Will AI replace Interpreters and Translators?
AI can do 94% of the work Interpreters and Translators do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 4 of their 17 tasks, while 11 more are ready but barely used so far. 2 still need a person.
AI is already doing this4 · 60% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.Mostly automated30% of time
- Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.Mostly automated18% of time
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.Mostly automated9% of time
- Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.Mostly automated3% of time
AI could do this next11 · 34% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.6% of time
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.6% of time
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.4% of time
- Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided.4% of time
- Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.3% of time
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.3% of time
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.1% of time
- Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.1% of time
- Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.1% of time
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.1% of time
- Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language.1% of time
Still needs a person2 · 6% of time
No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.3% of time
- Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.3% of time
Your week is not the average
Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.
What this means
AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. People in this job already use it heavily. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.
What to do next
- Do the 4 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
- Get ahead on the 11 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
- Build on the 2 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Related jobs
Get the weekly brief
One short email a week on how AI is changing work, including jobs like this one.