According to a career report published by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Translation and Interpreting is currently one of the top 20 fastest-growing career paths. Between 2014 and 2024, employment is projected to increase from 61,000 to 78,500—a 29% change. This contributes to a growing body of evidence (including a report from CNBC, which we previously posted about) suggesting a bright future for the industry.
Take a look at the full list here: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/fastest-growing-careers.aspx?persist=true&location=US&pagesize=500
Interested in becoming a translator or interpreter? CALA has a variety of program options suitable for students who are new to the industry, established professionals looking to expand their skill sets, or anything in between.
Interesting stats. I wonder if ’employment’ corresponds to full time employment with benefits, or merely freelancing assignments. Working on the field for a number of years, I’ve noticed that, while opportunities have indeed increased, they’re mostly temporary assignments. And payment has been steadily declining to ridiculous levels. So, although the figures look good on paper, the reality that really affects working professionals is not so rosy.
Among the reasons which could explain the status quo are no or minimal employment benefits and guarantees offered by employers; lack of incentives for companies to engage and support a regular, paid workforce; absence of organized labor, that could serve as arbiter over labor disputes; and scarce resources available (and affordable) to professionals.
Lastly, I must also add that, so far, there’s little, or negligible, difference in compensation offered to language graduation professionals and foreign natives with language skills.
Thank you and best regards.
Wesley Coll