Interpreter | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Interpreters convert the spoken word from one language into another, either face-to-face or remotely.

  • Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
  • Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
  • Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening
Read more about Interpreter

Interpreters typically work around 35 to 40 hours per week.

As a Interpreter you will typically work freelance / self-employed.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
Read more about Interpreter
* from ONETonline
Average salary
32,913 GBP *
per year
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Salary statistics

Average salary for Interpreter

Big gender gap
  • 38,554 GBP
  • 26,797 GBP
Average salary for part-time Interpreter
Average salary for full-time Interpreter

Showing:
Part-time Full-time
  • 14,141 GBP
  • 13,218 GBP
  • 32,913 GBP
  • 26,797 GBP
  • 38,554 GBP
Salary over time for Interpreter

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 32,717 GBP
  • 33,273 GBP
  • 33,376 GBP
  • 33,902 GBP
  • 36,825 GBP
  • 35,624 GBP
  • 32,913 GBP
  • 38,247 GBP
  • 34,819 GBP
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Future outlook for Interpreters

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Very good outlook
15 000+ jobs available
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Balanced outlook
1% yearly wage growth (on average)
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Very good outlook
35% chance of automation in the future

Interpreter - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Interpreter and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • 57% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
  • 17% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
  • 15% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

You may be able to get into this job if you have a non-language degree, providing you're fluent in English and a second language.

You'll need:

  • foreign language skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Interpreter

Linguistics

Things to highlight for your Interpreter interview

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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