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-interpreter/

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

It's October already. Do you know where your snow tires are? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When was your last mammogram? It's a Sunday afternoon in the fall. Ready to tailgate? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Rain and winter are coming. Make sure your roadside assistance plan is up to date

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

Locksmith Paid: 95.00 I left my keys inside... [more] -Pepi44 Locksmith Cost Commercial and residential power washing and window cleaning Paid: 350.00 This company is truly amazing, I've never felt so satisfied after seeing the transformation of my home. I had green grime and algae growing rampid in the front my home. Within a few hours my home along with my deck was spotless... [more] -Emanuel 1 Window Cleaning Cost ER visit. Paid: 9040.00 Thought I was having a heart attack, went to ER... [more] -Omie EKG Cost Tune up Paid: 384.00 Feel ripped off.Nearly $400 for a tune up. All that was done was a spark plug replacement and fuel induction service... [more] -Sam Wise Tune-up Cost dented our friendhip Paid: 300.00 I was asked to be MOH and other bridesmaid was out of town. She agreed to be financial co-host. Offered bride shower for 12-15 people. She said she would invite 40. My small house could barely accommodate... [more] -70s gal Bridal Shower Cost Pet sat 2 dogs small poodle and medium Maltese Paid: 140.00 Friday night to Monday AM, fed both dogs a total of 6 times, administered allergy eye drops to 1 of dogs, total of 6 times and spent the night with them 2 nights... [more] -Pet Content While You're Away Pet Sitting Cost