🌎 Translation and Interpreting

Translation and interpreting are essential in today’s interconnected world—especially along the U.S.–Mexico border, where bilingual communication is key to:

• Fostering understanding between communities;
• Providing access to vital services; and 
• Bridging cultural divides.

The demand for skilled translators and interpreters is particularly high in the El Paso–Ciudad Juárez area, where language access is critical to serving diverse populations. Translators and interpreters play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to:

• Healthcare;
• Legal services;
• Education;
• Other essential sectors—especially for underserved communities.

 

 💬 Why studying translation and interpreting at utep? 

UTEP’s programs in Translation and Interpreting (T&I) are uniquely positioned to address the linguistic and cultural needs of this dynamic border region.

Program Focus

• Spanish–English language pairs
• Preparation for careers requiring bilingual expertise in professional and community settings

Program Goals

• Equip students to navigate complex bilingual communication contexts
• Support careers that advance social justice, humanitarian work, or global industries

Watch this video to learn more about studying Translation and Interpreting at UTEP!

 

🎓 Translation and interpreting programs

Undergraduate Opportunities

• Minor in Translation and Interpreting (Spanish-English)
  • Complements any major
  • Provides essential skills and hands-on experience in translation and interpreting
  • Offers practical preparation for careers in multilingual communication
• Spanish B.A. with concentration in Translation and Interpreting
• Certificate in Translation and Interpreting with concentration in Translation and Interpreting 
  • Highly practical, and includes a well-rounded introduction to T&I with a focus on specialized Judiciary and Health Translation and Interpreting courses 
  • Features microcredentials valid in the states of Texas and New Mexico, and nationally through NBCMI, and CCHI
  • These credentials prepare students for legal and health interpreting and expand career opportunities
  • Open to graduate students and non-degree seeking students as well 

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📧  For more information, please contact Ms. Valeria Delmar (vbarraza2@utep.edu). 

 

💡marketable skills

Our programs provide theoretical foundations and real-world applications, preparing students to succeed in various professional and academic settings

Comprehensive Skill Development

• Training in both translation theory and practice
• Emphasis on text analysis, use of parallel texts, and team collaboration
• Prepares students for professional translation and project-based work

Hands-On Interpreting Experience

• Introduction to consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
• Practical skill-building for competitive career markets

Pathway to Advanced Studies

• Strong preparation for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in translation and interpreting
• Builds credentials for higher qualifications in an expanding professional field

Gain a Competitive Edge

• Balanced curriculum combining theory and practice
• Graduates stand out in a rapidly evolving global profession

Career-Ready Skills

• Development of bilingual writing and communication abilities
• Enhanced employability across sectors such as business, education, and community services

Cutting-Edge Tools

• Hands-on experience with Wordfast translation software (provided by Wordfast LLC and Yves Champollion)
• Prepares students for modern, technology-driven translation work

💼 JOBS AND SALARIES

The need for skilled translators and interpreters is growing—especially in border regions like El Paso–Ciudad Juárez, where bilingual communication is essential. Per U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for Translators and Interpreters in the United States in 2024 was $59,440 per year/$28.58 per hour. (bls.gov)

In May 2024, these are the median annual wages for interpreters and translators in the top industries working as employees/in-house (bls.gov):

• Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals - $69,950
• Hospitals; state, local, and private - $60,890
• Educational services; state, local, and private - $60,560
• Professional, scientific, and technical services - $59,020

Sampling Jobs & Salaries

Judiciary

• Court Interpreter in New Mexico - $75,847/year (com)
• Staff Interpreter in the El Paso County Courthouse - $66,162.87 (governmentjobs.com)
• Court Interpreters at the Federal Level - $350-$566/day (uscourts.gov)

Healthcare 

• Medical Interpreter in the U.S. - $29/hour or $60,320/year (indeed.com)

Other

• Interpreter salary at the U.S. Department of State - $75,178/year (salary.com)
• Generalist freelance translator in the U.S. – $32-$50/hr (ziprecruiter.com)
• ASL educational interpreter in NM - $30/hr (ziprecruiter.com)
• Translation Project Manager in the U.S. - $91,054 (ziprecruiter.com)