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 available to per diem interpreters is dependent on demand for each specific language, limiting the income of per diem interpreters.
Rates for federal courts, as well as for most state courts, are set by law or rule. For example, the federal court system has statutory fixed rates for court interpreters. Certified interpreters who have passed a federal certification exam receive $566 per day, or $320 per half day. Non-certified interpreters who are deemed "professionally qualified" are paid $495 for a full day and $280 for a half day.
However, some courts do employ full time interpreters on staff, specifically in larger cities, or geographic areas where there are large immigrant or non-English speaking populations. The Department of Labor reports that the average annual salary for interpreters and translators was $57,090 in 2023. Salaries ranged from $35,410 or less to $97,100 or more. Full-time workers receive fringe benefits such as paid sick and vacation days and health insurance.
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