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Are you interested in translation work? Are you thinking of becoming a certified translator soon? Becoming a successful translator can be a challenging task but very rewarding if the right market and languages are pursued and if you know the highest paying translation languages.

Requirements

In order to find a high paying translator job, you must not only be fluent in a particular language but you must fulfill rigid requirements in the academia. A strong academic record showcasing the complete study of a foreign language can increase your worth in the translation market. Apart from this, you must also fulfill the requirements of the market in which you would like to work. For instance, a translator with strength in both Japanese and English who wishes to work in Japan must be able to secure all the necessary working permits in order to establish his or her practice there. Countries differ in working permit requirements so it is best to check with their respective embassies. Another factor would be the importance of networking. In order to successfully make a name for yourself, you must build rapport and relationships among colleagues and clients. Most freelancers are able to get more translation gigs through word of mouth or referrals so it is advisable to keep a steady, growing network in tow. Building a network is not always easy but you may start by joining organizations that can bridge you closer to those specializing in the same field.

Competition calls for specialized fields

Complete fluency and intense comprehension notwithstanding translators must be aware of the competitiveness in their respective fields. It is advisable to focus on specializing in more than one field in order to open up doors for opportunities. The most popular fields include finance, medical, and law but studies show that pharmaceutical translators are also in high demand these days. Regardless of what field you decide to practice, you must have an excellent grasp about the particular business as well as a high understanding of both the culture you will be assisting and the linguistics involved in the translation. Having technical or professional experience in the field you are specializing in is definitely a big advantage for a translator. Most translation companies will actually prefer this.

Japanese, Arabic, Danish, and Chinese (highest paying translation languages)

Now that you know what sets a successful translator apart from others, you might be wondering what languages pay the best rates? The answer would have to depend on location. Your location (and experience) determines the amount clients will be paying you but the past years have revealed that Asian and Middle Eastern languages are the highest paying languages in the translation world. The most in demand languages in the United States are Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, and Danish. Translators specializing in these languages have better opportunities increasing their paychecks through time. Consequently, the lowest paying are Italian and Portuguese, which may be attributed to the rise of such speakers in the United States for generations now. Other European languages such as Spanish, French and German continue to remain valuable in the market because of the many immigrants in the United States. Most of the highest paid translators have solid resumes with proven abilities backed up by professional experience and referrals. In terms of salary, you can expect anywhere from $70,000 to $175,000 per annum for in demand languages. Many freelance translators, on the other hand, have earnings reported at $60,000.

Advice for aspiring translators

Whether you are already bilingual or are on your way to perfecting a foreign language, being a successful translator will depend on your ability to quickly, accurately, and efficiently produce a solid output. This process involves an excellent grasp of the industry you want to specialize in, your inquiries into the culture you are assisting, and your level of articulation in the chosen language.

Choose to learn the language that is right for you. If you have already taken a beginner’s course in Spanish some time back, you may want to pursue Spanish for it might be easier to learn than others. If memorization is an issue for you, stick to a language that uses an alphabet and numeric system you are familiar with. Other factors that may influence your chosen language may be location and economic situation. Interests can also influence your desired language. For instance, those wanting to delve into business may have more reason to learn Chinese. Translation is an essential part of communication. Regardless of your chosen language and specialization, there are jobs waiting for you.

Source: www.daytranslations.com
Image Source: Joshua Fuller (unsplash)

Thanks for sharing. In future I am going to learn a new language in order to have additional income working in the translation service. Choosing a language, I came across an article https://translatehub.org/translator-salary-by-language/ , which describes demand, payment and competition in the most popular foreign languages. According to my feelings, I choose between Japanese and German, but still more inclined to the Japanese language. What would you suggest?