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Federal Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Public Defender's Office

Interpreter

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$62K - $128K/yr

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time fully Federal Certified Spanish interpreter, to be stationed in Tucson. More than one ...

Federal Public Defender's Office

Interpreter

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$62K - $128K/yr

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time fully Federal Certified Spanish interpreter, to be stationed in Tucson. More than one ...

Jefferson Southern

Interpreter

Rockmart, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

* Serve as interpreter for the President, Japanese staff, and Japanese guests (e.g., G-TEKT, JIC, JEC ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Blue Ridge Health

Interpreter

Hendersonville, NC · On-site

$19.20/hr

Newly hired Interpreters are eligible for a $500.00 sign on bonus after 90 days of employment $19 ... We are a nonprofit system of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that works closely with ...

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Federal Interpreter information

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$64K

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How much do federal interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal interpreter in the United States is $64,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to be a federal court interpreter?

To become a federal court interpreter, candidates typically need to be fluent in at least two languages and pass the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination administered by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Certification and state-specific requirements may also apply, along with background checks and adherence to ethical standards; some positions require prior experience or specialized training in legal terminology.

What is the difference between Federal Interpreter vs Court Interpreter?

AspectFederal InterpreterCourt Interpreter
CredentialsTypically requires certification from the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination or similarOften requires state certification or registration, may include federal certification
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, courts, immigration officesState and local courts, legal proceedings
Employer & IndustryFederal government, courts, immigration servicesState courts, local legal systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Federal Interpreters and Court Interpreters both facilitate communication in legal settings, often requiring similar certifications. Federal Interpreters work primarily for federal agencies and courts, while Court Interpreters serve state and local courts. Certification requirements and work environments overlap, but their specific roles depend on the jurisdiction and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Interpreter, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of legal terminology, and often a relevant degree or federal certification. Familiarity with interpretation equipment, legal case management systems, and official certification such as from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts or state interpreter programs is typically required. Exceptional listening, cultural awareness, and the ability to remain impartial and composed under pressure are vital soft skills. These abilities are crucial for accurately conveying information and ensuring fair legal proceedings in high-stakes government environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by federal interpreters when working in courtrooms or government settings?

Federal Interpreters often encounter challenges such as dealing with complex legal terminology, maintaining accuracy under pressure, and adapting to diverse dialects or regional language variations. They must also remain impartial and uphold strict confidentiality, even in emotionally charged situations. Effective collaboration with judges, attorneys, and other court personnel is essential to ensure clear communication and uphold the integrity of the proceedings.

What is a federal interpreter?

Federal Interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between individuals who do not speak the same language within the federal court system or other federal agencies. They translate spoken or signed language during legal proceedings, interviews, and official events to ensure all parties understand the information being shared. These interpreters must possess a high level of language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and familiarity with legal terminology. Federal Interpreters often work in courts, immigration hearings, and other federal settings where accurate interpretation is crucial for justice and due process.
More about Federal Interpreter jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Federal Interpreter job openings:
What states have the most Federal Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Interpreter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Interpreter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Interpreter jobs are:
Federal Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Interpreter

Federal Public Defender's Office

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$62K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time fully Federal Certified Spanish interpreter, to be stationed in Tucson. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide federal criminal defense by court appointment to individuals unable to afford counsel. The District of Arizona has offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.

Requirements. To qualify for the interpreter position, a person must be a high school graduate or equivalent, be federally certified by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Spanish<>English, and have at least five years of federal interpreting experience, or comparable experience with an advanced degree. The applicant must be a U.S citizen, have the ability to analyze, evaluate and apply relevant policies and procedures to office operations, exercise good judgment, general knowledge of office practices and legal processes, and the ability to type and use a personal computer. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation.

Duties. The interpreter supports the assistant federal public defenders in various aspects of trial preparation by interpreting/translating legal documents, correspondence, transcripts, treaties, foreign documents, legal provisions, and other case-related documents. This position will assist with litigation support and help prepare clients for trial. This position will require heavy document translation, transcription of audio and videotape recordings and interpreting for attorney-client meetings, witness interviews, telephone conversations, jail visits, office court proceedings, pre-sentence interviews and interviews with other government officials as permitted by the court, and other duties as assigned. The position requires that confidentiality of all interpreted communications be maintained at all times. Some travel may be required.

Salary and Benefits. The starting salary for the interpreter will be fixed commensurate with experience and qualifications of the applicant within a range of JSP-9, Step 1, to JSP-14, Step 1, currently yielding $62,893 to $128,162 per annum. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular Government employment benefits including health and life insurance, Federal Employees’ Retirement System, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and subject to the availability of funds.

Items to include: Please include a letter of interest along with resume and a copy of your federal court interpreter certification. References will be required from candidates selected for interviews.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.


Equal Opportunity Employer. The Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals from groups underrepresented in national projects within the defender community are encouraged to apply.