Job Title: Language Interpreter
Location: Work at Home position in the US
Position: Video-Phone Interpreter
Position Overview:
The Language Video-Telephone- Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand and renders the meaning of conversations between Burmese, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Laotian, Pashto and English speakers. The interpreter breaks the communication barrier in various industries: Healthcare, Government, Insurance, Financial, Utilities, Travel & Hospitality, General Business, Law Enforcement, Court, and 911. The interpreter processes information quickly and concisely and recognizes sensitive cultural differences. The interpreter is professional and courteous and uses appropriate, terminology and understands standard industry procedures and practices. The video and audio interpreting sessions may involve simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects. However, this position does not involve written translation; translators and other skilled linguists are encouraged to apply. The interpreters translate verbally.
**This is a remote position. The Interpreter works from his/her home office. It is essential to
ensure a quiet & secure environment. **
Essential Job Functions
+ Respond to video and audio interpreting sessions promptly and conduct interpretation in a
friendly and professional manner.
+ Participate in online, video and audio training sessions.
+ Deliver interpretation services via video and expediently type data on a company-provided device, such as a laptop, to perform the job's essential functions.
+ Render correct concepts and meanings according to the conventions of established interpretation protocol, avoiding omissions or additions.
+ Speak clearly in both languages using proper pronunciation, enunciation, and polite expressions.
+ Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the video and audio interpreting sessions.
+ Remain calm during video and audio interpreting sessions if one of the speakers is incoherent or upset, especially in emergencies such as 911 calls.
+ Maintain punctuality and availability during scheduled work hours.
+ Follow client instructions in compliance with protocol to ensure client expectations are met with the Limited English-speaking Person (LEP), avoiding interaction with the LEP without the client's permission.
+ Understand protocol and terminology for various industries including, but not limited to, Medical, Insurance, Finance and Law.
+ Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and working in a diverse environment.
Qualifications
+ Fluency in the language and English and skilled in the associated cultural dynamics.
+ Ability to provide cultural competency and assess regional and accent differences to find ways of communicating with the LEP.
+ Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain a high level of accuracy during interpretation.
+ Education or work experience in language-related fields such as teaching, language assessment, translation or interpretation preferred.
+ Must be able to adapt to any Kelly technology enhancements that improve service delivery and meet client demands.
+ Must be at least 18 years of age.
+ Legally authorized to work in the US.
+ High school diploma or equivalent.
+ Ability to read and write the requested languages - highly preferred.
PERKS:
+ • Paid hourly vs by the minute
+ • W2 vs 1099
+ • Paid weekly (every Friday)
+ • Kelly-sponsored Affordable Care Act health care coverage available for eligible employees
+ • Weekly electronic pay options
+ • Employee Perks
+ • Free online training campus available
+ • Employee assistance program (EAP) available at no cost
**Based on your location, a post-offer, a pre-employment background check and/or drug screen may be required**
Technical Requirements:
+ High-speeded Internet connection for work-related electronic communication. This internet connection should provide download speeds of no less than 5 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps.
+ Your home office should provide space for a backdrop of 5 ft by 7 ft and; a desk and chair.
+ A direct connection from the modem to the desktop or laptop must be used. Cable or fibre optic services are preferred. For optimal connectivity: Satellite service is not permissible.
+ Must have access to a quiet space free from background noise or distraction.
Physical Requirements:
+ Must be able to operate a keyboard and mouse and remain in a stationary position in front of a computer and webcam for most of the workday.
+ Must use a headset for prolonged periods. Must be able to operate company-provided software and systems to perform all aspects of the job.
+ Must have sufficient manual dexterity to type or write.
+ May be exposed to moderate noise levels, i.e. computer, audio, telephone.
Kelly Services is an equal opportunity employer, meaning that employment opportunities are made and offered to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law or local ordinance. Kelly will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities if the person is otherwise qualified to perform all of the position's essential functions safely. Please let us know immediately if you require accommodations to complete this application and the interview process.
You should know Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**You should know:** Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**Why Kelly** ** ** **?**
As a worker today, it's up to you to take charge of your career and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential. Helping you find what's next is what we're all about. We know what's going on in the evolving world of work-just ask the 440,000 people we employ each year. Connecting with us means getting the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to take your career where you may have never imagined.
**About Kelly** ** **
At Kelly, we're always thinking about what's next and advising job seekers on new ways of working to reach their full potential. In fact, we're a leading advocate for temporary/nontraditional workstyles, because we believe they allow flexibility and tremendous growth opportunities that enable a better way to work and live (plus, did we mention we provide a ton of benefits ?). Connecting great people with great companies is what we do best, and our employment opportunities span a wide variety of workstyles, skill levels, and industries around the world.
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center.
Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
How to hire a foreign language interpreter
Foreign language interpreter hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring foreign language interpreters in the United States:
- In the United States, the median cost per hire a foreign language interpreter is $1,633.
- It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
- Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
- On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new foreign language interpreter to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.
How to hire a foreign language interpreter, step by step
To hire a foreign language interpreter, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a foreign language interpreter, you should follow these steps:
Here's a step-by-step foreign language interpreter hiring guide:
- Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
- Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
- Step 3: Make a budget
- Step 4: Write a foreign language interpreter job description
- Step 5: Post your job
- Step 6: Interview candidates
- Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new foreign language interpreter
- Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
Post a foreign language interpreter job for free, promote it for a fee
Identify your hiring needs
First, determine the employments status of the foreign language interpreter you need to hire. Certain foreign language interpreter roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.
