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Government Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Japanese Interpreter

OR ยท Remote

$21/hr

Our interpreters serve clients across numerous industries, including health care, 911, first responders, education, government agencies, and all walks of business. As an interpreter, you will receive ...

Our interpreters serve clients across numerous industries, including health care, 911, first responders, education, government agencies, and all walks of business. As an interpreter, you will receive ...

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Spanish Interpreter

Gurabo, PR ยท On-site

$12/hr

Help interpret Spanish/English conversations for a wide range of industries including Healthcare, Government entities, Police Services, Insurance, Financial, and Travel & Hospitality. * Interpreting ...

Vietnamese Interpreter

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$77K/yr

Valbin is a leading language service provider to the government and private sector and is dedicated ... Occasional travel for on-site interpretation (CONUS) may be required. The level of difficulty in ...

Vietnamese Interpreter

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$78K/yr

Valbin is a leading language service provider to the government and private sector and is dedicated ... Occasional travel for on-site interpretation (CONUS) may be required. The level of difficulty in ...

The government contractor requires interpretation services for injured workers and crime victims during medical and vocational appointments. All languages are encouraged to apply across the country.

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Government Interpreter information

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$24K

$64K

$104.5K

How much do government interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for government 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government Interpreter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Interpreter, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, in-depth cultural knowledge, and often a relevant degree or certification in interpreting or translation. Familiarity with specialized interpreting equipment, translation software, and security clearance processes is commonly required. Exceptional soft skills such as discretion, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital for effectively navigating sensitive governmental environments. Mastering these skills ensures accurate, confidential communication between parties and supports critical government operations.

What are the typical work settings and collaborative dynamics for a Government Interpreter?

Government Interpreters often work in a variety of settings, including courtrooms, diplomatic events, immigration offices, or international conferences, depending on their agency assignment. Collaboration is key, as they frequently work alongside diplomats, legal professionals, law enforcement officials, or agency staff to facilitate clear and accurate communication between parties. Interpreters may work independently during some assignments, while other tasks require close teamwork to ensure messages are conveyed accurately and confidentially. The work can be fast-paced and occasionally involves travel or a rotating schedule. This dynamic environment offers valuable opportunities to expand your expertise and potentially move into supervisory, training, or specialized interpreting roles as you gain experience.

What is a Government Interpreter job?

A Government Interpreter facilitates communication between individuals who speak different languages in official government settings. They work for federal, state, or local agencies, assisting in legal proceedings, diplomatic meetings, law enforcement interviews, and public services. Their role requires fluency in multiple languages, cultural awareness, and strict confidentiality. Interpreters may work in-person, over the phone, or via video, depending on the assignment.

More about Government Interpreter jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Government Interpreter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Interpreter jobs? The most popular types of Government Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Government Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Interpreter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 42% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 41% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Remote Over-the-phone Interpreter: Punjabi Only

Remote Over-the-phone Interpreter: Punjabi Only

Accent on Languages

Berkeley, CA โ€ข Remote

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary: $30-35/hr.

Accent on Languages is looking for a highly qualified Over-the-Phone Interpreter to work remotely within the United States under a Federal Government contract. This is for Punjabi only.


Company Introduction:


Accent on Languages is a woman and minority owned language company established in Berkeley since 1992. We have been providing language services to the law enforcement community as well as local, state, and federal government agencies and commercial clients in 120 languages.


Accent on Languages is a certified small business that helps our clients serve the common good through our leading range of language services. With more than 30 years of experience, our team of in-house and external subject matters experts help achieve our clients' goals with any type of linguistic needs. Services that we offer include translation, interpretation, localization, transcription, monitoring, language assessment and much more. We have helped hundreds of clients satisfy their language priorities, providing efficient and accurate support that has helped millions of people. And we do this through the use of top rate technologies that ensure the best quality of work.


As a woman and minority owned company, we are committed to promoting diverse and inclusive work, and were proud of our reputation for helping people of all backgrounds.


We are looking for candidates who are equally passionate about serving the greater good by providing the best interpretation services to an even bigger LEP population in the US. If you feel like you are a great fit, please don't hesitate to apply!


Job Description:


We are looking for anover-the-phone Punjabi Interpreter who will be responsible for providing consecutive interpretation services from an at-home office in the US for Federal Governments. Prior training and experience working as an interpreter are necessary to provide accurate and complete interpretation. The interpreters may also need to pass an interpretation assessment test and conduct themselves according to Accent's ethical and professional guidelines. Successful Independent Contractor Interpreters will be expected to perform accurate and clear interpretation, communicate and convey ideas effectively, and provide excellent customer service. Interpreters must also:


- Provide the highest level of quality, accuracy, completeness, and customer service during each interpreting session
- Meet all of the interpreter quality standards outlined by Accent on Languages and professional associations
- Have a continual learning mindset; continue to expand professional knowledge and vocabulary to improve service to our customers
- Take feedback well; receive and respond to feedback in a timely and effective manner
- Complete all the required training, mentorship, and coaching
- Keep all interpreter sessions and related information strictly confidential

- Ability to handle interpreting sessions that last for 2-4 hours


Important Requirements:
- You must either be a US Citizen or hold a US greencard and have lived in the US for the past 3 years.
- You must live in the United States and can work legally in the US.
- You must pass a clearance process by filling out all the required paperwork and conduct all the legal and language screening in a timely manner. However, if you have a current government clearance, that is preferred.
- You must strictly conduct to the interpreter's code of ethics created by Accent on Languages as well as industry professional associations.
- You must stay loyal to the source language, perform accurate and complete interpreting without ever providing counseling or personal opinions.
- You must adhere to confidentiality and never disclose any information that you interpret during any sessions.


Qualifications:
- Professional proficiency and experience in over-the-phone interpretation required
- A minimum of 6 months of previous interpretation or relevant experience required
- Ability to pass a language assessment of relevant terminology
- Documented completion of a language proficiency interview/assessment preferred for languages of lesser diffusion
- Ability to communicate effectively across cultures
- Ability to use multiple software and phone systems simultaneously required
- Ability to sit and interpret over-the-phone for extended periods required
- Ability to concentrate and take effective notes in a fast-paced work environment required
- Current or previous government clearance preferred
- Experience in and familiarity with the government space strongly preferred
- A high school diploma, GED or equivalent; a four-year college degree preferred
- Recognized certification in language interpretation (legal or community) preferred