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Language Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sign Language Interpreter

Summerville, SC ยท On-site

$45 - $50/hr

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Full Time | Summerville, SC | 2026-2027 School Year | Up to $50/hour Position Details: * 1:1 Position * Full Time - Starting 2026-2027 School Year * Monday ...

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Full Time | Columbia, SC | 2026-2027 School Year | Up to $50/hour Position Details: * 1:1 Position * Full Time - Starting 2026-2027 School Year * Monday ...

$45/hr

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Full Time | Winston-Salem, NC | 2026-2027 School Year | Up to $45/hour Position Details: * 1:1 Position * Full Time - Starting 2026-2027 School Year

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Full Time | Columbia, SC | 2026-2027 School Year | Up to $50/hour Position Details: * 1:1 Position * Full Time - Starting 2026-2027 School Year * Monday ...

Sign Language Interpreter

Gastonia, NC ยท On-site

$35 - $42/hr

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Full Time | Gastonia, NC | 2026-2027 School Year | Up to $42/hour Position Details: * 1:1 Position * Full Time - Starting 2026-2027 School Year * Monday ...

Sign Language Interpreter

Lexington, SC ยท On-site

$45 - $50/hr

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Part Time | Lexington, SC | 2026-2027 School Year | Up to $50/hour Position Details: * 1:1 Position * Part-time - 25 hrs a week - Starting 2026-2027 School ...

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Language Interpreter information

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$32K

$44.1K

$51K

How much do language interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for language interpreter in the United States is $44,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be an interpreter?

To become a language interpreter, you typically need fluency in at least two languages and often a relevant degree or certification in interpretation or translation. Many employers also require knowledge of specialized terminology, cultural competence, and strong communication skills; some roles may require certification from organizations like the American Translators Association or similar bodies.

How do I get a job as an interpreter?

To become a language 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 also improve job prospects, and some roles require specialized knowledge in fields such as healthcare or legal settings.

What is the difference between Language Interpreter vs Translator?

AspectLanguage InterpreterTranslator
CredentialsOften requires certification like CI or CTMay require translation certifications, but less standardized
Work EnvironmentReal-time, spoken communication in meetings, courts, hospitalsWritten documents, books, websites, and manuals
Industry UsageLegal, medical, conference, governmentPublishing, legal, technical, marketing
Search & ComparisonOften searched together due to language skills, but roles differ in medium and timing

Language interpreters focus on real-time spoken communication, while translators work on written content. Both roles require language proficiency, but their work environments and certifications differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right career path in language services.

What are some common challenges faced by language interpreters during live assignments, and how can they be managed?

Language interpreters often encounter challenges such as rapidly shifting topics, unfamiliar jargon, and managing stress during high-pressure situations. To handle these, interpreters typically prepare by researching the subject matter in advance, maintaining glossaries of specialized terms, and practicing active listening to ensure accuracy. Effective communication with clients and team members before assignments can also help clarify expectations and reduce misunderstandings. Continuous professional development and peer support are valuable strategies for managing the demands of live interpretation work.

What language interpreters get paid most?

Language interpreters who specialize in in-demand languages such as Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian tend to earn higher wages due to increased demand and limited supply. Certified interpreters with specialized skills and experience in legal, medical, or technical settings also typically receive higher pay rates.

What are language interpreters?

Language interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. They convert spoken or signed messages from one language into another in real-time, ensuring that the original meaning, tone, and context are preserved. Interpreters work in a variety of settings, including conferences, hospitals, courts, schools, and government agencies. Their role is essential for enabling effective cross-cultural communication and ensuring that information is accurately conveyed.

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

To thrive as a Language Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, strong listening skills, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances, often supported by a relevant degree or professional certification. Familiarity with interpretation tools, such as computer-assisted interpreting (CAI) software, and knowledge of industry-specific terminology are frequently required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate and effective communication across languages and contexts.

How much do language interpreters earn?

Language interpreters' earnings vary based on experience, language pair, and work setting, but they typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour. Freelance interpreters may set their rates, while those employed by agencies or organizations often have salaried positions or hourly wages. Certification and specialized skills can also influence income levels.
What cities are hiring for Language Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Language Interpreter job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Language Interpreter jobs? The top employers for Language Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Language Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Language Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Language Interpreter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,079 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Sign Language Interpreter

Sign Language Interpreter

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข On-site

$76K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Summary
Sign Language Interpreters facilitate communications with deaf and hard-of-hearing employees in a variety of settings using a wide range of interpreting techniques. They act as an advocate for the provision of interpreting services, as well as an advocate for the profession of interpreting. They may be responsible for administering interpreting services programs.
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Duties
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: As a Sign Language Interpreter at NGA, you will facilitate vital communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees across a variety of complex, intelligence-related settings. Operating within the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), you will serve as a primary interpreter, a subject matter expert on reasonable accommodations, and a key administrator for the agency's Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) Services Program.
The selectee will join a dynamic interpreting team within the Reasonable Accommodation: Sign Language Interpreters Branch.
Primary duties include:
* Active Interpreting: Providing high-level American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpretation and transliteration for NGA employees during meetings, training sessions, conferences, and other work-related situations.
* Program Administration & Scheduling: Assisting with the daily provision of interpreting services, including scheduling support, resource coordination, and general administrative support for the SLI Services Program.
* Contract Oversight Support: Monitoring the performance of contract interpreters in coordination with the Government Point of Contact (GPOC), Program Manager (PM), and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
* Advising & Education: Developing and delivering training materials for the NGA workforce regarding the SLI Services Program and acting as an advocate for the interpreting profession.
* Accommodation Resolution: Assisting the EEO in identifying and resolving accommodation issues in partnership with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
* Travel: Traveling locally and globally (CONUS and OCONUS) up to 25% of the time to support mission requirements.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Security Investigation

SPECIAL INFO:
As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards.
- U.S. Citizenship
- Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
- Polygraph & Drug Test
- Direct Deposit
- Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs.
Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs.
NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process.
This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility.
Qualifications
MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:
1. Experience interpreting a variety of subject matters in compliance with the Registry for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
2. Experience assessing information on customer requests to document technical or operational requirements
3. Experience collaborating with others, such as peers, customers, management, and/or external stakeholders.
4. Knowledge of Deaf Culture and communication preferences as they adhere to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A minimum of 6 years of experience in facilitating communications with deaf and hard-of-hearing employees or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. -AND- LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Professional Interpreter Certification -OR- A proficiency level of 4 or 5 from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) -AND- May require state licensure.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Prolonged periods of standing; Near visual acuity of 20/40 or better with or without corrective lenses; Hearing - 25 dB or better, aided or unaided, for 250 - 4000 hz frequencies; Repetitive use of both hands/arms; Far visual acuity of 20/40 or better binocular with or without corrective lenses; Prolonged periods of sitting
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
1. Experience providing advisory support to address customer and/or organizational needs.
2. Knowledge of federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, reasonable accommodation processes, and how SLI services integrate into these frameworks
3. Experience with fostering communication and collaboration across internal and external organizations.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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