While translators work with the written word, interpreters focus on the spoken word. Professional speech interpreters frequently work in the business, healthcare, social work or judiciary fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1] . Available for contract work such as guiding international travelers, interpreters may also interpret at conferences, legal trials or corporate events. Phone and video interpreting services have increased in popularity with the advancing technology.
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.
Additional costs:
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.
Shopping for an interpreter:
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.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
Paid $125.00 per hour, 2 hour minimum for Spanish interpreter through Concordis Language Services. $125.00 seems to be the average rate around the East coast for professional interpreting services. It was worth it though.
Posted by: Law office in Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA.
Posted: November 4th, 2015 08:11AM
Type of Interpretation: Court
Language: Arabic
We had a appointment with an Arabic speaker in my office. We contact another office who indicated Fathi Tounsi for us and we had the great pleasure to work with him. He is a great professional and was really important to have a professional interpreter to help us communicate with our client. We all were very happy. Highly recommended.
It was worth paying this money for an experienced interpreter for a complicated medical procedure for my father. We hired Linda Berisha Albanian Medical interpreter.She was great it made a huge difference
I used Universal Language in MInneapolis for a patient who was a native Spanish speaker. it was late in the evening and was a last minute appointment. We called and got a prompt respond and the interpreter arrived within 30 minutes. They charged $50/hr for a minimum 2 hours. It was worth it. Very qualified interpreter. We even got a discount for future requests. We use them regularly and have been very happy. I would definitely recommend them.
$200 was the best money ever spend in hiring Albanian court interpreter Mr Oliver Kici to interpret for a deposition my mother had on December of 2014 Having a professional interpreter made a huge difference on the way the deposition was handled
I had a Sign Language interpreter sent to us by Spot On Interpreting for only $85 per hour with no mileage charges. It was much cheaper than other places and worked out great and the whole process was new to me but was really easy. We even got a discount for writing a couple reviews on how it went. It was really easy to get one, I just called up and sent a few emails and we had our interpreter, who was very professional and made the assignment go much smoother. The patient was also very happy. Would definitely recommend them.
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
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]