Choose a profession that will open the world to you

Professions

Build bridges between cultures

Translation is the art of sharing a given culture with the rest of the world. Choosing this profession means developing the unique ability to connect people and companies from different backgrounds. It is also one of the best ways to work with a great variety of clients in a wide range of situations.

Whatever you are passionate about—video games, literature, sports, technology—there is no doubt a need for translation in your area of interest. If you specialize in a specific industry, you may even have the opportunity to work abroad!

Discover a fulfilling, rewarding profession that will expand your horizons.

Dive deep into language

Terminologists bridge the gap between specialized fields and the language in which they work. These professionals name new ideas and inventions, clarify the meanings of words, and translate extremely precise concepts from one language into another.

As a terminologist, you will combine your general knowledge and language skills to make complex ideas more accessible to the public. You might have the opportunity to work on innovative projects in highly specialized fields, no matter where your interests lie.

Becoming a terminologist means being on the cutting edge of your specialty and having a tangible impact on the way information is shared and used.

Open the door to an international career

As an interpreter, you will become another person’s voice and ears as they hold conversations in another language.

If you think that interpreters only work in diplomatic settings, you are in for a surprise!

You could work for commercial clients, who need interpreters to unlock global markets.

You could also find yourself using your language skills to help lawyers communicate with their clients in court. Or, you could even become a sign language interpreter.

No matter where your career takes you, you will find professional and personal satisfaction in connecting with people from different walks of life and having a real impact on the world, be it locally, nationally or internationally.

Higher education

Your springboard to the professional world

You will need a university degree to enter a language profession.
Students from university translation programs have a very high employment rate.

You can view the list of university degrees that make you eligible for an OTTIAQ reserved title here.

For the list of university degrees offered elsewhere in Canada and approved by OTTIAQ as equivalent to recognized degrees click here.

If you are already enrolled in a recognized translation program, you can register with OTTIAQ as a student and gain a number of advantages. For more information, click here.

FAQ for guidance counsellors

What do translators, terminologists and interpreters do?

Translators convert the content of documents from one language to another, ensuring the meaning remains the same while adapting the text to suit the language and culture of the target audience. They typically translate from a second or third language into their native language, using a wide array of technological tools. Translation is used in all areas of economic activity, as well as in culture, entertainment, and sports.

Terminologists record and define specialized terms within a specific field and find their equivalents in another language. This work can be done on an as-needed basis, to assist with translations, or in order to develop glossaries and lexicons. Terminologists also help define and name new concepts and objects. A career in terminology can provide opportunities to work on innovative projects in cutting-edge, highly specialized fields across a wide range of industries.

Interpreters convey a speaker’s message orally from one language to another, addressing assemblies, small groups, or individuals. They serve as the voice and ears of the speaker, with interpretation extending beyond spoken language to include sign language for individuals with hearing impairments.

Job prospects for our professions are excellent. Here are some statistics from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website:
The employment outlook will be very good for translators, terminologists and interpreters (NOC 5125) in Quebec for the 2022–2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:
• Employment growth will lead to several new positions
• Several positions will become available due to retirements
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation

Here are some key facts about Translators, terminologists and interpreters in Quebec:

• Approximately 11,600 people work in this occupation
• Translators, terminologists and interpreters mainly work in the following sectors:
o Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416–5419): 57%
o Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 7%
o Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 5%

• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
o Full-time workers: 73% compared to 80% for all occupations
o Part-time workers: 27% compared to 20% for all occupations

• 53% of translators, terminologists and interpreters work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 57% and 42% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 33 weeks for all occupations

• 44% of translators, terminologists and interpreters are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations

• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
o no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
o high school diploma or equivalent: less than 6% compared to 20% for all occupations
o apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
o college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 8% compared to 24% for all occupations
o bachelor’s degree: 54% compared to 16% for all occupations
o university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 9% for all occupations

The table below, taken from a survey conducted by OTTIAQ in 2022, shows the average annual income by profession.

Breakdown of income by profession

	Average yearly income
Certified translators	$68,011
Certified terminologists	$65,577
Certified interpreters	$77,426

Several Quebec universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Students from university translation programs have a very high employment rate.

To view the list of university degrees that make you eligible for an OTTIAQ reserved title, click here.

Yes. Two universities in Canada offer online bachelor’s degrees: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Université de Saint-Boniface, in Manitoba.

Yes. Remote work is very common, both for self-employed workers and salaried employees.

No. Artificial intelligence has been part of the translator’s toolbox for many years now. It has changed the nature of translation work, but not its essence. Machine translations still need to be reviewed by humans to ensure accuracy and quality. There are still plenty of jobs in this field, and demand continues to grow.

OTTIAQ

The Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ) is the only association of certified language professionals in Quebec. It has over 2,800 members and confers the reserved titles of certified translator, certified interpreter and certified terminologist. For companies and the public, these titles are a seal of quality. For members, they are a prestigious recognition.

OTTIAQ also plays an important role in raising the profile of the professions it represents. It provides continuing education, helps students transition into the professional world, promotes language professions and shares industry news with the general public.

OTTIAQ’s website

Contact

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!