How to become an Interpreter

Transfers a spoken or signed language into another spoken or signed language, usually within a limited time frame, in the physical, visual or aural presence of the participants requiring the transfer.

Main tasks

• Prepares for assignments by confirming terminology and undertaking domain specific research to comprehend the subject matter
• Provides simultaneous and consecutive verbal or signed renditions of speeches into another language
• Renders the meaning and feeling of what is spoken or signed into another language in the appropriate register and style
• Transfers a written message and its intent from one language into a spoken or signed message in another language

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (PSP60922); Advanced Diploma of Translating (PSP60822); Diploma of Auslan (PSP51018); Diploma of Translating (PSP50822); Diploma of Interpreting (PSP50922)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $109,876 a year
• About 15,800 people work in this job group now, and about 19,200 are projected by 2035. (+21.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Interpreter?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Interpreting; Advanced Diploma of Translating.

How much does an Interpreter earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $109,876 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Interpreter a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2035, from about 15,800 to about 19,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Interpreter?

Not always. 53% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Interpreting; Advanced Diploma of Translating.

Will AI change the work of an Interpreter?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04