
2010 to 2015
130
1,160
70
10
20
10
10
130
1,290
70
20
20
10
10
0.5%
2.2%
0.2%
2.9%
0.4%
0.3%
1.2%
Source: Regional Employment Projections, BC Stats. Projections for development regions
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/LabourIncome/EmploymentUnemployment/Regional
EmploymentProjections.aspx
You can learn more about working as a translator or interpreter from:
 WorkBC, Career Profiles at http://workbc.ca/Careers [search NOC 5125]
And
 Translation Bureau. Government of Canada
http://www.btb.gc.ca/btb.php?lang=eng&cont=162
Types of Employers
Translators may work for private translation agencies, government departments,
multinational corporations, publishing houses, or any other business or organization
that needs translations of written materials. Some work as independent freelancers,
contracting out their services to more than one organization.
The demand in this occupation is translating technical materials.
Interpreters work full-time for governments, large corporations, the media, and
international organizations such as the United Nations. Some interpreters are selfemployed and work on a freelance basis or for agencies on short-term contracts.
On-site interpreters work wherever they are needed, including conference venues,
courtrooms, and offices. Others provide their services via telephone or video relay.
Source: Career Cruising database (Profiles for Translator & for Interpreter). Available from the VPL
Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c
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Salary
Income levels for translators and interpreters depend on certification, experience,
education, and type of employer. Earnings for interpreters also depend on the
languages the interpreter speaks and the subject matter being discussed. In BC the
average annual salary for Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters is between
$33,000 and $44,000.
In general, earnings for full-time, salaried translators range from about $30,000
to $90,000 a year. Annual earnings for freelancers vary widely depending on their
ability to find clients
The average salary for all interpreters is between $44,000 and $48,000 a year.
Interpreters working on a freelance basis usually earn an hourly or daily rate.
Hourly wages can range from about $15 to $40, although some can make $50 or
more an hour.
From Career Cruising database (Profiles for Translator & for Interpreter). Available from the VPL
Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c
The federal government publishes the salary ranges for translators from its most
recent collective agreement. Effective April 19, 2013 salaries with the federal
public service ranged from $ 51,612 to a maximum of $ 105,813.

