ATA stands for the American Translators Association, which actually includes both translators and interpreters. Indeed, there is a search box in the top right corner of the website, where clients can easily find an interpreter or translator by searching for the language combination needed.
ATA promotes the translation and interpreting industry and professional development of translators and interpreters. ATA offers a certification that is a great milestone and distinction for professional translators and interpreters, helping them to be recognized by institutions, governments and clients. The exam to obtain the ATA certification (data updated in 2020) costs 525 USD and is very difficult, in fact the pass rate is lower than 20%. The exam consists in the translation of two out of three texts, approximately 250 words each. The time limit for the delivery of the translation is three hours. Once the exam is passed, the translators/interpreters will be listed in the ATA Online Directory, where clients can find them. According to data reported on the ATA website, the demand for translation services will rise by 42% in the 2012-2022 period (data from the U.S. Bureau of Labour and Statistics).
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for interpreters and translators in the US in 2019 is around 25 dollars per hour, totalling a yearly median pay of $51,830. Generally, interpreters and translators have at least a Bachelor’s degree, and full proficiency in at least two languages.
Interestingly enough, the BLS states that employment of translators and interpreters will grow by 20% over the next decade, and such growth is really fast if compared to the growth in other industries. Globalization is certainly driving this trend.
