If you are looking for an interpreting study or maybe you are just starting out as an interpreter and wondering about the income level you could achieve, the following information may come in useful.
There are three main types or modes to performing an interpreting job: simultaneous, whispering (chuchotage), or consecutive.
Generally, simultaneous interpreting (e.g., conference and media interpreting) will earn you a better income than consecutive interpreting.
There is quite a difference in the various fields of interpreting and consequently in the salary one can make out of their specialty. In the US, it also depends on the state you are living in. Indeed, the differences in revenues can be remarkable.
To see the difference, I checked the average income in USD per year in each interpreting field in the state of New York (Brooklyn) and in the state of Washington (Seattle).
For reference, please take a look at salarygenius.com or simplyhired.com.
Conference Interpreter
New York: $77.200
Washington: $105.500
Court Interpreter
New York: $63.500
Washington: $86.700
Healthcare Interpreter
New York: $45.500
Washington: $62.100
Sign Language Interpreter
New York: $41.000
Washington: $56.000
General Interpreter
New York: $32.000
Washington: $44.500
Media Interpreter
New York: $78.000
Washington: $58.000
Community Interpreter
New York: $45.000
Washington: $59.000
Business or Commercial Interpreter
New York: $44.000
Washington: $42.000
If you are interested in government interpreting, such as working for the UN (conference interpreting) or other similar governmental authorities, please check their website for salary references, effective 1st of January, 2015.
Happy researching!
