How much do court interpreters make? This is the, ahem, million-dollar question for anyone exploring this career option. Whether you’re a student or a career changer, it’s vital to compare the investment to the income potential.
The short answer is that it’s possible to get credentialed and then get a full-time job paying $40,000-$60,000 per year, up to $90,000-$100,000 for federal court positions. Freelancers (who work for themselves and earn money from different clients on a per-assignment basis) likewise face a range starting around $40,000 a year, with the potential to gross more than $100,000.
Unfortunately, as these large ranges suggest, there is no simple answer. Income potential for court interpreting varies according to several factors:
1. Location (state, rural vs urban)
2. Contractor vs employee status
3. Specializations
4. Interpreter experience and training (including basic vs master license in Texas)
5. Business acumen
I’ll discuss the effects of each factor on your income potential in upcoming posts. The good news is that you can take charge of each factor to ensure you’re working toward your personal income and lifestyle goals.
