Job satisfaction is a crucial factor influencing professional longevity, motivation, and performance in translation and interpreting. This literature review synthesizes results from sixteen empirical studies (1999-2023) examining translators' and interpreters' job satisfaction. The review focuses on intrinsic motivators (autonomy, identity, emotional fulfillment) and extrinsic conditions (income, working hours, client relationships), as well as stressors related to technological change and professional invisibility. Findings suggest that translators derive satisfaction primarily from professional autonomy, recognition, and meaningful engagement with language work. Dissatisfaction is commonly linked to structural instability, low compensation, and lack of institutional support, particularly among freelancers. The review identifies gaps in existing literature, including limited coverage of post-Soviet contexts such as Kazakhstan, and outlines future research directions.
Sergey Poddubnyy (Sun,) studied this question.