What does an interpreter really earn?

"Interpreters earn a lot of money." I've heard it, you've probably heard it. Is it true?

Independent researchers Colleen Jones and Steve Smith aim to find answers to this and other related questions. They explain in the video below.

To take the confidential survey and contribute, go to www.interpreterincome.com. Their intended audience includes any working interpreter.

The deadline to participate is April 30, 2025.

[Image description: Steve appears as a middle-aged white man with grey hair, glasses, and a trimmed beard. Colleen appears as a white woman in her thirties or early forties with red-brown, shoulder-length hair. Each is wearing a black top.]

Transcript:

Hi, I'm Steve.

Hi, I'm CJ.

Steve: Never before in the history of our profession have we had a survey to collect information on interpreter income and rates combined with other information that gives us a clear understanding of interpreters' income situations.

CJ: We want to collect data that will truly benefit you and the community, including interpreters and Deaf people.

Steve: We often see stories exchanged in the interpreting community about certain cities where interpreters make "good money" while in other places people say it's nearly impossible to earn a living. Are these stories true? Are they not? The only way to know is to collect accurate information.