Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

The Work

The Interpreter converts the spoken word from one language into another. This involves interpreting conversation, questions, statements and speeches made in different languages. There are basically three types of interpreting: consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting and liaison interpreting.  
 
In consecutive interpreting, the Interpreter waits until the speaker has finished speaking and then gives the full content of what has been said in the language into which it is to be interpreted (i.e. the 'target' language).  
 
In simultaneous interpreting the Interpreter gives the translated version almost simultaneously with that of the original speaker. Most interpretation is simultaneous. The interpreter needs to convey the feeling and tone of the speaker to the audience.  
 
Liaison interpreting is used for conversations or interviews, when the interpreter translates into and out of both languages.  
 
Interpreters may work in different locations and need to be willing to travel anywhere at short notice.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• 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 systems as necessary.
• Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
• Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerised terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
• Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
• Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
• Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.
• Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.

Further Information

• Interpreter - from: GradIreland
• Interpreter - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Interpreter - from: GradIreland
• Interpreter - from: European Commission [pdf]
• Interpreter - from: An Coimisún Eorpach [pdf]
• Interpreter - from: European Union [pdf]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Posts for interpreters are advertised in various Media for private or government and semi-state bodies, embassies, and international organisations enquiring about vacancies where knowledge of foreign languages is necessary or desirable.  

Experience obtained in a post that combines language translation with other duties equips a person to progress to the post of Translator or Interpreter or both.  
 
Most interpreters can work from at least two languages and usually specialise in a Technical subject subject, such as medicine, Engineering, or law for translation of text. Many interpreters also have work experience in a professional area. Interpreteing can also include sign language in many modern languages to support diverse needs. 

The usual route to a career as an interpreter is to complete a degree in Modern Languages followed by a relevant postgraduate course. Degree courses are available from a wide range of institutions throughout the country.  

Training & Professional  Development 

Higher Education CAO entry: Applied languaes, modern languages, Arts or Business with language, computing with languages NFQ level 6-8 Search CAO courses 

Postgraduate study options: Translation, Interpreting NFQ level 9 

In order to qualify for professional membership of the ITIA Irish Translators & Interpreters Association

1) A primary degree or postgraduate qualification in translation and/or interpreting awarded by an Irish third-level institution or similar foreign institution recognised by the Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association Plus A minimum of 3 years documented, full-time work as a translator and/or interpreter (or a correspondingly longer period part-time), wherein a year’s work is considered to be a minimum of (a) 200,000 words, (b) 40 days or 280 hours interpreting, or (c) an equivalent combination of (a) and (b) Plus A PASS in the ITIA Professional Membership Examination

OR

2) A minimum of 3 years associate membership of the ITIA Plus A minimum of 3 years documented, full-time work as a translator and/or interpreter (or a correspondingly longer period part-time) since becoming an Associate Member, wherein a year’s work is considered to be a minimum of (a) 200,000 words, (b) 40 days or 280 hours interpreting, or (c) an equivalent combination of (a) and (b) Plus A PASS in the ITIA Professional Membership Examination.  

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €64k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Talent/ Sigmar / Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average growth rate for this occupation was significantly above average, with strong growth observed between 2020 and 2021; employment grew by approximately 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Employment was spread across all sectors of the economy, with the largest share, at just over a fifth, for professional activities. Employment permits, primarily in the ICT sector, spanned a number of roles, including data analysts, account strategists and logistics specialists.

While the number of online job adverts (OVATE) remained almost unchanged in 2022 for this occupational group, there was a 6% increase in adverts for financial and accounting technicians (although the numbers involved are small).

Employers (Skills for Growth & Spotlight on Skills) have signalled difficulties in recruiting data analysts. Furthermore, data analysis skills were required in other difficult-to-fill job roles such as engineers, software developers, and lab analysts. Demand for data analytics skills is evident; however, rather than existing only as standalone roles, these skills are increasingly embedded in other occupations.

• The Irish Translators and Interpreters Association (ITIA)

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