What is a Localization Specialist? Roles, Skills, and Salary

Want to know what a localization specialist does? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of localization specialists and answer your questions:

• • What is a localization specialist?
• • What are the responsibilities of a language and localization specialist?
• • Where can you find a professional localization specialist?

Keep reading to learn more!

What is a localization specialist?

A localization specialist, or a localization expert, is an individual who performs the task of localizing a specific product to make it culturally appropriate for the target market. Therefore, their role extends beyond mere language translation to include adapting the translation to align with local cultural nuances. 

Localization content may include websites, applications, video games, user manuals, media publications, among others.

What does the job description of a localization specialist encompass?

What are the job responsibilities of a localization specialist? The responsibilities of a localization specialist may encompass:

1. ● Accurately translating content into the appropriate language for the target market.
2. ● Ensuring the translation accurately reflects and is suitable for the cultural nuances of said market.
3. ● Reviewing and proofreading any translation errors such as spelling, grammar, etc.
4. ● Adapting the translation in terms of currency units, measurement units, and geographical information.
5. ● Guaranteeing an optimal user experience through extensive research and understanding of the target demographic, seamless collaboration with associated departments, etc.
6. ● Collaborating with enterprise clients throughout project execution to make sure all requirements are satisfied.

Essential skills for a localization specialist

Localization specialists wear many hats, and these core skills are essential for success:

1. ● Translation competency: You need to be an expert translator, able to convey the original message flawlessly in another language.
2. ● Editing and proofreading skills: A keen eye for grammar, spelling, and tone is crucial to ensure polished translations.
3. ● Project management skills: From managing teams to juggling tasks, strong project management skills keep things running smoothly and on schedule.
4. ● Communication skills: Excellent communication is key for collaborating effectively with clients and project members.
5. ● Research skills: Going beyond the text, research skills allow you to understand the target audience and market for a truly localized experience

Salary of a localization specialist

Is the salary of a localization specialist high? According to salary.com, the salary of this job ranges from 63,533 USD to 80,690 USD per year.

The specific salary is determined based on various factors, such as educational background, qualifications, work experience, specialized skills, and the complexity of the localization projects handled.

How to become a localization specialist?

It is difficult to become a localization specialist? In this article, Thao & Co. will provide you with insights into the career path of this job.

Pursuing studies in translation & interpretation or language-related fields

A bachelor’s degree in translation, interpretation, or a related language field is typically preferred. However, some employers value degrees in other areas, like computer science for software localization.

Obtaining certifications from Translation Associations 

Boost your credibility with certifications from translation associations like the American Translators Association (ATA). These often require experience and passing an exam. 

Accumulating diverse translation experience

Build your skills and portfolio by translating various documents for different audiences. This showcases your versatility to clients and employers.

Developing research skills

Research is key! Localization specialists need to understand the target audience, market, and even cultural nuances to deliver a truly localized experience.

Keep up with innovations in translation technology

Stay updated on the latest translation tools and technology. Mastering these can significantly improve your efficiency and workflow.

Where to find a professional localization specialist?

If you are seeking a professional specialist to entrust your translation projects, consider candidates on reputable job platforms such as LinkedIn, Flexjobs, Upwork, and more.

Additionally, you can also reach out to reputable translation agencies to connect with experienced localization specialists. 

Consider the following criteria to evaluate and select a suitable specialist: 

1. ● Candidates with relevant academic backgrounds and expertise in the proposed filed.
2. ● Candidates with excellent professional qualifications and extensive translation experience.
3. ● Streamlined and convenient workflow.
4. ● Transparent project quote.

These are also the factors that Thao & Co. prioritizes to deliver high-quality localization outcomes that bring significant value to clients.

With a team of native linguists, Thao & Co. translation agency rest assured that your translation and localization projects will be implemented with maximum effectiveness.

Linguists at Thao & Co. are highly skilled native localization specialists with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in language-related fields and extensive experience in handling various App + Website + Game translation projects.

Furthermore, when collaborating with Thao & Co., you stand to benefit from our proprietary platform Dashboard which has been specially designed for a smooth and convenient project implementation process.

With our platform, you can effortlessly monitor the project’s progress and discuss with our linguists to optimize both the translation quality and execution time. This feature also helps highlight the safety, transparency, and professionalism we place in every B2B translation service.

Thao & Co. ensures transparency and clarity from the project workflow and expert profiles to quotations, enabling you to make the most objective decisions. 

The aforementioned are some insights into the question of “What is a localization specialist?” that Thao & Co. would like to share with you. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information and a new perspective on this profession.

If you have any further questions or require consultation on localization services at Thao & Co., please contact us via our Get a Quote page for prompt support.