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Freelance Court Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Court Interpreter 1 or 2

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$77K - $109K/yr

Translate signage and vicinage documents as requested. * Assist with the contracting of freelance ... Eligible applicants are court interpreters approved by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the ...

... with freelance interpreters; ; this classification requires the applicant to pass criminal ... Superior Court in Yuma County- Rules of the Judicial Merit System and the Code of Conduct for ...

Court Interpreter (Grade 13)

Superior, AZ · On-site

$27.14 - $33.93/hr

... with freelance interpreters; ; this classification requires the applicant to pass criminal ... Superior Court in Yuma County- Rules of the Judicial Merit System and the Code of Conduct for ...

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Freelance Court Interpreter information

See salary details

$23.5K

$78.3K

$100K

How much do freelance court interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance court interpreter in the United States is $78,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a freelance interpreter?

To become a freelance court interpreter, you should obtain relevant language proficiency and certification, such as passing a court interpreter exam or certification program. Building experience through internships or volunteering can help, and establishing a professional network is important for finding clients. Freelance interpreters often work independently, requiring strong communication skills and familiarity with legal terminology and procedures.

How much do freelance interpreters charge?

Freelance court interpreters typically charge between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on factors such as language pair, experience, and case complexity. Some interpreters also offer per-day or per-project rates, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Rates may vary based on geographic location and certification level.

What is the highest paid interpreter?

The highest paid freelance court interpreters typically earn six-figure incomes, especially those with rare language skills, extensive experience, and specialized certifications. Factors such as working in high-demand regions, handling complex legal cases, and offering services in less common languages can significantly increase earning potential.

What is the difference between Freelance Court Interpreter vs Freelance Legal Translator?

AspectFreelance Court InterpreterFreelance Legal Translator
CredentialsTypically requires court interpreting certification, language proficiency testsRequires translation certifications, legal language expertise
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal proceedings, live interpretingLegal documents, contracts, written translation
Employer & Industry UsageCourts, government agencies, legal institutionsLaw firms, legal departments, publishing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in legal settings, interpreting vs translatingLegal document translation, accuracy, certification

Freelance Court Interpreters primarily provide live, oral interpretation during legal proceedings, requiring specialized certification and experience with court environments. Freelance Legal Translators focus on translating legal documents and texts, emphasizing accuracy and legal terminology expertise. While both roles serve the legal industry, they differ in work setting, skills, and certification requirements.

Can court interpreters work remotely?

Court interpreters can work remotely in some cases, especially for virtual hearings or legal consultations, provided they have the necessary technology and secure communication tools. However, many court proceedings still require in-person interpretation to ensure accuracy and adherence to legal protocols. Remote work opportunities depend on the court's policies and the interpreter's certifications and experience.
More about Freelance Court Interpreter jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Court Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Court Interpreter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Court Interpreter jobs? The most popular types of Court Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Court Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Court Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Court Interpreter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,267 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Court Interpreter 1/ Court Interpreter 2 (Spanish)

Court Interpreter 1/ Court Interpreter 2 (Spanish)

New Jersey Courts

Elizabeth, NJ

$77K - $109K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


New Jersey Courts rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

699th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description If another position becomes available within five months of this recruitment's closing date, the applicant pool from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies. When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in lives of the public we serve.

We work hard every day to build the public's trust and confidence in our court system, which includes issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court. Whether it be in a courtroom, an administrative office, a courthouse training room, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work.

SALARY: The salary range for this position is $77,060.73 - $109,426.20 for Schedule A, and $77,060.73 to $103,954.90 for Schedule B. For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater

Judiciary employees hired prior to June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule B. REMOTE WORK: The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings.

To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access. Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position. The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.

The Union Vicinage is seeking a Court Interpreter, who is highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented. Under the general direction of the Interpreting Supervisor, the selected candidate must be bilingual in English and Spanish, and able to interpret in the three modes of interpretation (sight, consecutive, simultaneous) in court proceedings, quasi-judicial hearings, complementary dispute resolution events and other court related events either in person, virtually, or via a telecommunications device. This candidate must be familiar with courtroom protocols and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

The qualified candidate will be able to produce translations of signage and other documents, either in draft or final form, as directed by their supervisor. Responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, assistance in the procurement and assignment of contract interpreters and related paperwork, collecting and entering data in the automated record keeping system, providing training to staff as needed, and participation in study and training events to develop and maintain interpreting and translation skills. The successful candidate must possess excellent time management and interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with all levels of Judiciary staff.

Performs related duties as required. POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LEVELS BASED ON CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND AVAILABLE POSITIONS. Court Interpreter 1 - Journey Level 2 - Journey Employees at this level interpret legal proceedings and may translate forms, letters and other court related documents.

Minimum Salary: $74,454.81 Maximum Salary: $100,439.52 Court Interpreter 2 - Mastery Level 3 - Mastery Employees at this level interpret complex legal proceedings and translate forms, letters and other court- related documents Minimum Salary: $78,922.07 Maximum Salary: $113,171.27 Example of Duties - Interpret court events in the simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes, whether on site, telephonically or virtually in accordance with the Code of Conduct and all other applicable requirements - Translate signage and vicinage documents as requested - Assist with the contracting of freelance interpreters, as well as the processing of vouchers, statistical reports, TIVD, ADA accommodations, and other tasks requested by supervisor Qualifications Eligibility: Eligible applicants are court interpreters approved by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). AOC approved interpreters include interpreters who have passed the written and performance oral exams of the National Center for State Courts administered by the AOC or an equivalent test administered by a member state of the National Center for State Courts; or who possess the Federal Court Interpreter Certification by having passed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Exam administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Note: Prior to translating documents, incumbents must pass the translation test administered by the AOC

For additional information on becoming a Court Interpreter refer to https://www.njcourts.gov/public/lang-services Supplemental Information Driver's License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations

Special Note: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information. Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A

52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.

HOW TO APPLY: The NJ Judiciary requires all applicants to complete the application process fully and as instructed. All applicants must complete the work experience and education sections and attach any required documents. Applications must describe all relevant work experience in detail, beginning with your current or most recent job, including military service (indicate rank), internships and job-related volunteer work, if applicable.

Use a separate section to describe each position. Applicants who indicate "see resume" or enter their initials to acknowledge that they have skipped the Work History and Education sections will not be considered, unless they do not possess any education history or work experience. Only applicants that follow the application instructions and submit completed applications will be considered.

The New Jersey Judiciary consists of: the Supreme Court, the Superior Court including the Appellate Division and the Trial Court of the 15 vicinages in New Jersey, the Tax Court and the Municipal Court System. The Administrative Office of the Courts provides technical assistance, operational support, training, research and development, budget and personnel coordination, and development and operation of information systems for the Courts of New Jersey. The Judiciary of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Ensuring an Open Door to Justice NeoGov applicant support at 1-877-204-4442 (toll free call) Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time (MT).


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