Determine employee vs contractor statusIs the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a foreign language interpreter to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a foreign language interpreter that fits the bill.
Here's a comparison of foreign language interpreter salaries for various roles:
Type of Foreign Language Interpreter Description Hourly rate Foreign Language Interpreter Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language. $12-34 Technical Translator Technical Translation is the act of translating materials in a specific technical or scientific subject domain. A Technical Translator understands the nitty-gritty of the subject matter and knows the specialized terms in that field in both the source and secondary languages... Show more $17-37 Translator A translator is an expert of one or multiple languages, responsible for transcribing communication between parties for easy comprehension. Translators often work with written documents, relaying the core context and original message from the source... Show more $12-33 Create an ideal candidate profile
Common skills:- Target Language
- Foreign Language
- Medical Terminology
- Facilitate Communication
- Interpretation Services
- Court Proceedings
- Translation Services
- Telephone Calls
- Hindi
Responsibilities:- Coach and teach students to achieve grades at or beyond expect IEP goals.
- Translate patent's documentation from doctors who fill out prescription and directions in Tamil and Hindi.
- Help to build collaboration with internal and international patients with medical staff, social organizations and insurance companies.
- Create education and promotional materials relate to Latino health and wellness.
Make a budget
Including a salary range in the foreign language interpreter job description is a good way to get more applicants. A foreign language interpreter salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.
For example, the average salary for a foreign language interpreter in Florida may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level foreign language interpreter. Additionally, a foreign language interpreter with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.
Average foreign language interpreter salary
$44,242yearly
$21.27 hourly rateEntry-level foreign language interpreter salary$27,000 yearly salaryUpdated January 19, 2026Average foreign language interpreter salary by state
Rank State Avg. salary Hourly rate 1 District of Columbia $80,614 $39 2 California $70,583 $34 3 New York $67,239 $32 4 Massachusetts $57,956 $28 5 Virginia $57,249 $28 6 New Jersey $56,377 $27 7 Maine $49,886 $24 8 Georgia $48,456 $23 9 Montana $47,333 $23 10 Pennsylvania $47,167 $23 11 Minnesota $46,569 $22 12 Texas $45,437 $22 13 Michigan $44,082 $21 14 Indiana $43,627 $21 15 North Carolina $42,314 $20 16 Wisconsin $41,944 $20 17 Iowa $41,866 $20 18 Illinois $41,725 $20 19 Ohio $38,605 $19 20 Florida $38,121 $18 Average foreign language interpreter salary by company
Rank Company Average salary Hourly rate Job openings 1 Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept $77,814 $37.41 2 Shirley Ryan AbilityLab $70,555 $33.92 3 3 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center $66,175 $31.81 4 X Technologies $62,805 $30.19 5 Mount Sinai Health System $61,858 $29.74 7 6 North Arlington School District Nj $58,690 $28.22 2 7 Forsyth County $58,022 $27.90 8 Beth Israel Lahey Health $49,700 $23.89 13 9 Bwi Group $49,700 $23.89 10 Lahey Health Behavioral Services $47,191 $22.69 11 LTC Language Solutions $46,422 $22.32 40 12 UPMC $46,025 $22.13 16 13 Kelly Services $44,371 $21.33 49 14 Johnston Companies $43,209 $20.77 15 Lutheran Services in Iowa $42,402 $20.39 1 16 Lutheran Services Florida $42,345 $20.36 17 Catholic Charities Family and Community Services $41,638 $20.02 2 18 Catholic Charities of Arizona $41,604 $20.00 19 Northside Hospital $40,765 $19.60 17 20 University of Texas System $35,982 $17.30 2 Writing a foreign language interpreter job description
A foreign language interpreter job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a foreign language interpreter job description:
Foreign language interpreter job description example
Post your job
There are a few common ways to find foreign language interpreters for your business:
- Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
- Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
- Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
Interview candidates
During your first interview to recruit foreign language interpreters, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.
It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.
The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.
Send a job offer and onboard your new foreign language interpreter
Once you have selected a candidate for the foreign language interpreter position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.
You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.
To prepare for the new foreign language interpreter first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.
Go through the hiring process checklist
- Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
- Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
- Define job responsibilities and requirements
- Establish budget and timeline
- Determine hiring decision makers for the role
- Write job description
- Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
- Promote the job internally
- Process applications through applicant tracking system
- Review resumes and cover letters
- Shortlist candidates for screening
- Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
- Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
- Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
- Conduct background checks on top candidates
- Check references of top candidates
- Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
- Extend offer to top candidate(s)
- Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
- Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
- Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
- Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
Sign up to download full list
How much does it cost to hire a foreign language interpreter?
Recruiting foreign language interpreters involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.
You can expect to pay around $44,242 per year for a foreign language interpreter, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for foreign language interpreters in the US typically range between $12 and $34 an hour.
Find better foreign language interpreters in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.
Hiring foreign language interpreters FAQs
Search for foreign language interpreter jobs
Ready to start hiring?
Updated January 19, 2026