ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Police Translator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolice Translator Jobs

Police Translator information

See salary details

$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do police translator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for police translator in the United States is $57,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Police Translator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Translator, you need fluency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of legal terminology, and experience or certification in translation or interpretation. Familiarity with document management systems, audio transcription tools, and occasionally certified translation credentials are often required. Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and interpersonal communication skills are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the accurate and sensitive transfer of critical information in high-stakes law enforcement settings, maintaining both legal compliance and public trust.

What is a Police Translator job?

A Police Translator is responsible for converting spoken or written language during law enforcement activities to ensure clear communication between officers, suspects, victims, and witnesses who speak different languages. They assist in interrogations, interviews, court proceedings, and document translations. Accuracy and confidentiality are crucial in this role, as errors can impact investigations or legal outcomes. Police Translators may work in-person or remotely, depending on the situation.

How much is an interpreter paid per hour?

Police translators typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, language proficiency, and location. Certified interpreters with specialized skills may command higher rates, especially for urgent or complex assignments.

Who is the highest paid translator?

The highest paid translators are often those with specialized skills in legal, medical, or technical translation, and who hold certifications such as the Certified Translator credential. Salaries can reach over $100,000 annually for experienced professionals working in high-demand languages or in government and international organizations. Factors like language rarity, experience, and security clearances influence top earnings in the field.

What is a police interpreter?

A police interpreter is a professional who translates spoken or written language for law enforcement agencies during investigations, interrogations, or court proceedings. They must accurately convey information between police and individuals who speak different languages and often require certification or specialized training in legal terminology.

What is the highest paying translator job?

The highest paying translator jobs are often in specialized fields such as legal, medical, or technical translation, especially for rare or in-demand languages. Senior translators with extensive experience, certifications, and the ability to work in high-stakes environments can earn six-figure salaries, particularly when working as freelancers or consultants for large organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Police Translators on the job?

Police Translators often handle sensitive or urgent information, so working under time pressure while maintaining absolute accuracy can be challenging. You might frequently encounter complex legal or technical language that requires specialized knowledge, and witnessing or interpreting emotionally charged situations is common. Collaborating closely with law enforcement officers, attorneys, and sometimes crime victims, you’ll need to manage confidentiality and impartiality in every case. Being adaptable and resilient is crucial, as each case can differ greatly and often includes unpredictable elements. Regular professional development is encouraged in this field to keep up with evolving legal standards and language nuances.

More about Police Translator jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Translator jobs? Cities with the most Police Translator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Translator jobs? The most popular types of Police Translator jobs are:
What states have the most Police Translator jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Translator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Translator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Translator jobs are:
Police Translator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Translator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Court Interpreter - Municipal Court

Court Interpreter - Municipal Court

Phoenix Police Department

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$31.82 - $40.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

City Of Phoenix rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 660 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Phoenix Municipal Court is the States largest limited jurisdiction court and is among the top ten busiest municipal courts in the United States. The Court handles cases that range from minor traffic violations to Class 1 misdemeanors carrying a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Annually, the court processes approximately 160,000 charges.
The Municipal Court is seeking a dedicated professional to fill their vacancy for a Court Interpreter.
A Court Interpreter provides Spanish language interpreting and translation services to the non-English speaking public during all Municipal Court proceedings and other court-related events. Court Interpreters are responsible for the simultaneous and consecutive interpreting services of court proceedings, as well as sight and written translation of court-related documents.
Incumbents work under the direct supervision of the Court Interpreter Supervisor, who evaluates performance based on the quality of service provided and results achieved. Candidates that do not currently hold a Tier 3 or Tier 4 certification from the Arizona Court Interpreter Credentialing Program may be considered for this vacancy and will be required to obtain the appropriate level of certification within 24 months from date of hire.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
  • Knowledge of legal and court terminology, Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona Rules of Court, Minimum Accounting Standards, and the Phoenix City Code.
  • Knowledge of Public Administration.

SALARY
Pay Range: $31.82 - $42.64 per hour.
Hiring Range: $31.82 - $40.61 per hour.
Pay Range Explanation:
  • Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
  • Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 340. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.
  • Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
  • Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
  • Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
  • When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.
The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page .
BENEFITS
A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:
  • Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information
  • 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
  • Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
  • Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
  • Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance options
  • Employer paid long-term disability
  • Free Bus/light rail pass
  • Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
  • Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
  • Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
  • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi
For more details, visit: Unit 003 Benefits
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Two years of experience providing interpreting services in a court setting.
  • Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
  • All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
  • Additional Requirements include:
    • Possess a Tier 3 or Tier 4 certification from the Arizona Court Interpreter Credential Program.
    • Candidates that are not credentialed will be required to obtain the appropriate certification within 24 months from date of hire.
    • Spanish fluency (oral, written, and sight).
  • For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here .
  • The City job description can be found here .

RECRUITMENT DATES
Recruitment closes July 1, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
  • Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
  • If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
  • Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
  • Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix .
  • Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
  • If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939 . You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

REFERENCE
Court Interpreter, JC:00640, ID# 62110 , 06/18/26, USM, DB, Benefits:003.
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

What City Of Phoenix employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply