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Volunteer Translator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Volunteer Translator information

See Michigan salary details

$24K

$49.9K

$76.3K

How much do volunteer translator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer translator in Michigan is $49,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,400.00 and $50,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer translator?

Volunteer Translators are individuals who offer their language skills to translate written or spoken content without monetary compensation. They typically assist non-profit organizations, community groups, or humanitarian projects by bridging language barriers, helping to make information and resources accessible to people who speak different languages. Their work can involve translating documents, websites, reports, or live interpreting for events and meetings. Volunteer Translators play a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting global communication efforts.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Translator, strong proficiency in at least two languages and a solid grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context are essential, often supported by a relevant degree or language certification. Familiarity with translation software (such as SDL Trados or MemoQ) and collaborative platforms is frequently required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help volunteers deliver high-quality translations and work smoothly with teams or organizations. These skills ensure accurate, culturally sensitive translations that effectively support the needs and missions of non-profit or community organizations.

How do volunteer translators typically collaborate with project managers and other team members?

Volunteer Translators often work closely with project managers who assign tasks, set deadlines, and provide context for translation projects. They may also collaborate with editors, proofreaders, and subject matter experts to ensure translations are accurate and culturally appropriate. Communication is typically managed via email, project management platforms, or virtual meetings. This collaborative structure helps maintain quality and consistency, and provides opportunities for feedback and skill development within a supportive team environment.

What is the difference between Volunteer Translator vs Freelance Translator?

AspectVolunteer TranslatorFreelance Translator
CredentialsOften no formal certification required, but language proficiency is essentialMay require certifications or proven experience to attract clients
Work EnvironmentTypically unpaid, volunteer-based projects, often non-profit or community-focusedPaid projects, flexible work settings, often remote or client-based
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profit organizations, NGOs, community groupsBusinesses, agencies, individual clients across various industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding unpaid vs paid translation roles, volunteering opportunitiesSeeking paid translation work, freelance opportunities

Volunteer Translators usually work unpaid for non-profit or community projects, focusing on language support without formal certifications. Freelance Translators, on the other hand, are paid professionals who often have certifications and work independently for various clients. Both roles require strong language skills, but their work settings and compensation differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Translator jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Translator jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Translator jobs in Michigan?

For Volunteer Translator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Translator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Translator jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Volunteer Translator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Volunteer Translator job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Translator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,856 per year, or $24 per hour.

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

311th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHAT IS TAXPAYER SERVICES? A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
- TS- Customer Assistance Rltshp/Ed, Media and Publications, Tax Forms & Publications
This job (or announcement) is open to current permanent IRS competitive service employees in all business units
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
IOR BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- the appropriate foreign language from an English-speaking college or university, English from a college or university in the other country, or translating or interpreting where English and the foreign language were prerequisites.
OR
Experience in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities: translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-09: To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must meet the following requirements. In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Experience translating material from and into the language;
  • Experience with tax law, Publication 850, and language translation reference websites to perform research;
  • Experience assisting in writing documents using correct grammar, syntax, spelling and use of both non-technical and technical vocabulary;
  • Experience with oral and written techniques to communicate effectively with the intended audience.
OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field of study.
OR Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field of study.
OR LL.B. or J.D., if related
OR A combination of qualifying education and experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-11: To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must meet the following requirements. In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Experience translating material involving subject matter such as technical publications, tax forms and instructions, correspondence and training material from and into the language;
  • Experience with tax law, Publication 850, and language translation reference websites to perform research;
  • Experience with various software programs (i.e. MS Office, Adobe) to create written material;
  • Experience writing documents using correct grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, syllabification and use of both non-technical and technical vocabulary;
  • Experience providing clear and accurate oral and written techniques to communicate effectively and prepare written material for the intended audience.
OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field of study
OR Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a graduate degree in a related field of study. One year of graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
OR LL.M., if related
OR A combination of qualifying education and experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-12: To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position must include:
  • Experience translating material involving difficult subject matter such as technical publications, tax forms and instructions, correspondence and training material from and into the language;
  • Experience with tax law, Publication 850, and language translation reference websites to perform research;
  • Experience with various software programs (i.e. MS Office, Adobe) to create written material;
  • Experience writing documents using correct grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, syllabification and use of both non-technical and technical vocabulary;
  • Experience with providing clear and accurate oral and written techniques to communicate effectively and prepare written material for the attended audience.


You must also meet the following requirement(s):
TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): Current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens".
TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05, applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-5, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.
BILINGUAL POSITION: Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency (ability to speak, read, and write) in both English and Spanish. You may be tested at some point in the hiring process to determine if you possess the required level of proficiency. If you are unable to demonstrate proficiency, you will not be considered for the position.
For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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