How to hire a paraprofessional interpreter

How to hire a paraprofessional interpreter, step by step

Here's a step-by-step paraprofessional 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 paraprofessional interpreter job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new paraprofessional interpreter
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The paraprofessional interpreter hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A paraprofessional interpreter's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, paraprofessional interpreters from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of paraprofessional interpreters and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Paraprofessional Interpreter	Description	Hourly rate
   Paraprofessional Interpreter	Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.	$12-28
   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
   Freelance Translator	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... Show more	$12-34

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • ASL

   Responsibilities:

   • Work with ESL and special needs students, individually and in small groups, to attain their learning objectives
   • Implement language simulation and ESL techniques into all areas of instruction.
   • Assist in providing services to English language learners with a combination of individual, group and classroom support.
   • Interpret using ASL for a mainstream deaf student as well as aiding in the assistance of self contain students daily needs.
   • Help to build collaboration with internal and international patients with medical staff, social organizations and insurance companies.
   • Create PowerPoint presentations to display and categorize severity of defects to company personnel.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your paraprofessional interpreter job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A paraprofessional interpreter salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, paraprofessional interpreters' average salary in nevada is 57% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level paraprofessional interpreters earn 56% less than senior-level paraprofessional interpreters.
   • Certifications. A paraprofessional interpreter with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a paraprofessional interpreter's salary.

   Average paraprofessional interpreter salary

   $39,755yearly

   $19.11 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level paraprofessional interpreter salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a paraprofessional interpreter job description

   A job description for a paraprofessional interpreter role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a paraprofessional interpreter job description:

   Paraprofessional interpreter job description example

   Requirements / Qualifications
   
   Requirements / Qualifications
   
   Possession of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and one of the following requirements: Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; or obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or met a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness).
   
   Letter of Introduction Resume Letters of Recommendation All required material are to be attached to the Ed-Join application. No hard copies, emailed copies or faxed copies will be accepted.
   
   Possession of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and one of the following requirements: Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; or obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or met a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness).
   
   Letter of Introduction Resume Letters of Recommendation All required material are to be attached to the Ed-Join application. No hard copies, emailed copies or faxed copies will be accepted.
   
   Comments and Other Information
   
   Current FUHSD employees may apply for this position by submitting a letter of intent. The Fallbrook Union High School District prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender, sex or sexual orientation at any district site and/or activity. ANY OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS SUBJECT TO A CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK AND DRUG SCREEN. SUBJECT WILL BE BARRED FROM EMPLOYMENT IF HE/SHE HAS A PRIOR CONVICTION FOR A SERIOUS OR VIOLENT FELONY OR A POSITIVE DRUG SCREEN.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right paraprofessional interpreter for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with paraprofessional interpreters they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit paraprofessional interpreters who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your paraprofessional interpreter job on Zippia to find and attract quality paraprofessional interpreter candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with paraprofessional interpreter candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   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.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new paraprofessional interpreter

   Once you've selected the best paraprofessional interpreter candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing 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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new paraprofessional interpreter. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. 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.)

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