ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Interpreter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN

Interpretation Manager/Historic Site Manager Nashville Zoo Mission: Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation ...

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN · On-site

Interpretation Manager/Historic Site Manager Nashville Zoo Mission: Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation ...

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN

Interpretation Manager/Historic Site Manager Nashville Zoo Mission: Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInterpreter JobsInterpreter Jobs in Tennessee

Interpreter information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$28

$36

How much do interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpreter in Tennessee is $28.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $35.14 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Interpreter jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Interpreter jobs in Tennessee? For Interpreter jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interpreter jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Interpreter jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Interpreter jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Interpreter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Interpreter jobs in TN? For Interpreter jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpreter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,202 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Medical Interpreter

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

$24 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Better at Work. Better at Life.
When you work at St. Jude, you'll join a highly collaborative work culture that inspires you every day to be your best. With opportunities for learning and growth, you can shape a career path that is right for you while also enjoying all the benefits and stability of working for a world-class institution. This includes work-life balance with generous paid time-off and on-campus conveniences that make life a little easier. Join us and you'll quickly see why St. Jude is consistently ranked by our employees on Glassdoor as a "Best Place to Work."
A Medical Interpreter provides on-site and over-the-phone interpretation services for providers, patients, and caregivers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Medical proficiency and experience interpreting in Hebrew could be a plus. Helps to link Limited-English Proficient (LEP) patients and families with appropriate hospital resources. Performs translation of non-critical documents on a limited basis.
Full-time Position
Shift hours: 8:30AM to 5:00PM
Professional Interpreting Experience Required
Job Responsibilities:
  • Interprets critical medical information in Spanish and English for providers, patients, and caregivers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, both on-site and over the phone. Proficiency interpreting in medical encounters in Hebrew could be a plus. Ensures that providers and LEP/NEP patients and parents clearly understand each other in verbal exchanges of essential information during inpatient and outpatient visits (e.g., informed consent, medical interview, health care instructions). Interprets telephone conferences between caregivers and providers. Notifies supervisor of potential or actual communication problems regarding LEP/NEP patients and staff. Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to LEP/NEP patients and families.
  • Helps to link Limited-English Proficient (LEP) patients and families with appropriate hospital resources.
  • Performs written translation of non-critical documents on a limited basis.
  • Provides timely and accurate daily records of all interpreting services performed
  • Participates in continuing education programs and competency training to enhance professional medical interpretation skills
  • Collaborates with other interpreters to ensure coverage of interpreting assignments; participates in on-call rotation as assigned
  • Assists with the coordination of volunteer medical interpreters
  • Assists with the orientation and training of other medical interpreters as needed
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • High school/GED required
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Prior completion of an accredited medical interpreter training course of at least 40 hours is required. A list of training programs is posted on the IMIA web site at http://www.imiaweb.org/education/accreditationhistory.asp

Minimum Experience:
  • Three months or 480 hours of documented medical interpreting experience is required
  • Proficiency in English, Hebrew, and one other language preferred

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
  • None

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
  • (LC:CCHI or NBCMI)Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CCHI) issued by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters OR Certified Medical Interpreter (NBCMI) issued by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters within 12 months of hire into this position.

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Medical Interpreter.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

What St. Jude Children's Research Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply