Interpreters and Translators
Also called: translator, interpreter, american sign language interpreter (asl interpreter), court interpreter, educational interpreter
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing interpreters and translators work
7 of 8 main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Red (lots of AI use) — 88% when main tasks are weighted. This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to make sure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Refer to reference materials (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Read written materials — a lot of recorded AI use
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials — a lot of recorded AI use
- Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary — a lot of recorded AI use
- Check original texts or talk with authors to make sure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material — some recorded AI use
- Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture — some recorded AI use
- Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided — some recorded AI use
- Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters — no recorded AI use
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters — no recorded AI use
- Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible”. Try the prompt for: “Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information”.
- Weeks 3–4: Make it a habit. Use AI 3 times a week for 15 minutes. Always check facts, numbers and names yourself.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and interpreters and translators
Will AI replace interpreters and translators?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 7 of the 8 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Red rating (lots of AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 4 of the 17 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which translator tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: read written materials; proofread, edit, and revise translated materials; translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Which translator tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary; educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters; train and supervise other translators or interpreters. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 100% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a translator start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.