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With the increase in LLMs and other AI platforms being used for the automation of everyday tasks, it’s important to address how the technology has impacted the field of translation. With this in mind, the team at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has compiled a guide to key industry changes while illustrating how our new program ensures graduates with a translation degree are better equipped to navigate the language industry. 

Is AI Replacing Translators?

AI is not replacing humans in the translation industry, but there has been a shift in how the technology has been used in everyday tasks. According to the , human translation dropped by approximately 30% year-over-year in 2024 as AI usage surged. This is because AI is being used to complete low-risk translation tasks, such as writing menus, basic descriptions, internal communications, and more.

Along with the shift in task priorities, the introduction of AI has also caused a significant structural shift in the job market. The states that 50% of language companies reported revenue decreases in 2024, and the report explicitly notes that experienced freelance professionals are leaving the industry. Despite these disruptions, experts argue that AI has not eliminated the need for human translators as human expertise remains indispensable in high-stakes fields such as: legal, healthcare, diplomacy, finance, and culturally sensitive and creative content where accuracy, nuance, confidentiality, and contextual judgment are essential.

Translation Degree and AI: 3 Ways the Landscape Is Changing

1. The Emergence of More Specialized Roles

While more traditional roles are reported to be declining, the industry is seeing a notable rise in technology-focused hybrid positions. As AI increasingly automates routine tasks within the translation workflow, there has been a significant shift in both job titles and roles requirements for language professionals entering or advancing in the field. Today, language professionals are expected to take on responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and post editing AI-powered machine translation output
• Performing quality assurance
• Managing terminology
• Adapting content culturally for target audiences
• Training and annotating content and AI prompt engineering
• Specializing in regulated domains where AI remains less reliable

2. Shifts to Post-Editing Methods of AI-Powered Machine  Translation

Introducing AI into day-to-day translation tasks has altered traditional, human-only translation projects, often turning them into hybrid, machine translation post-editing (MTPE) models. The MTPE process starts off with a machine translation of the initial draft, which is followed by professional translators refining the copy, validating the cultural nuances, and finalizing the output.

The notes MTPE is now the dominant production workflow. Post-editing machine translation now represents a growing share of available work, though many translators find it less rewarding and lower paid than traditional translation. Broadly speaking, the profession is shifting away from producing translations manually toward supervising, editing, validating, and refining AI-generated content, making domain expertise and specialization more valuable than ever.

How We’re Optimizing Our Programs to Accommodate AI Shifts

Since the language industry is rapidly evolving because of the use of AI, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has made significant changes when it comes to the translation degree to better align with the diversity of needs and professional profiles that the world of work needs. This includes the introduction of the Technology and Multilingual Communication concentrations within the M.A. in Translation program. 

These specializations offered within the concentration are specifically designed to help individuals gain the flexibility necessary to pivot to emerging translation roles, develop cross-sector skills, and enhance their overall workforce readiness and career adaptability for future career opportunities.

It’s important to know that, upon completing the program, many graduates begin in a project management role. With that in mind, many individuals may consider starting to freelance after 3–5 years of experience. 

Apply to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½â€™s Translation Program

If you’re ready to take the next steps toward a rewarding career as a translator in the age of AI, please request more information or apply to our program today. And if you have any questions about whether AI is replacing translators, contact us directly, as we would be happy to discuss the continued importance of human translation.