ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Federal Interpreter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFederal Interpreter JobsFederal Interpreter Jobs in Virginia

Federal Interpreter information

See Virginia salary details

$23.8K

$63.5K

$103.6K

How much do federal interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal interpreter in Virginia is $63,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 a background check and adherence to ethical standards; some roles require specialized knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Interpreter jobs in Virginia?

For Federal Interpreter jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Interpreter jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Interpreter jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Federal Interpreter jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Federal Interpreter job openings:

Federal Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Interpreter job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,471 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Russian/Ukrainian - Translation/Interpretation

SOSi

Reston, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.

Job Description

SOSi is seeking a Russian/Ukrainian Linguist – Translation/Interpretation for work in Northern Virginia. In this role you will integrate into a client team to provide a full range of language support, including processing written and audio materials, providing linguistic and cultural expertise, or supporting engagements with your translation, transcription, and interpretation skills. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and collaborate and engage with client personnel to further the mission.

Essential Job Duties

  • Read, write, and speak Russian/Ukrainian at a fluent or native level.
  • Gist, summarize, and translate Russian/Ukrainian printed, electronic, or audio/visual material into clear, understandable, and idiomatically correct English.
  • Review foreign and domestic websites and produce analytic reports in a specified format. May be responsible for populating spreadsheets.
  • Review a broad range of information sources, identify information of value, and summarize content in a succinct, understandable format that retains linguistic and cultural nuance while following the customer's Operations and Style Guide.
  • Leverage knowledge and vocabulary specific to politics, military, security, culture to provide high quality translations and insights from translated materials.
  • Use a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Office products and SharePoint. Must be able to learn new tools and applications specific to the customer.
  • Some positions may be required to provide interpretation services for meetings or other engagements. Services could include simultaneous or consecutive interpretation while preserving the nuance of the speaker.
  • Up to 20 percent travel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree.  
  • The federal government requires all linguists on this contract to obtain and maintain a security clearance. This security clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 
  • Prior to beginning work, candidates must complete the process for a fully adjudicated TS/SCI (with poly) security clearance. SOSi will sponsor qualified candidates for clearance. 
  • Minimum of five years of experience in translation support. 
  • Candidates must possess native or near native competency in Russian/Ukrainian (ILR scale 5). Competency will be determined by standardized language exams which must be completed as part of the application process.  
  • Candidate must be familiar with the culture, media, and linguistic nuance of Russian/Ukrainian.  
  • Candidates must possess excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Competency will be determined by a standardized exam which must be completed as part of the application process. 
  • Experience in using SharePoint and Microsoft Office, ability to learn additional programs and applications as needed. 
  • For positions requiring travel, candidates will be required to maintain a passport and secure medical clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active, in scope TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
  • Master’s degree in Translation/Interpretation.
  • Experience in the US intelligence, military, cryptographic, or law enforcement communities.

Additional Information

Working Conditions

  • Full-time onsite work. No possibility of remote work.
  • Up to 20% travel. Some travel coverage may require extended hours, up to 11 hours per day, and non-traditional schedules, including nights and weekends.

Working at SOSi

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.