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Freelance Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$78K/yr

Freelance Interpreters - JM Summary: Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Freelance Interpreter supports Gallaudet Interpreting Service (GIS) in providing communication access services for ...

Freelance Interpreter

Washington, DC · On-site

$76K/yr

Freelance Interpreters - JM Summary: Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Freelance Interpreter supports Gallaudet Interpreting Service (GIS) in providing communication access services for ...

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How much do freelance interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance interpreter in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges freelance interpreters face when managing multiple assignments?

Freelance interpreters often juggle assignments for different clients, which can present scheduling conflicts and the need to quickly switch between subject matters or languages. Managing these transitions requires strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt communication styles to various settings, such as medical, legal, or business environments. Additionally, freelancers must handle administrative tasks like invoicing and self-marketing, all while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism across diverse client interactions.

What are freelance interpreters?

Freelance interpreters are language professionals who work independently to facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. Unlike full-time interpreters employed by organizations, freelancers take on assignments from various clients, which can include businesses, courts, hospitals, or event organizers. They interpret spoken or signed language in real-time, ensuring accurate and culturally appropriate communication. Freelance interpreters often have flexibility in choosing their projects and setting their schedules, but they are also responsible for managing their own business operations.

What Does a Freelance Interpreter Do?

The job duties of a freelance interpreter include working with different clients to interpret from one language into another. A freelance interpreter works on a contract basis. Your responsibilities in this career vary depending on the needs of each client. Some clients ask you to translate spoken language in a live environment, while others need interpreters to interpret from audio files, written text, websites, or other forms of media. Clients typically need you to convert concepts and context into the target language rather than merely translating word for word.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, deep cultural understanding, and, often, a relevant degree or interpreter certification. Familiarity with industry-specific terminology and proficiency in interpretation equipment or remote interpreting platforms like Zoom or Interprefy are commonly required. Strong listening skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain composed under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies enable interpreters to accurately convey meaning, maintain professionalism, and deliver effective communication across diverse settings.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Interpreter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Interpreter jobs? The most popular types of Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Interpreter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

$78K/yr

Part-time

Medical

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW: Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.


Job Title:

Freelance Interpreter

Worker Type:

Non-Fixed Term


Pay Type:

Hourly


Exempt Status:

No


Supervisory Organization (Department):

Freelance Interpreters - JM


Summary:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Freelance Interpreter supports Gallaudet Interpreting Service (GIS) in providing communication access services for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and more for both Gallaudet University and the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center.


Job Description:

  • Provides professional and accurate interpreting services to the Gallaudet community in a wide variety of settings as assigned.

  • Prepares for each assignment by reviewing scheduled assignments ahead of time, reviewing all materials available for each assignment, seeking out additional prep to support well rounded content knowledge, meeting with presenters, faculty, and event coordinators to review content, discuss logistics, and determine appropriate interpreting needs for each environment, including the need for a DI-HI team, trilingual team, or other services.

  • Increases breadth and depth of interpreting experience within the Gallaudet community by consulting with GIS scheduling office to request assignments that provide continued growth opportunities.

  • Engages in and enhance one's identified areas of skill (i.e. ASL, English, Tactile ASL, ProTactile, and IS) by continually performing self-assessments of skills and identifying new areas for development and attending professional trainings, workshops, conferences, etc.

  • Meets with Manager, Interpreting & Scheduling Supervisor to review performance and activities, including but not limited to progress on performance and professional goals, consumer feedback and evaluations.

  • Contributes to the continued development of the interpreting field by providing mentoring in a variety of capacities, including providing BAI and MAI students observation opportunities including pre/post assignment debriefing, supervising and supporting practicum/internship students as requested, providing specific mentoring to developing interpreters on both technical and soft skills, and engaging in reciprocal mentoring and skill development with colleagues.

  • Adheres to the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct at all times by maintaining the strictest level of confidentiality for all interpreting assignments, demonstrating respect for consumers and colleagues, and abiding by all other tenets of the CPC.

  • Adheres to Gallaudet University and GIS codes of conduct as outlined in the Administration and Operations Manual and the GIS Handbook.

  • Maintains and submits all required employment-related documentation in a timely manner by reading and responding, as needed, to all emails from both the University and GIS, and completing conflict of interest, internet security, and annual compliance training within the given deadlines.

  • Shows a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and seeks out activities and workshops to foster continuous learning.

  • Establishes and maintains a positive and supportive working relationship with co-workers.

  • Serves as a mandatory reporter under Title IX; and commits to completing Title IX training and other compliance requirements on an annual basis.

  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • A minimum of three years of professional interpreting experience.

  • National certification [e.g., NIC, CI&CT, NAD IV or V, CSC or CDI (Deaf Interpreters with PDIC or CASLI Knowledge Exam credentials will be considered)].

  • Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Demonstrated commitment to Social Justice and Equity including but not limited to anti-racist, anti-audist, anti-ableist approaches to work.

  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

  • Excellent ability to solve problems in real time when faced with competing demands or ethical dilemmas.

  • Excellent ability to bring new perspectives to existing challenges to bring about positive change.

  • Demonstrated ability to work with and across University departments, outside constituents and groups.

  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Additional Job Details:

  • "Pass" rating on GIS interpreting skills screening is required before hire date.

  • This position is a long-term temporary position with the expectation to work for up to 40 hours per week, with opportunity for overtime. There is no guarantee of hours without an additional contract specifying guaranteed days and times.

  • This position requires that you accept at least one interpreting assignment per year to maintain active employment status.

  • This position offers health insurance benefits if you work a minimum of 32 hours per week.

Other Important Information:

  • The successful candidate will undergo a background check that must be cleared prior to working at Gallaudet University.


Other Important Information:

  • The successful candidate will undergo a background check that must be cleared prior to working at Gallaudet University.


Current Employees (Regular Status and Extended Temporary)
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https://www.myworkday.com/gallaudet/d/inst/1$9925/9925$2148.htmld


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Gallaudet Universityis an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information,covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis. This policy is in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and other applicable laws and applies to all procedures affecting applicants and employees including, but not necessarily limited to: recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, reassignment, reappointment, tenure, demotion, selection for training, layoff, furlough, and termination, compensation, and all other conditions or privileges of employment.