Bilingual Interpreter Contract Role - Build Career | LSA in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This is an independent contractor (1099) role, not a traditional employee position, which has meaningful career implications. You won't receive employer benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or retirement contributions — costs that should factor into your effective hourly rate evaluation.
Compensation: No pay rate is disclosed. Market rates for telephonic interpreters typically range from $0.50–$1.50 per minute or $15–$35/hour depending on language rarity and specialty (medical/legal). Rare language pairs (e.g., Somali, Haitian Creole) command premium rates.
Skills Development: This role builds highly transferable skills:
- Medical and legal terminology in two languages — valuable for court-certified or healthcare interpreter careers
- Active listening and real-time cognitive processing under pressure
- Cross-cultural communication expertise
Career Pathway: Strong performers can pursue CMI (Certified Medical Interpreter) or CCHI credentials, which significantly increase earning potential and open doors to in-person, video remote interpreting (VRI), and staff interpreter roles at hospitals or courts.
Green Flags: Continuous acceptance of interpreters suggests consistent demand; all languages welcome broadens opportunity. Red Flags: Lack of transparent pay, no employee benefits, and no guaranteed hours are typical IC trade-offs — treat this as a supplemental or portfolio-building gig rather than a primary income source unless you have a rare, high-demand language pair.
Overview
As a member of LSA's network of Independently Contracted interpreters, you are responsible for handling telephone calls on demand and facilitating language communication for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) community in a variety of settings, including medical, legal, and customer service. Language Services Associates is continuously accepting qualified interpreters and all languages are welcome!
Responsibilities
- Provide effective telephonic remote interpreting
- Answer inbound calls in a timely manner
- Provide superior customer service
- Adhere to Code of Professional Conduct, including maintaining strict standards of confidentiality
- Adhere to all policies and procedures, including professional interpretation protocols and industry-specific best practices
- Complete trainings and participate in ongoing Quality Assurance monitoring
Qualifications & Experience
- Full fluency in both English and the target language
- Technology proficient (web-based platforms, email, Microsoft Word)
- Landline, cellphone, or VoIP access
- An interpreting space that is quiet, secure, and free from outside noises
- 2+ years of professional interpreting experience preferred
- Industry-specific certifications/trainings preferred (CMI, CCHI, etc.)
- Proof of 40+ hour medical interpreting training preferred (e.g., Bridging The Gap, Cross-Cultural, etc.)
LSA is passionate about what we do, which is helping people thrive in an increasingly global environment! If interested, please apply and include a copy of your resume, which emphasizes your interpreting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an interpreter for LSA from outside the United States?
Is this a full-time employee position or a contract role?
What languages does LSA accept for this interpreter role?
What equipment do I need to start working as a remote telephonic interpreter?
Is interpreting certification required to apply?
