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Translator In Court Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOSi

SCA Foreign Language Translator

$45K - $58K/yr

Overview SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking SCA Foreign Language Translators in a variety of ... Testify in court as "Fact Witness" if required by our client and U.S. District Attorney's office ...

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Translator In Court information

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$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do translator in court jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for translator in court 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.

Do you need a degree to be a court translator?

A court translator typically does not need a formal degree but must demonstrate fluency in both languages and often obtain certification or accreditation. Many jurisdictions require passing a certification exam to work as a court translator, emphasizing language skills and knowledge of legal terminology over formal education.

How to work as a court interpreter?

A court interpreter facilitates communication between parties who speak different languages by providing accurate and impartial translation during legal proceedings. To work as a court interpreter, one typically needs fluency in at least two languages, relevant certification or licensing, and knowledge of legal terminology and courtroom procedures. Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are also essential.

What is the difference between Translator In Court vs Court Interpreter?

AspectTranslator In CourtCourt Interpreter
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation certificationsSame as Translator In Court, plus interpretation certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal documents, written proceedingsLive court proceedings, oral translation
Employer & Industry UsageLegal firms, courts, government agenciesCourts, legal proceedings, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLegal translation, document translationReal-time court interpretation, oral translation

While both roles require language skills and familiarity with legal terminology, Translator In Court primarily focuses on translating legal documents and written materials. In contrast, a Court Interpreter provides real-time oral translation during court proceedings. Both roles are essential in legal settings but differ in their methods and work environments.

What do court translators do?

Court translators convert spoken or written language from one language to another during legal proceedings, ensuring accurate communication between parties who speak different languages. They must have strong language skills, often hold certification, and work in courtrooms or legal settings to provide precise translations of testimonies, documents, and legal statements.

Is it hard to be a court translator?

Being a court translator requires fluency in at least two languages, strong attention to detail, and knowledge of legal terminology. The job can be challenging due to the need for accuracy under pressure and often involves certification or specialized training. Familiarity with legal procedures and confidentiality are also important aspects of the role.
More about Translator In Court jobs
What cities are hiring for Translator In Court jobs? Cities with the most Translator In Court job openings:
What states have the most Translator In Court jobs? States with the most job openings for Translator In Court jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Translator In Court jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Translator In Court jobs are:
Translator In Court jobs near you
Infographic showing various Translator In Court job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Court Interpreter

U.S. Courts - Western District of Texas

El Paso, TX • On-site

$106K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : El Paso, TX, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: USDC 26-23
Agency: United States District Court
Division: El Paso
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Position Overview
Position: Court Interpreter
Job Number: USDC 26-23
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Starting Salary: JSP 13 - JSP 14 ($106,437 - $125,776) (based on qualifications and experience)
Transfers within the Judiciary will be considered for a salary match up to JS 14
Location: El Paso, TX
Position Overview:
The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Court Interpreter (Spanish/English) in El Paso, Texas. Remote interpreting will be required across the Western District of Texas divisional offices.
A Court Interpreter provides interpreting and translation services for Spanish speaking defendants, witnesses, and family members. The incumbent also provides interpreting services for the general public conducting business with the court or the Clerk's Office.
Responsibilities
  • Provides simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, and sight translation services during in-court hearingsrelatedtoallstagesofthecriminalprocessbytransferringthemessagefromEnglishintoSpanish, and from Spanish into English.
  • Provides interpreting services in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Mexico. Acts as facilitator of telephonic events in the courtroom for interpreting events in other-than-Spanish languages.
  • Provides interpreting services nationwide as part of the Telephone Interpreting Program, with priority to the Western District of Texas. This responsibility entails researching the assigned cases and preparing for the event following established protocols.
  • Responsible for scheduling and coordinating contract interpreters, including contract interpreters for the Telephone Interpreting Program, as needed. Coordinate with clerk's office and chambers staff to meet the interpreting needs of the court, as well as locating and confirming any additional contract interpreters needed to provide services.
  • Prepares for assignments by reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary.
  • Prepares written translations of a variety of materials for the court, ranging from general correspondence to the court from defendants and/or family members, to complex legal documents from other countries. Assignments may also include the translation of official forms.
  • Participates in working groups that already exist or may be formed with the objective of completing special projects such as glossaries or translations.
  • Contributes to or prepares presentations on translation/interpretation-related topics as part of staff meetings or other professional development efforts.
  • Must have the ability to remain impartial.
  • The staff interpreter is responsible for assigned administrative duties and clerical work and keeps in communication with other staff members and the supervisor to accommodate the court's interpreting needs.
  • Provides relief coverage as needed to the divisional offices across the Western District of Texas.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, you must have successfully completed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE) and be federally certified by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Spanish/English. A minimum of three (3) years of specialized experience is also required. Candidate should also possess basic computer/software skills in order to perform translation, research, and administrative duties.
Specialized experience is defined as experience that has provided the interpreter with the knowledge, skills and abilities to accurately and idiomatically render a message from the source language into the receptor language without any additions, omissions or other misleading factors that in any way alter the intended meaning of the message from the source language speaker in a courtroom or legal environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic levels is desirable.
  • Extensive knowledge o legal, highly technical, and colloquial vocabulary in English and Spanish, and familiarity with the regional border language characteristics/slang of the southwest area of the United States is preferred but not required.
  • Membership in an interpreting/translation professional association is highly desirable.

Application Procedure
Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a letter of interest (include job title/number listed above), resume, copy of your Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Spanish/English certificate, e-mail address, and a daytime phone number to: www.txwd.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application.
The United States Courts reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. More than one position may be filled from this posting. In the event that a position becomes vacant in a similar classification, within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Court Unit Executive may elect to select a candidate from the applicants who responded to the original announcement without posting the position. The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation. This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available for review upon request). Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation is needed.
The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The federal Judiciary provides a generous benefit package, which includes:
  • Retirement Benefits:
    • Federal Employes Retirement System (FERS) Basic Benefit Plan
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - 401k styled program with up to a 5% government match
    • Social Security
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 11 paid federal government holidays
  • Optional Benefits:
    • Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance options
    • Flexible Benefits Program offering medical care, dependent care, and parking reimbursement
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Flexible work schedules and telework, depending on location and position
    • On-site gym, depending on location
For additional information regarding benefits, go to
01
Have you successfully completed the Federal Court Interpreter Examination (FCICE)? If yes, please attach a copy of the certificate.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have the ability to fluently speak, understand, read, and write English and Spanish with advanced knowledge of idioms, slang, and regionalisms in both languages?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have skill in simultaneous or consecutive interpretation and sight translation with a high degree of accuracy and at a high speed of delivery?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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