How to become a translator, terminologist or interpreter
Official title: Translators, terminologists and interpreters
Also called: Translator, Interpreter, Terminologist, Deaf interpreter, Legal translator, Oral interpreter, Court interpreter, Elbow interpreter, Relay interpreter, Escort interpreter, Medical translator, Translator adaptor
Translators translate written material from one language to another. Interpreters translate oral communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals. Terminologists conduct research to itemize terms connected with a certain field, define them and find equivalents in another language. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances. Translators, terminologists and interpreters are employed by government, private translation and interpretation agencies, in-house translation services, large private corporations, international organizations and the media, or they may be self-employed. Sign language interpreters work in schools and courts, and for social service agencies, interpretation services, government services and television stations, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Translators and translator-revisers
- Translate a variety of written material such as correspondence, reports, legal documents, technical specifications and textbooks from one language to another, maintaining 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
- Terminologists
- Identify the terminology used in a field of activity
- Conduct terminological research on a given subject or in response to inquiries for the preparation of glossaries, terminology banks, technological files, dictionaries, lexicons and resource centres, and add to terminological databases
How to become one
A 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 A university degree in a related discipline such as languages, linguistics, philology 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. Sign language interpreters require a college training program or a university certificate in sign language interpretation. Certification on dossier or by examination from the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) may be required for translators, terminologists and interpreters. Sign language interpreters may require a certificate or certification evaluation in LSQ or ASL. Fluency in three languages is usually required for translators or interpreters working in an international context. Membership in a provincial or territorial association of translators, interpreters and terminologists may be required. Membership in a provincial association of sign language interpreters may be required. Use of professional titles may be regulated in some provinces.
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $66,203 a year The middle half earn $49,998 to $81,003.
- About 24,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 27,500 are projected by 2033. (+12.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a translator, terminologist or interpreter?
A 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 A university degree in a related discipline such as languages, linguistics, philology 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. Sign language interpreters require a college training program or a university certificate in sign language interpretation. Certification on dossier or by examination from the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) may be required for translators, terminologists and interpreters. Sign language interpreters may require a certificate or certification evaluation in LSQ or ASL. Fluency in three languages is usually required for translators or interpreters working in an international context. Membership in a provincial or territorial association of translators, interpreters and terminologists may be required. Membership in a provincial association of sign language interpreters may be required. Use of professional titles may be regulated in some provinces.
How much does a translator, terminologist or interpreter earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $66,203 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $49,998 to $81,003.
Is a translator, terminologist or interpreter a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 24,500 to about 27,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a translator, terminologist or interpreter?
Usually. 79% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03