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Court Translator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Punjabi Translator, DOJ LSS

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

... court and deposition interpretation. Source material will contain legal, business, public ... Minimum of two (2) years of experience in translation Qualifying scores ILR 3 minimum or equivalent ...

Hmong Translator, DOJ LSS

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

... court and deposition interpretation. Source material will contain legal, business, public ... Minimum of two (2) years of experience in translation Qualifying scores ILR 3 minimum or equivalent ...

Showing results 21-40

Court Translator information

See salary details

$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do court translator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for court translator in the United States is $57,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by court translators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Court Translators often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex legal terminology accurately, maintaining neutrality, and managing the pressure of real-time translation during proceedings. Working in emotionally charged environments and ensuring confidentiality are also essential aspects of the job. To manage these challenges, translators can prepare by familiarizing themselves with legal documents beforehand, engaging in ongoing legal and language training, and developing strong stress management skills. Regular collaboration with attorneys and court staff also helps ensure clear communication and effective teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a court translator?

To thrive as a Court Translator, you need fluency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of legal terminology, and typically a certification or accreditation in court interpreting. Familiarity with legal document management systems and specialized interpreting equipment is often required. Exceptional listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate and unbiased communication in legal proceedings, which is crucial for upholding justice and due process.

What is the difference between Court Translator vs Legal Interpreter?

AspectCourt TranslatorLegal Interpreter
CredentialsCertification in translation, language proficiency testsCertification in interpretation, language proficiency tests
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal offices, official documentsCourts, legal proceedings, live interpretation
Employer & IndustryLegal institutions, government agenciesLegal proceedings, law firms, government agencies

Both Court Translators and Legal Interpreters work within the legal industry and often require similar language and certification credentials. The main difference is that Court Translators focus on translating written legal documents, while Legal Interpreters provide real-time spoken interpretation during legal proceedings. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals choose the right career path or service for legal needs.

What is a court translator?

Court translators are language professionals who facilitate communication in legal settings by translating spoken or written content between parties who speak different languages. They play a vital role in ensuring that non-English speakers or individuals with limited English proficiency can understand and participate fully in court proceedings. Court translators must have a strong command of legal terminology in both languages, uphold confidentiality, and maintain impartiality while translating testimonies, documents, and legal arguments in real time.
More about Court Translator jobs
What cities are hiring for Court Translator jobs? Cities with the most Court Translator job openings:
What states have the most Court Translator jobs? States with the most job openings for Court Translator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Court Translator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Court Translator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Court Translator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Court Interpreter (Intermittent, 620C)

Superior Court of California - County of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$41.33 - $50.23/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $41.33 - $50.23 Hourly
Location : 400 McAllister Street, Room 205, San Francisco, CA
Job Type: Intermittent/As Needed
Job Number: 2017-00002
Department: Court Reporters and Interpreters
Opening Date: 01/13/2017
Description
COURT INTERPRETER
(INTERMITTENT)
(Class Code 620C)
The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, invites applications from qualified individuals certified by the State of California as a Court Interpreter who are interested in working on an intermittent or as-needed basis to perform a wide variety of interpreting and translating activities for the Court, and for persons doing business with the Court; and to perform other job-related duties as required. The Court is accepting applications for the following languages:
  • Cantonese
  • Mongolian
  • Dari
  • Portuguese
  • Farsi
  • Spanish
  • Hindi / Urdu
  • Tagalog
  • Mandarin
  • Vietnamese

This selection process is being conducted in accordance with San Francisco Superior Court Personnel Rule 4. An eligibility list will not be established.
FINAL FILING DATE: Continuous.
COMPENSATION:
$41.3269 - $50.2286 hourly
(for more than four hours per day)*
$45.8729 - $55.7537 hourly
(for an a.m. only or p.m. only assignment, or a night court only assignment)*
*On any day worked, the Court Interpreter is paid for a minimum of four hours per day.
Examples of Duties
POSITION OVERVIEW
  • Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
  • Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents.
  • Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
  • Interprets between languages in court proceedings.
  • Brings to the court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance.
  • Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court.
  • Receives daily calendar assignments from the San Francisco Superior Court Interpreter Supervisor and accurately completes daily activity logs or other documentation as required.
  • Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing sight translation of short documents.

