Arts, Media & Design career

Interpreter

Also called: Translator · Medical Interpreter · Court Interpreter · Sign Language Interpreter

What interpreters do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an interpreter do?

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another, spoken or signed for interpreters and written for translators. The median pay is $60,170 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training, and employment is projected to grow +2.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $60,170
    $28.93/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +2.0%
    2025–35, slower than average
  • Openings per year
    6,000
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    73,900
    Employment, 2025

What interpreters do

Interpreters and translators connect people. Interpreters convert spoken or signed language in real time in hospitals, courts, schools, businesses and conferences. Translators convert written documents such as contracts, medical records and websites. Many specialize in medical, legal or sign language interpreting.

Fluency in at least two languages is essential, and many interpreters have bachelor’s degrees. Certifications are important, especially for court, medical and sign language work.

Typical duties

  • Interpret spoken or signed language
  • Translate written documents
  • Prepare terminology for assignments
  • Maintain accuracy and confidentiality
  • Follow professional ethics
  • Use interpreting and translation tools
  • Manage schedules and clients

Work environment and schedule

Interpreters work in hospitals, courts, schools, conference centers and remotely by video and phone.

Schedule: Schedules vary; many interpreters freelance with irregular hours.

A day in the life

  1. Review medical terminology for appointments.
  2. Interpret a doctor’s visit for a Spanish-speaking patient.
  3. Interpret a discharge planning meeting.
  4. Interpret a video remote session.

See a full day in the life of an interpreter →

Interpreter salary

Half of interpreters earned more than $60,170 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,070 for the lowest 10% to $103,660 for the top 10%.

Full interpreter pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an interpreter

  1. Become fluent
  2. Take interpreting training
  3. Specialize
  4. Earn certification
  5. Grow

A bachelor’s degree is typical, though fluency and certification matter most. Specialized training is needed for medical, court and sign language interpreting.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an interpreter →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Language fluency
  • Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
  • Translation
  • Terminology research
  • Ethics and confidentiality

People skills

  • Concentration
  • Cultural awareness
  • Discretion
  • Composure

All interpreter skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Help people communicate
  • Use language skills
  • Freelance and remote options
  • Variety of settings

Cons

  • Mentally demanding
  • Irregular freelance income
  • Emotional situations
  • Certification requirements

Certifications and licenses

  • Medical interpreter certification: CCHI or NBCMI credentials.
  • Court interpreter certification: Federal or state court certification.
  • ATA certification: American Translators Association credential for translators.
  • RID certification: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf credentials.

Career path

  1. Bilingual Staff or Trainee: Build skills.
  2. Interpreter or Translator: Work assignments.
  3. Certified Specialist: Medical, court or conference.
  4. Lead Interpreter or Agency Owner: Lead teams or run a business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Interpreter training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as interpret a medical appointment and build a terminology glossary, safety and how to land your first job.

View Interpreter trainingIs this career right for me?

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Interpreter FAQ

What’s the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

Interpreters work with spoken or signed language; translators work with written text.

Do interpreters need certification?

Often, especially for medical and court work.

Can interpreters work remotely?

Yes, by video and phone.

How much does an interpreter make?

The median annual wage for interpreters was $60,170 ($28.93 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,070 and the highest 10% earned more than $103,660.

How long does it take to become an interpreter?

Most people need about Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training of training. A bachelor’s degree is typical, though fluency and certification matter most. Specialized training is needed for medical, court and sign language interpreting.

Do you need a degree to be an interpreter?

Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but fluency, specialized training and certifications such as CCHI or court interpreter credentials often matter more.

More interpreter questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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