Job description template

Interpreter Job Description Template

A copy-ready interpreter job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows interpreters earn a median of $60,170 ($28.93/hour); the middle 50% earn $46,530–$80,830.

Job title

Interpreter

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable interpreter to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will interpret spoken or signed language, translate written documents and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of language fluency and consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
  • Concentration and cultural awareness
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • Medical interpreter certification
  • Court interpreter certification
  • ATA certification
  • Experience with interpreting headsets

Skills

  • Translation
  • Terminology research
  • Ethics and confidentiality
  • CAT tools
  • Discretion
  • Composure

Work environment and schedule

Interpreters work in hospitals, courts, schools, conference centers and remotely by video and phone. Schedules vary; many interpreters freelance with irregular hours.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a interpreter job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Interpreter” is the clearest; alternates include Translator, Medical Interpreter, Court Interpreter.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of an interpreter so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Interpreter training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Interpreter hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing