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Interpreter Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Juneau School District

HOURLY INTERPRETER

Juneau, AK

$24.60/hr

Location: 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.

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Interpreter information

See Alaska salary details

$13

$34

$43

How much do interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpreter in Alaska is $34.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $41.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interpreter?

Interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between people who speak different languages by converting spoken or signed messages from one language to another in real-time. They work in various settings such as conferences, hospitals, courts, and public events. Interpreters must have excellent language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and the ability to think quickly to accurately convey meaning and tone. Their role is crucial in ensuring clear and effective communication across language barriers.

What qualifications are needed to be an interpreter?

To become an interpreter, individuals typically need fluency in at least two languages and strong communication skills. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in language, translation, or related fields, and professional certification such as the Certified Interpreter credential can enhance job prospects.

What is an interpreter?

Interpreters help people who speak two different languages communicate. They must be fluent in the two target languages. Unlike translators, interpreters only provide spoken interactions, not written documentation. There are two forms of interpreting-simultaneous and consecutive. Simultaneous interpreting is when you listen and translate immediately, while the speaker is talking. This kind of interpreter is usually needed at large conferences or diplomatic meetings. Consecutive interpreting is best for face-to-face speeches or testimonies in court, where the speaker will say a few lines, then pause to give the interpreter a chance to relay their message in the second language. Individuals with severe speech or hearing impairments rely on sign language to communicate, so American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters help to convey the tone and message of the original communicator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interpreter, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, strong listening skills, and often a bachelor's degree in languages or interpretation studies. Familiarity with computer-assisted interpretation tools, terminology databases, and professional certifications such as from the American Translators Association are typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help interpreters excel in diverse and sometimes high-stakes environments. These skills ensure accurate, effective communication and build trust between parties across language barriers.

What is the difference between Interpreter vs Translator?

AspectInterpreterTranslator
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, certification (e.g., CI, CT)Language proficiency, certification (e.g., ATA certification)
Work EnvironmentReal-time, spoken communication in meetings, conferencesWritten documents, texts, articles
Industry UsageLegal, medical, diplomatic, business eventsPublishing, legal, technical, literary fields
Search & Comparison IntentInterpreting vs translating services, careersTranslation careers, translating vs interpreting

Interpreters focus on real-time spoken communication, often in live settings, requiring quick thinking and fluency. Translators work with written texts, emphasizing accuracy and language skills for documents. Both roles require language proficiency and certifications but serve different communication needs.

How to get work as an interpreter?

To work as an interpreter, you typically need fluency in at least two languages and may pursue certification through organizations like the American Translators Association or similar bodies. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance work can help build a portfolio, and proficiency with translation tools or glossaries is often beneficial. Job opportunities are found in various settings such as healthcare, legal, government, and private sectors, with some roles requiring specialized knowledge or security clearances.

What are some common challenges interpreters face when working in fast-paced or high-pressure environments?

Interpreters often encounter challenges such as rapid speech, overlapping conversations, and unfamiliar terminology when working in fast-paced or high-pressure settings like conferences, legal proceedings, or medical emergencies. Staying attentive and maintaining accuracy under these conditions requires strong concentration and preparation. Interpreters also need to manage stress effectively and may need to quickly research or clarify terms on the spot. Collaborating with clients and colleagues beforehand to understand context and expectations can help mitigate some of these challenges.

How much do interpreters get paid?

Interpreter salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization, but the median hourly wage in the United States is around $25 to $30. Freelance interpreters may charge higher rates, often between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the language and complexity of the assignment. Certification and fluency in multiple languages can also influence earning potential.
More about Interpreter jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Interpreter jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Interpreter jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Interpreter jobs in Alaska? For Interpreter jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interpreter jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Interpreter jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Interpreter jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Interpreter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Interpreter jobs in AK? For Interpreter jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpreter job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,434 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Educational Interpreter I

Anchorage School District

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$37K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Anchorage School District rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 622 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Professionals and Supervisors/Educational Interpreter I
Date Posted:
5/28/2026
Location:
AK STATE SCHOOL DEAF/HARD HEAR
Date Available:
08/14/2026
Bargaining Unit: ACE
Work Year: 182 days per year
Work Day: 8 hours per day
FTE: Full time, 1.0 FTE
Salary: ACE C, step A - P ($37,334 - $53,847), DOE
Job Summary
The Educational Interpreter interprets and transliterates between deaf students and English speaking non-signers in school-related environments. The interpreter provides other supports to the learning environment such as directing attention and identifying environmental sounds. The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Job Requirements
The following are required:
  1. A high school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Must acquire an EIPA 4.0 or above and the passage of the knowledge Written Test within three years of hire.
  3. Must be knowledgeable regarding American Deaf culture and sensitive to multicultural environmental conditions.
  4. Must be fluent in American Sign Language and spoken/written English, including academic English.
  5. Must have the ability to effectively and accurately comprehend, interpret, and transliterate ASL to English and vice versa among students, staff, parents, administrators, and the public.

The following are preferred:
  1. An associate's degree in American Sign Language Interpreting from an accredited college or University.
  2. Must be working toward RID certification or equivalent.
  3. Completion of an educational interpreter training program, or documented proof of ongoing participation in interpreter training activities.
  4. Minimum of two years of paid interpreting work.
  5. Possession and maintenance of an Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment rating of 3.5.
  6. Receipt of a passing score on the Educational Interpreter Knowledge Assessment (EIPA-WT).

Essential Job Functions
  1. Interprets and transliterates between Deaf & Hard of Hearing students and English speaking non-signers in the classroom, and in other settings to include activities both on campus, the community, and school related extracurricular activities.
  2. Interprets and transliterates between deaf staff and English speaking non-signers for school related purposes, when not assigned to students.
  3. Adapts signing level to communication needs of the students.
  4. Ensures appropriate logistics such as lighting and seating are implemented for effective interpreting.
  5. Prepares for content and message delivery of instructional materials.
  6. Provides clear and appropriate information for substitute interpreters.
  7. Functions as a member of the educational team, at times participating in Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
  8. Attends interpreter training and skill building sessions annually.
  9. Interacts with the public as a representative of AKSD.
  10. Demonstrates in work activities and interactions knowledge of the role, duties, and functions of an educational interpreter.
  11. Works with students ages 3 to 21 with a variety of disabilities and in a variety of educational settings.
  12. Works as an effective educational team member.
  13. Abides by the Anchorage School District protocol and to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
  14. Maintains professional boundaries as noted in the Alaska Educational Interpreter Handbook.

Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking, and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to communicate by oral and written means in an appropriate business manner and have cognitive skills to understand instructions, readily recall facts and details, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.
The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with qualified physical or mental disabilities.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.
While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Additional Job Information
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Anchorage School District employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, coworkers, and the public. Employees must also have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents.
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.
The Anchorage School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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