O*NET: Interpreters and Translators·27-3091.00
The Verdict:AI translation now produces near-professional output for many language pairs, shifting human translators toward post-editing roles. Live interpreting in legal, medical, and diplomatic settings still requires cultural fluency and real-time human judgment that machines lack. But rising per-person output means fewer positions, and the gap continues to narrow.
How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.
The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.
How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.
How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).
How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.
The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.
Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.
Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.
Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 1 of 17 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.
This role has a mixed AI profile.
1 task is automatable, 47% reward AI fluency, and 8 remain human-essential.
Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so
Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't
Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment
Interpreter lands in Lower Pay, High Risk