Interpreter Cost

Typical costs:

• Interpreting may take place in person, over the phone or via video phone.
• In-person interpreters typically cost $50-$145 per hour. For example, American Language Services^[2] offers interpreters starting at $100 per hour (or $125 for sign language) and a two-hour minimum is required.
• Phone interpreters typically cost $1.25-$3 per minute. Language Translation, Inc.^[3] offers a flat fee of $1.88 per minute for phone interpreting, for example.
• Video interpreters typically range from $1.75 to $7 per minute. For instance, LifeLinks^[4] offers video interpreting from $2.25 per minute for any language and $2.95 for sign language. A 15-minute minimum is common for phone or video interpreting.

• Interpreters may specialize in languages ranging from French to Mandarin, and agencies should offer a number of qualified interpreters representing the majority of world languages. Sign-language interpreters are specially trained to relay speech to the hearing impaired, typically in American Sign Language. In-person interpreters should be booked several days to weeks in advance, depending on the agency.
• Interpreter qualifications vary by state. For instance, Colorado requires court interpreters to have some form of certification, but not for medical interpretation, according to the Colorado Association of Professional Interpreters. Conference Interpreters may be active members of the International Association of Conference Interpreters^[5] , a trade group.
• Phone or video interpreters working with large call centers are typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No advance reservations are needed for this service.

• Travel time is typically billed extra, as an hourly rate or a set fee. For instance, interpreters working with the Arkansas Courts^[6] cost an additional 45 cents per mile or $40 per hour for travel outside of their county.
• A two-hour minimum is common for in-person interpreters, so clients must pay extra if less than two hours of services are required.
• It is common for sign language interpreters to switch off every 15 or 20 minutes, according to the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing^[7] , because of the mental stamina required to interpret for long periods. Therefore, if an event is scheduled for longer than two hours, a second interpreter may be required.
• Unless otherwise stated, international phone calls may incur additional charges on top of the phone interpreter's fees.

• Search the online directory at the American Translator's Association^[8] for a list of interpreting service companies and individuals.
• The Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing^[9] offers a list of tips for working with a sign-language interpreter, both before and during an event. The AIIC^[10] lists tips for choosing the right conference interpreter and the National Law Forum^[11] explains what qualifications to look for in a legal interpreter.

1.  www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Interpreters-and-translators.htm
2.  www.alsglobal.net
3.  www.languagetranslation.com/telephone-interpreting/speakeasy-rates.html
4.  www.lifelinks.net/vri_home.html
5.  aiic.net/
6.  /courts.arkansas.gov/administration/interpreters
7.  www.ncdhh.ne.gov/faq_interpreter.html
8.  www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories/
9.  www.cchdwi.org/interpreter_tips_0001.pdf
10.  aiic.net//ViewPage.cfm/article155.htm
11.  nationallawforum.com/2010/11/05/law-firms-guarantee-your-roi-when-hiring-an-interp...

Check Out All Costs for Small Business		How Much Does an Event Planner Cost?		How Much Do Business Cards Cost?		How Much Does Office Cleaning Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

If you want a spring or summer wedding, now it the time to pin down the location. It's not too late for a flu shot. What would a personal trainer cost to reach those New Year's resolutions? If joining a gym was one of those resolutions, how much will it cost? Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Ps2 Paid: 20.00 ... [more] -Dillydolly PlayStation 2 Cost Breast Ultrasound Paid: 3828.00 A ridiculous amount of money to charge for one breast ultrasound. I am going to shop around next time... [more] -lgarau Breast Ultrasound Cost Medical card Paid: 330.00 $330 just to get certified... [more] [email protected] Medical Marijuana Card Cost Flight with Yorkie Paid: 800.00 Flight from Atlanta, Ga to London UK. 8 hours exactly and cost $800 as cargo. No cabin/cargo only... [more] -de cd Pet Air Travel Cost Xcel Silver Paid: 288.00 $288/mo for 3 three hour lessons per week$1,500 in competition fees$75 Annual registration fee for the gym$15 Annual USA gymnastics membership$300 leotard (every other year)$50 training leotard$60 backpack (every other year)$150 Capri warm ... [more] -GoinBroke Gymnastics Classes Cost power window motor Paid: 280.00 i know i got ripped offactually purchased jan 16, 2020... [more] -Jose Daniel Cabreja Power Window Repair Cost