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Entry Level Court Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Court information

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$19.1K

$41.5K

$67.6K

How much do entry level court jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level court in California is $41,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,824.00 and $47,003.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Court position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an entry-level court position, such as a court clerk or assistant, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of legal procedures; a high school diploma or associate degree is often required. Familiarity with court management systems, case filing software, and general office equipment is important in handling daily tasks efficiently. Excellent written and verbal communication, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate recordkeeping, confidentiality, and smooth workflow within a legal environment.

What are the primary responsibilities of someone in an entry-level court position?

In an entry-level court role, your daily responsibilities typically include managing court documents, assisting in case scheduling, and supporting judges, attorneys, and court personnel with administrative tasks. You may also be responsible for data entry, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, and providing customer service to the public and legal professionals. The work is usually team-oriented and driven by court schedules, requiring flexibility and proactive communication. This position offers excellent exposure to court operations and can be a solid foundation for advancing to more specialized or senior court administration roles.

What is an Entry Level Court job?

An Entry Level Court job typically involves assisting with administrative tasks, filing legal documents, and supporting court staff in daily operations. These roles may include positions such as court clerks, legal assistants, or bailiff trainees. Responsibilities can vary by jurisdiction but often focus on maintaining records, scheduling hearings, and providing assistance to judges and attorneys. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are important in this role. Many positions require a high school diploma or associate’s degree, with opportunities for advancement through experience or additional education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Court jobs in California? The most popular types of Court jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Court jobs in California? For Entry Level Court jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Court jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Court jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Court jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Court job openings:
Entry Level Court jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Court job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,506 per year, or $20 per hour.

Court Interpreter (Spanish)

Superior Court of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary : $85,945.60 - $104,478.40 Annually
Location : Santa Cruz Courthouse, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 86001926
Department: SC Criminal and Traffic Operations
Opening Date: 03/07/2024
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, performs simultaneous or consecutive oral language interpretation between English and another language in court proceedings, court-ordered programs for which an interpreter is required, such as court-ordered psychiatric evaluations; interviews with defendants and witnesses; and sight translations of court documents.
This is the entry and journey level of the Interpreter series. Incumbents perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other interpreting services as needed at the direction of the Court. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading and giving an oral translation of the text.
TYPICAL TASKS:
  • Interprets from and into English and Spanish 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 Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator or Supervisor and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required; and
  • Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information at an information counter to the non-English speaking public and processes documents related to interpretation.

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE
Any combination of training and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities, including the knowledge of a language other than English, legal procedures and legal terminology, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for the entry level would be:
  • Certification by the State of California as a qualified Court Interpreter is required; AND
  • Education equivalent to a high school diploma or GED and certified training in language interpretation; AND
  • One year of experience interpreting and translating for a recognized public or private agency. Certification by the State of California as a qualified Court Interpreter is required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • English and applicable non-English grammar and vocabulary provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary.
  • Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified;
  • The general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language; and
  • Interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 2.890, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.
ABILITY TO:
  • Orally convey the meaning from and into English and Spanish by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, conveying the meaning accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting;
  • Concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment;
  • Adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed;
  • Interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations;
  • Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of Spanish;
  • Use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers, as required by the assignment; and transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation;
  • Understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court, and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation; and
  • Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Specific tasks and duties may vary between assignments, however, the following are considered essential functions expected of the Senior Financial Analyst classification:
  • Frequent and ongoing contact with other individuals to provide interpretation services;
  • Ability to move freely about the courtroom and related court facilities;
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods; corrected hearing, speech, and vision to normal range;
  • Periodic to regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents, and other court related materials. Incumbents must have the ability to lift and carry 10 lbs;
  • Work with time constraints and under pressure in some situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes, but is not limited to, contact with judges, staff, attorneys, other court users and the public. Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within the county is required. If cross assignments are accepted, travel between counties may be required.
SELECTION:
Only those candidates who submit a completed application packet (application and resume) and who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to a formal interview. The court reserves the right to use other screening methods for this recruitment as appropriate.
For additional information please email the court at hrinfo@santacruzcourt.org or call (831) 420-2275.
The hearing impaired TDD# is (831) 429-5514.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
SEIU AND CWA REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
Annual Leave: 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service. Maximum balance is 2 ½ times annual accrual. Balance paid out upon separation. No accruals available for use until end of 520 hours of employment.
Holidays: 14.5 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: CalPERS retirement plan (2% at age 62) integrated with Social Security; employee contributes 7% of salary pre-tax.
Medical: The Court contracts with CalPERS for a variety of health plans. For most plans Court contributions pay a large majority of the premiums for employees and dependents. Opt-Out for cash is available.
Dental: Court pays for employee and dependent coverage.
Vision: Court pays for employee and dependent coverage.
Life Insurance: Court paid $20,000 term policy for employee only; supplemental employee-paid plan available for employee and dependents.
Short Term Disability: Court paid; provides 66 2/3 of weekly salary up to maximum of $2,000 per week.
Long Term Disability: Court paid; provides 66 2/3 of monthly salary up to maximum of $9,000 per month.
Deferred Compensation: 457b plan available; employee voluntary deductions only.
Retiree Health Program: Retirees with at least 5 years of service with our court will have a portion of their monthly CalPERS health insurance cost paid. For retirees with at least 25 years of service, the Court will pay a 100% of the premium for the lowest cost applicable CalPERS HMO or Medicare HMO insurance premium not to exceed $1,000.00 Employees must work with the Court for at least 5 years to qualify and each employee contributes 1% of their base pay on a pre-tax basis to partially fund the Court's retiree health program.
01
Do you have 1 year of experience interpreting and translating for a recognized public or private agency. Certification by the State of California as a qualified Court Interpreter is required.
  • No
  • Yes

02
Do you have a State of California Interpreter Certification?
  • No
  • Yes

Required Question

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