Court Interpreters and Translators
Overview
Introduction
Court interpreters and translators work in federal, state, and local courts and in other legal settings throughout the United States to assist in the communications of non-English speaking participants in the legal process including defendants, litigants, and witnesses in criminal and civil cases. They are bilingual, and proficient in English as well as another language, or in American Sign Language. Court interpreters translate verbal communications in court proceedings, while translators are generally called on to transla...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings for court interpreters vary greatly, with differing rates for those working in federal courts, different state courts, or for agencies such as public defenders, district attorneys, or private attorney’s offices, and significantly higher rates for those with certification.
Most interpreters are self-employed (independent contractors), and are paid on a per diem (day) basis. Work ...
Work Environment
Court interpreters do most of their work in public settings such as courtrooms, jails, juvenile facilities, or in the offices of prosecutors, public defenders, or private attorneys. As part of the criminal or civil justice system, interpreters work side-by-side with attorneys, court personnel, and judges. The high stakes in criminal and civil litigation can make the work environment stressful. ...
Outlook
Employment for all interpreters and translators is expected to grow by only 2 percent, slower than average, through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). A growing population of non-English speaking persons, along with further development and enforcement of state and federal laws and regulations assuring access to the courts by non-English speaking or hearing impaired people is...