http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/coll_agre/tr/tr09-eng.asp
Job Bank Canada, Wage Reports, provides hourly wages for translators and
interpreters in these BC regions:
Source: Job Bank Canada, Wages Report, http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/
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Working Hours
Translators who work for large companies or the government work regular 7 to 8
hour days, 5 days a week. They only work nights or weekends if there are
unexpected events that must be dealt with quickly. Freelance translators schedule
their own work and this can vary depending on the demand for their services.
The hours for salaried interpreters are often long and irregular. Those who work
on a freelance basis can work as much or as little as they want, provided of course
that they can find clients willing to pay for their services.
2. Skills, Education and Experience
Skills for Translators
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excellent language skills
good attention to detail
ability to concentrate and perform well under pressure
proven writing skills
extensive intellectual curiosity
significant use of memory
maintains high standards of professional performance
good computer skills
Skills for Interpreters
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excellent language skills
excellent listener
ability to communicate ideas
good attention to detail
maintains high standards of professional performance
good interpersonal skills
a good memory
able to concentrate and think fast
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Education and Experience
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University degree in translation with a specialization in translation, interpretation
or terminology in two languages including at least one of the two official
languages
OR
University degree in a related discipline such as languages or linguistics and
courses in linguistic transfer and two years' experience as a full-time translator
working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language
OR
Five years of experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at
least one of which is an official language, are required.
Fluency in three languages is usually required for translators or interpreters
working in an international context.
Qualifications
The profession of translator or interpreter is not regulated in British Columbia.
However, you cannot use certain titles, including “Certified Translator” or “Certified
Interpreter” unless you have passed a certification examination through the Society
of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia. Further information about
certification is available at:
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Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia
http://www.stibc.org/page/translation%20faq.aspx
3. Finding Jobs
You’ll find job advertisements in local newspapers and electronic sources, as well as
through professional associations’ publications.
Local Newspapers
You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for
free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on
Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in The Province on Sundays.
Job White Pages
Available in print at the Central Library or online at
http://jobfreeway.com/memberdocs/vpl-home.htm
NOTE: You can only access this database from the Central Library or VPL branch
libraries. Access is NOT available from home or outside the Library.
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Online Job Postings
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Federal Government of Canada
http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/index-eng.htm
Select “British Columbia” for Province/Territory, and enter the keyword
“translator” or “interpreter”. Note that interpreter is also used by the Parks
Canada for people who give heritage tours at natural and historical sites.
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Indeed.com
http://ca.indeed.com/advanced_search
Find jobs posted on a multitude of company career sites and job boards
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CharityVillage.com
http://www.charityvillage.com/applicant/jobs.asp?fn=searchform
Job postings within the Canadian non-profit sector
Professional Associations’ Career Resources
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Find a Certified Translator at STIBC website
http://www.stibc.org/page/directory.aspx
Many translators are self-employed or work on a contract basis. STIBC lists
certified translators in this database so that employers can locate
professionals for work.
For additional tips on job hunting see:
 Networking for Employment
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Networking.pdf
Identifying the Right Position
When you browse job advertisements, you’ll find a range of different job titles that
are relevant.
Look for these related job titles:
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Conference Interpreter
Court Interpreter
Foreign Broadcast Translator
Literary Translator
Simultaneous Interpreter
Technical Translator
Translator, Technical Documents
Interpreter for the Deaf
Sign Language Interpreter
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Creating a List of Potential Employers
You can use directories to produce lists of employers who employ translators in
Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring.
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Canadian Company Capabilities. Industry Canada
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ccc-rec.nsf/eng/home
Try searching by keywords ‘translation’ or ‘interpretation.’
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Reference Canada
http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/r
Go to the "Reference Canada" database, choose the "Custom Search" button,
and select both "Keyword/SIC/NAICS" under Business Type and "City" under
Geography. In the top search box enter "translator" and click LOOKUP. Select
the appropriate headings. Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities,
and click the "View Results" button.
Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page
NOTE: You can access this VPL databases from the Library or from home.
If you are using a computer from home or outside the library, you will need a Vancouver
Public Library card to login to the databases. After clicking on the database name, you will
be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your
telephone number).
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4. Applying for a Job
In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume (curriculum vitae) and a
cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your
relevant experience.
Use the library catalogue, http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/ to find books on writing
resumes and cover letters specific to your industry.
To learn about applying for jobs in Canada, use the following pathfinders which are
available in print at the Central Library or online at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/.

Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Resume_Cover_Letter.pdf

Getting Canadian Work Experience
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Canadian_Experience.pdf

Networking for Employment
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Networking.pdf
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Learn More About Working in BC and Canada
http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/Pathfinders/Learn_more_about_Seeking_
further.pdf
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5. Getting Help from Industry Sources
Industry Associations
Associations for translators and interpreters in BC and Canada provide assistance to
individuals. Registration and fees are required for membership.
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http://www.stibc.org
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Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council
(CTTIC)
https://www.cttic-edu.ca/
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Canadian Association of Conference Interpreters
http://www.aiic.ca/aiiccanada.welcome.en.html
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Association de l’Industrie de la Langue Language Industry Association (AILIA)
http://www.ailia.ca
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Literary Translators’ Association of Canada
http://www.attlc-ltac.org/
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Association of Canadian Corporations in Translation and
Interpretation
http://www.accti.org
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Language Portal of Canada. Translation and Interpretation
http://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/decouvrir-discover/professions/interpretationeng.html
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Industry Journals
Search the Vancouver Public Library catalogue for journals related to your
profession. Examples:
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The TRANSLetter
http://www.stibc.org/page/the%20transletter.aspx
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MultiLingual
Leading industry magazine
http://www.multilingual.com/
Questions? Please ask the Information Staff in the Central Branch,
Vancouver Public Library or telephone 604-331-36 03.
Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/ .
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