1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Interpreter

Interpreter

Alternative titles for this job include

Interpreters convert spoken words from one language into another, in person, over the phone and online.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Interpreter

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • volunteering
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • interpreting studies
  • languages and interpreting
  • translation and interpreting
  • modern languages

Check the Institute of Translation and Interpreting for courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You can do a college course in community interpreting if you are fluent in English and another language spoken by people in the community.

These courses are often available from introductory level to advanced.

You'll usually need some experience of paid or unpaid interpreting work in community settings to move on to the higher-level courses.

Entry requirements

You'll need:

  • an excellent standard of English

More Information

Volunteering

You can find volunteering opportunities as a community interpreter with:

  • local councils
  • health and social services
  • welfare rights organisations
  • legal advice centres
  • community organisations

Volunteering experience will be helpful if you want to apply to do a college course in interpreting, or to study to become professionally qualified.

Other Routes

You can do interpreting qualifications through a professional body, like the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Courses include:

  • Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)
  • DPSI Law - for interpreters working in the justice system

More Information

Career tips

To be fluent in a second language, you should:

  • be able to communicate quickly, smoothly and accurately
  • know and understand informal speech, slang and regional differences
  • understand the culture of the country or communities where the language is spoken

Professional and industry bodies

You can join an industry association to help with your professional development and to build up your network of contacts.

Organisations include:

Further information

You can find out more about how to become an interpreter from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of English language
  • foreign language skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • active listening skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • a good memory
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

There are 3 main types of professional interpreting:

  • conference interpreting
  • business interpreting
  • public service interpreting

As a conference interpreter you could:

  • attend live conferences, lectures and meetings
  • listen to speakers through headphones in a soundproof booth
  • interpret what speakers are saying and, at the same time, pass this on to delegates in their own language

As a business interpreter you may:

  • attend business meetings and events
  • listen to what is being said and make notes
  • relay what is being said after each passage of speech and during pauses

As a public service interpreter you could:

  • interpret for people using legal, health and local government services
  • check your client's understanding after each sentence or passage of speech
  • interpret at short notice, such as call-outs to emergency medical or police interviews

In all cases, you would prepare as much as possible. For example, by making notes, reading speeches beforehand, researching meeting topics and learning speakers' names and roles.

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, at a conference centre, in an office, at a police station, in a court, in a prison or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • move into the co-ordination and management of interpreting services
  • specialise in a particular field, such as legal, medical or diplomatic work
  • set up your own interpreting agency in the public or private sector
  • work freelance and combine interpreting with training others

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an Interpreter right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Certificate in Community Interpreting

  • Provider: WIRRAL METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 March 2025
  • Location: Birkenhead

Community Interpreting Certificate Level 3

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Manchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.