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Telephone Interpreter Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Telephone Interpreter information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$26

$44

How much do telephone interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for telephone interpreter in Oregon is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a telephone interpreter?

A telephone interpreter is a professional who facilitates communication between people who speak different languages by interpreting conversations over the phone. They help individuals, businesses, and organizations overcome language barriers in real-time, ensuring clear and accurate exchanges. Telephone interpreters are commonly used in healthcare, legal, customer service, and emergency settings. Their role is crucial for providing access to services and information for non-English speakers.

What does a telephone interpreter do?

A telephone interpreter provides language translation services over the phone. In this role, your responsibilities include ensuring effective communication between two people who speak a different language, relaying ideas and concepts that differ between languages, and interpreting written communications for the involved parties. You may also translate languages at meetings or conferences and explain industry-specific terminology, such as legal or medical terms. Depending on your skills and background, you may choose to specialize in a specific industry, such as business or medicine, or you may provide general telephone interpreter services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a telephone interpreter?

To thrive as a Telephone Interpreter, you need native-level proficiency in at least two languages, a strong grasp of both cultures, and typically a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with telecommunication systems, interpreter platforms, and sometimes professional certification (like CCHI or ATA) is highly valued. Active listening, quick thinking, and cultural sensitivity are critical soft skills for ensuring accurate and respectful communication. These abilities are vital for bridging language gaps, maintaining confidentiality, and delivering effective interpretation in real-time, high-pressure situations.

How do telephone interpreters typically handle fast-paced conversations or overlapping speakers during calls?

Telephone interpreters often encounter fast-paced conversations or situations where multiple speakers talk at once. To manage these challenges, interpreters are trained to politely intervene and request clarification or repetition when necessary, ensuring the accuracy of their interpretation. They must maintain composure, listen actively, and prioritize clear communication between all parties. Good telephone interpreters also develop strategies for taking concise notes and quickly switching between languages, which helps them manage the flow of conversation and maintain professionalism.

What is the difference between Telephone Interpreter vs In-Person Interpreter?

AspectTelephone InterpreterIn-Person Interpreter
CredentialsOften requires certification such as NAD or CCHIRequires similar certifications, plus sometimes additional in-person language proficiency assessments
Work EnvironmentRemote, via phone or video callsOn-site, in healthcare, legal, or business settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, legal, government, and business sectors for remote communicationUsed in hospitals, courts, conferences, and face-to-face meetings

Both Telephone Interpreters and In-Person Interpreters require similar certifications and serve overlapping industries. The main difference lies in the work environment: Telephone Interpreters work remotely via phone or video, while In-Person Interpreters operate on-site. Your choice depends on your preferred work setting and industry needs.

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Telephone Interpreter jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Telephone Interpreter job openings:

Infographic showing various Telephone Interpreter job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,123 per year, or $26 per hour.

Taiwanese Remote Interpreter

Certified Languages

Portland, OR โ€ข Remote

$36/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job description

Taiwanese Telephonic Interpreters Wanted (Work From Home)

Certified Languages International (CLI) connects clients with world-class interpreting services, and has since its inception in 1996. Thousands of organizations across the country rely on CLI to help them communicate with a growing demographic of Limited English Proficient (LEP) speakers.

-The contract position that’s available is 100% over-the-phone interpretation.

-CLI has high volume of calls, most of which are medical in nature. We service all industries including insurance, financial, utility companies, customer service and state courts, etc.

-CLI utilizes freelance interpreters (independent contractors) and this position is work from home, meaning you set your own schedule. CLI has clients needing interpreting service 24/7 and you can provide your service any time using our online portal or your landline telephone to log on and off.

-You must meet all of the requirements to work in the United States legally (SSN or EIN & Photo ID required) and you must reside in the United States.

-Payment for rendered services is on a per minute basis and interpreters are paid for every minute spent on the phone interpreting. Payment is issued twice a month, on the 15th and on the last day of the month via direct deposit. 

-A Language Assessment is required for all interpreters and detailed information will be sent to you later.

-Minimum two years of professional interpreting experience (preferably Over the Phone Interpreting) is required.

-We are currently not recruiting interpreters in California, New Jersey, and New York.  If you live in one of these states, please do not apply.  

Please apply only if you meet our requirements. After you fill out the application, a recruiter will review your information and will reach out to you if we think you would be a good fit. We will discuss next steps at that time.

Thank you again.