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The differences between freelance translators and court interpreters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a freelance translator and a court interpreter. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $44,300 average annual salary of a court interpreter.
The top three skills for a freelance translator include target language, web content and vice versa. The most important skills for a court interpreter are vice versa, court cases, and court hearings.
| Freelance Translator | Court Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $44,736 | $44,300 |
| Hourly rate | $21.51 | $21.30 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,162 | 4,250 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format. Being a freelance translator means that they can work remotely at their preferred schedule, most of the time, working from home. They are not employed under a company, which is why most freelance translators prepare their own portfolios and create client bases through websites and other platforms.
A court interpreter is responsible for translating one language to another in real-time in a courtroom setting. Court interpreters work closely with clients and law officers to relay accurate and reliable information from the actual context. Apart from having excellent communication skills, a court interpreter should also possess extensive knowledge of the legal industry to understand and interpret terms accordingly. They also translate legal documents for court reference. In some cases, a court interpreter may also read the statements beforehand to have a good grasp of courtroom procedures.
Freelance translators and court interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Freelance Translator | Court Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $44,736 | $44,300 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $27,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Central Islip, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | City of Houston |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a freelance translator and a court interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Freelance Translator | Court Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between freelance translators' and court interpreters' demographics:
| Freelance Translator | Court Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 28.0% Asian, 16.3% White, 43.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 35.4% Asian, 14.1% White, 38.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |