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Hourly Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HOURLY INTERPRETER

Juneau, AK · On-site

$24.60/hr

Kaxdigoowu Heen Elementary School Temporary Hourly Summer Position Position Summary: Works primarily with students who are in special education and enrolled in Extended School Year program. Presents ...

Hourly Interpreter (Hourly I/R/C) Apply now Job no: 539159 Work type: Staff Location: Fresno Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services Position ...

Interpreter

Kent, WA · On-site

$18.70 - $25/hr

Temporary/Hourly/Interpreter Date Posted: 5/7/2025 Location: Communication & Public Affairs Assignment Type Temporary/Hourly Work Location: Various Hours* Will vary by assignment Hourly Rate $18.70 ...

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Hourly Interpreter information

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$64K

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How much do hourly interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly 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 as an Hourly Interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, strong listening and memory skills, and often a relevant certification or degree in interpretation or translation. Familiarity with interpretation equipment, remote conferencing tools, and industry-specific terminology is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help interpreters stand out. These skills ensure accurate, effective communication and build trust between parties in diverse settings.

What are hourly interpreters?

Hourly interpreters are language professionals who provide interpretation services on an as-needed, hourly basis. They facilitate communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages, often in settings such as hospitals, courts, schools, or business meetings. Unlike full-time interpreters, hourly interpreters are typically contracted for specific assignments and are paid based on the hours they work. This flexible arrangement allows organizations to access language support when required without committing to a permanent staff position.

What is the difference between Hourly Interpreter vs Freelance Interpreter?

AspectHourly InterpreterFreelance Interpreter
CredentialsTypically requires certification or language proficiency testsOften requires similar credentials, but varies by client
Work EnvironmentUsually employed by agencies, hospitals, courts, or institutionsWorks independently or through platforms, serving diverse clients
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by organizations needing scheduled interpretation services
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for structured, steady work

Hourly interpreters generally work for organizations with set schedules and pay rates, often requiring certification. Freelance interpreters operate independently, offering flexible services across various clients. Both roles require strong language skills, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What are some common challenges hourly interpreters face when working with multiple clients in a day?

Hourly interpreters often work with a variety of clients and settings in a single day, which can require quickly adapting to different subject matters, communication styles, and expectations. Managing back-to-back assignments can be challenging, especially when travel or remote technology setup is involved. Additionally, interpreters must maintain high levels of concentration and neutrality, even when navigating complex or sensitive topics. Strong organizational skills and self-care routines are essential to prevent fatigue and ensure consistent performance throughout the day.
More about Hourly Interpreter jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Hourly 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 Hourly Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hourly Interpreter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Hourly Interpreter - Pool

Hourly Interpreter - Pool

California State University

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$19.37 - $194.60/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Hourly Interpreter - Pool

Apply now Job no: 542497
Work type: Staff
Location: Bakersfield
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Time Varies, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position Description

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Hourly Interpreter

UNION CODE: R09

PAY PLAN: Hourly,12-month  

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location).

PAY BASIS:  Hourly/intermittent on call temporary position. Successful candidates may be appointed for a few days and up to one (1) year depending on the assignment. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $21.00- $40.00

  • However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate's experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $19.37- $194.60

BENEFITS: No benefits available.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: This recruitment will remain open and be filled on a continuous basis.

POSITION PURPOSE: Under general supervision of the Director, Services for Students with Disabilities, the Hourly Interpreter plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive an accessible educational environment by providing proficient interpreting services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in a classroom or related instruction setting and/or activities. By facilitating effective communication in academic settings, meetings, and campus events, the Hourly Interpreter enhances student access to educational opportunities, supports their academic success, and promotes a campus culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Through skilled interpretation, the Hourly Interpreter contributes to the university's commitment to providing equitable access and support for all members of the campus community

Assignments may involve technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary. Individual assignments may vary based on the specific skills of the interpreter and the needs of students or other consumers. More difficult tasks may involve interpreting technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary, which require using specialized signs, accommodating consumer requests for varied language preferences, and interpreting fast-spoken material. Specific complexity and skill factors include type of interpreting or communication system needed; difficulty or unique nature of the subject matter and vocabulary; speed of interpreting required; and number of Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing consumers serviced simultaneously.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interpreting Services

  1. Interpret spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) or other manual sign systems, and vice versa, in classroom settings, tutoring sessions, meetings, and campus events.
  2. Utilize specialized signs and accommodate diverse language preferences to accurately convey technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary.
  3. Maintain a high level of accuracy in conveying the register, tone, intent, and content of the speaker's message.
  4. Adapt communication strategies based on the specific requirements of instructional settings and academic content.
  5. Facilitate effective interaction between deaf or hard-of-hearing consumers and hearing participants in academic and non-academic environments.
  6. Uphold professional standards and adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct, maintaining confidentiality and neutrality in all interpreting assignments.
  7. Handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding student records, accommodations, and interactions.
  8. Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives in interpreting interactions and professional relationships.
  9. Seek feedback from consumers, peers, and supervisors to improve interpreting techniques and effectiveness.
  10. Stay informed about advancements in assistive technologies and resources that support deaf and hard-of-hearing accessibility in educational settings.

Scheduling Support

  1. Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students to clarify interpreting needs and facilitate smooth interactions.
  2. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive student information and interpreting assignments.
  3. Assist in scheduling and coordinating interpreting services for university-wide events and activities as needed. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Any combination of formal training and relevant documented interpreting experience that demonstrates assurance of the skills appropriate for the level of the assignment(s) is required. Typically, sufficient interpreting training or experience requires graduation from an interpreter training program and/or relevant documented interpreting experience. In addition, a wide acquaintance with academic higher education through attendance at a postsecondary educational institution may be essential to fully comprehend and accurately interpret the concepts, language, and vocabulary used in the assigned instructional, academic, and/or administrative situations.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA's) -

  • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Working knowledge of the process on interpretation.
  • Working knowledge of ASL and/or English sign system as required by the student(s) or the assignment.
  • Working knowledge of the methods and techniques used in communicating with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing consumers.
  • Working knowledge of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct.
  • Working knowledge of the vocabulary used in the courses to which the Interpreter is assigned.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Deaf Culture.
  • Ability to hear spoken English and use ASL, Signed English, and/or another manual sign system to effectively generate language.
  • Ability to interpret and transliterate between the ASL and sign systems and spoken English at a speed required by the assignment, which may involve a variety of settings such as a classroom, conference, and/or one-on-one meeting.
  • Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Possession of strong receptive and expressive communication skills and ability to understand the message, convey the register, tone, intent, and content of the speaker.
  • Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
  • Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
  • Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
  • Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
  • Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.  May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Two (2) years of experience interpreting in a higher education setting.
  • Bachelor's degree
  • National certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or National Association for the Deaf.
  • Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: LIGHT WORK - involves mainly sitting, up to 25% standing or walking; lifting medium weight objects limited to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: N/A

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

MANDATED REPORTER: General: The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations.  State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

The California State University (CSU"), including California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Campus contact of our Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, AVP of Civil Rights and Compliance, (661) 654-2713.

 
 

Advertised: September 03, 2024 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US