Changing shape

Interpreters and translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

AI Resistance Index 6 of 99

Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 6% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +2.0% by 2035, slower than average. The work leans on emotional intelligence and ethical judgement.

AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.

Median pay (2025): $60,170
Job growth to 2035: +2.0%
Openings a year: 6,000
People doing it (2025): 73,900
Usual route in: Bachelor's degree

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Where people already use AI for this work

Interpret language, cultural, or religious information for others
Compile records, documentation, or other data
Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Train others on operational or work procedures

What the work looks like

Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Buyers and purchasing agentsGrows with AI, Index 41, +6.0%
Compliance officersGrows with AI, Index 21, +3.8%
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agentsChanging shape, Index 8, +1.4%
Project management specialistsGrows with AI, Index 40, +6.7%

Also known as: Interpreter, Medical Interpreter, Sign Language Interpreter, Translator, American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter), Court Interpreter, Educational Interpreter, Linguist.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.