Court Interpreters and Translators Job Description, Duties & Salary

Employment Prospects

Employers

There are approximately 78,300 interpreters and translators working in the United States. Court interpreters and translators are employed by federal, state, and local court systems; private attorneys; prosecutor offices; jails; juvenile facilities; law enforcement facilities; and other private firms and government agencies that are involved in the criminal justice and/or legal system.

Starting Out

There are many ways to break into the field. Job leads can be obtained through contacts made during college internships, information interviews, or career fairs; through direct application to companies and government agencies that employ court interpreters and translators; and, once appropriate testing and certification have been completed, by being included on "available for hire" lists of interpreters or translators that are maintained by court systems and other employers.

Professional associations are good resources for career support. Members of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators receive a listing in the organization's online directory, access to its job board and networking opportunities, and other resources. Membership categories are available for college students and working professionals.

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