Work is performed in an office and courtroom environment; continuous contact with judges, staff, attorneys, litigants, community groups, and the general public.
Physical Requirements: Sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods and frequently walk, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch; manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination as required for the specific language used; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication, litigants and the public; use of office equipment as required by the assignment.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Must possess a valid certificate as a "Certified or Registered Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California. Information on how to become certified/registered is available at
One year of the equivalent of full-time experience acting as an interpreter-translator in a courtroom or in a business environment.
At least 45 court days or parts of court days experience in providing interpreter services to the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, in a calendar year.
Knowledge of:
  • Legal terminology and functions used in court.
  • Correct usage of grammar, spelling and punctuation of English and the language being interpreted.
  • Interpreter ethics, standards and techniques.
  • Legal clerical office practices, procedures and policies.
Ability to:
  • Orally convey the meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes. The meaning must be conveyed accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting.
  • Convey the meaning of the text from and into English and the applicable non-English language by written translation.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, witnesses, other court personnel, supervisors and co-workers.
  • Learn and apply a variety of court procedures and practices.
  • Follow instructions.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
Interested individuals must apply online and include a valid email address where the applicant can receive future correspondence regarding the position. Applicants must submit ALL the following items:
* Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, online employment application (fully completed).
* Resume.
* Copy of the applicant's State of California certification as a Court Interpreter.
* One-page cover letter explaining why the applicant is interested in the position, and briefly describing the experience and education applicable to the position.
The online application, resume, cover letter, and copy of the State of California certification as a Court Interpreter are very important to the selection process. It is recommended that applicants review the information in this announcement and on the application very carefully. Once the application has been submitted, it cannot be corrected, changed or resubmitted.
SELECTION PROCESS
Initial Screening:
Complete application packages will be evaluated to determine if the applicants meet the minimum qualifications. Only those applicants who are determined may best meet the needs of the Court may be interviewed. Not all applicants will receive an interview.
Oral Interview:
If necessary, selected applicants may be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, abilities, and skill levels in job related areas.
Qualified applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process should complete the relevant section on the employment application.
OTHER APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Employment is subject to security clearance. Any false statement or omission of material fact may cause forfeiture of employment. Information presented on employment applications, resumes, and attachments, and during the selection process is subject to verification. Employees are prohibited from engaging in activities which conflict with the interests of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
Immigration laws require that all employees hired after November 6, 1986, must provide proof of work eligibility. At the time of appointment to a position, all applicants must possess a valid Social Security number and will be required to present original documents which verify citizenship or legal alien status as well as identity (such as a social security card and driver's license, or a green card and driver's license, or a valid U.S. passport).
THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. APPLICANTS SHALL NOT BE FAVORED OR DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, CITIZENSHIP, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, PHYSICAL DISABILITY, MENTAL DISABILITY, MEDICAL CONDITION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, UNION ACTIVITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
For questions on the above information, contact the Human Resources Office of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, (415) 551-0381.
01
I have a valid certificate as a "Certified or Registered Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California for the following language(s):
  • Cantonese
  • Dari
  • Farsi
  • Hindi / Urdu
  • Mandarin
  • Mongolian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
  • Vietnamese

02
As instructed, I have attached a copy of my State of California certification as a Court Interpreter.
  • Yes
  • No

03
How many years of full-time experience do you have acting as an interpreter-translator in a courtroom or in a business environment? (Please answer in decimal format, #.##)
04
Are you currently employed by another Superior Court in California?
  • Yes
  • No

05
If yes, please enter the Superior Court you are currently employed by in the box below.
06
As instructed, I have attached my resume.
  • Yes
  • No

07
As instructed, I have attached my one-page cover letter explaining why I am interested in the position, and briefly describing my experience and education applicable to the position.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question