Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Interpreter
What interpreters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an interpreter?
Review medical terminology for appointments. From there, the day usually includes interpret spoken or signed language, translate written documents, and prepare terminology for assignments. Schedules vary; many interpreters freelance with irregular hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an interpreter working full time.
- Review medical terminology for appointments.
- Interpret a doctor’s visit for a Spanish-speaking patient.
- Interpret a discharge planning meeting.
- Interpret a video remote session.
- Translate patient education handouts.
- Proofread a legal document translation.
- Invoice clients and plan tomorrow.
Where interpreters work
Interpreters work in hospitals, courts, schools, conference centers and remotely by video and phone.
Hours and schedule
Schedules vary; many interpreters freelance with irregular hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Interpreting headsets
- Video remote interpreting platforms
- Translation memory tools
- Glossaries
- Dictionaries
- Note-taking supplies
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people communicate
- Use language skills
- Freelance and remote options
- Variety of settings
What’s hard
- Mentally demanding
- Irregular freelance income
- Emotional situations
- Certification requirements
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m fluent in two languages
- I enjoy helping people communicate
- I can concentrate under pressure
- I keep information confidential
- I like variety
- I want freelance or remote options
Not sure? Take the free Interpreter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect confidentiality
- Take breaks to prevent fatigue
- Manage vicarious trauma
- Follow ethical codes