1

Federal Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Interpreter

Hendersonville, NC ยท 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 ...

Interpreter

Hendersonville, NC ยท 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 ...

Metlang maintains a comprehensive roster of highly qualified federal court certified interpreters throughout the country in over 100 languages and dialects. We take pride in building long term ...

Court Interpreter

Racine, WI

$30.89 - $39.23/hr

As an employee of a local government agency, qualified employees may be eligible for the federal ... Maintains records of interpretation and translation activities using automated tracking systems.

Metlang maintains a comprehensive roster of highly qualified federal court certified interpreters throughout the country in over 100 languages and dialects. We take pride in building long term ...

Support the functions of a centralized, multilingual medical interpretation program benefiting the patients of AnMed Health and its subsidiaries as required by Federal law. * Ensure the availability ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Federal Interpreter information

See salary details

$24K

$64K

$104.5K

How much do federal interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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 are Federal Interpreters?

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:
Infographic showing various Federal Interpreter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

$106K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary: $106,437.00 - $125,776.00 Annually
Location : Del Rio, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: USDC 24-21
Agency: United States District Court
Division: Del Rio
Opening Date: 05/02/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Overview
The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Court Interpreter, located in Del Rio, Texas. Remote interpreting will be required across the Western District of Texas divisional offices.
A Court Interpreter provides interpreting and translation services for Spanish speaking defendants, witnesses, and family members. The incumbent also provides interpreting services for the general public conducting business with the court or the Clerk's Office.
Responsibilities
  • Provides simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, and sight translation services during in-court hearings related to all stages of the criminal process by transferring the message from English into Spanish, and from Spanish into English.
  • Provides interpreting services in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Mexico. Acts as facilitator of telephonic events in the courtroom for interpreting events in other-than-Spanish languages.
  • Provides interpreting services nationwide as part of the Telephone Interpreting Program, with priority to the Western District of Texas. This responsibility entails researching the assigned cases and preparing for the event following established protocols.
  • Responsible for scheduling and coordinating contract interpreters, including contracting interpreters for the Telephone Interpreting Program, as needed. Coordinate with clerk's office and chambers staff to meet the interpreting needs of the court, as well as locating and confirming any additional contract interpreters needed to provide services.
  • Prepares for assignments by reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary.
  • Prepares written translations of a variety of materials for the court, ranging from general correspondence to the court from defendants and/or family members, to complex legal documents from other countries. Assignments may also include the translation of official forms.
  • Participates in working groups that already exist or may be formed with the objective of completing special projects such as glossaries or translations.
  • Contributes to or prepares presentations on translation/interpretation-related topics as part of staff meetings or other professional development efforts.
  • Must have the ability to remain impartial.
  • The staff interpreter is responsible for assigned administrative duties and clerical work and keeps in communication with other staff members and the supervisor to accommodate the court's interpreting needs.
  • Provides relief coverage as needed to the divisional offices across the Western District of Texas.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Preferred Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must have successfully completed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE) and be federally certified by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Spanish/English. A minimum of three (3) years of specialized experience is also required. Candidate should also possess basic computer/software skills in order to perform translation, research, and administrative duties.
Specialized experience is defined as experience that has provided the interpreter with the knowledge, skills and abilities to accurately and idiomatically render a message from the source language into the receptor language without any additions, omissions or other misleading factors that in any way alter the intended meaning of the message from the source language speaker in a courtroom or legal environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic levels is desirable.
  • Extensive knowledge of legal, highly technical, and colloquial vocabulary in English and Spanish, and familiarity with the regional border language characteristics/slang of the southwest area of the United States is preferred but not required.
  • Membership in an interpreting/translation professional association is highly desirable.

The successful applicant may be eligible to receive a relocation or recruitment bonus. To be eligible for the bonus, the successful applicant must sign a written agreement to complete an agreed upon period of employment with the Western District of Texas.
Application Procedure
Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a letter of interest (include job title/number listed above), resume, copy of your Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Spanish/English certificate, e-mail address, and a daytime phone number to: www.txwp.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application.
Preference will be given to applicants who submit application materials before
5:00 pm (CST) Friday, May 31, 2024
Candidates that previously applied to USDC 23-17 need not reapply.
The United States Courts reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. More than one position may be filled from this posting. In the event that a position becomes vacant in a similar classification, within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Court Unit Executive may elect to select a candidate from the applicants who responded to the original announcement without posting the position. The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation. This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available for review upon request). Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation is needed.
The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The federal Judiciary provides a generous benefit package, which includes:
  • Retirement Benefits:
    • Federal Employes Retirement System (FERS) Basic Benefit Plan
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - 401k styled program with up to a 5% government match
    • Social Security
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 11 paid federal government holidays
  • Optional Benefits:
    • Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance options
    • Flexible Benefits Program offering medical care, dependent care, and parking reimbursement
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Flexible work schedules and telework, depending on location and position
    • On-site gym, depending on location
For additional information regarding benefits, go to
01
Have you successfully completed the Federal Court Interpreter Examination (FCICE)? If yes, please attach a copy of the certificate.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have the ability to fluently speak, understand, read, and write English and Spanish with advanced knowledge of idioms, slang, and regionalisms in both languages?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have skill in simultaneous or consecutive interpretation and sight translation with a high degree of accuracy and at a high speed of delivery?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question