How much does a Legal interpreter make

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Legal interpreter

38 300 kr

Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.

31 500 - 48 100 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Legal interpreter

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 38 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 28 Vacant jobs ->

What does a court interpreter do? – tasks and work environment

A court interpreter is responsible for verbally translating between different languages in legal settings, such as courts, police interrogations, and other government contacts. The tasks involve conveying precise and impartial information between parties to ensure a correct legal process. Court interpreters often work in stressful environments that require concentration and high linguistic competence. The work environment is usually office- or courtroom-based with a focus on confidentiality and accuracy.

Salary development over time

Cour interpreters have experienced varying salary developments in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK, which decreased slightly to 33 500 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the salary has increased significantly to 38 300 SEK, representing an approximate 14 percent rise from the previous year. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for qualified court interpreters and a general enhancement of the profession’s status within the legal system. The profession’s requirement for specialized education and precision also helps maintain stable or rising salary levels in line with labor market needs.

Court interpreters often handle sensitive situations where accurate interpretation can impact justice and people's lives, which demands high integrity and empathy.

– statsskuld.se

Court interpreter salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK (female, public sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 48,100 SEK (male, private sector, postgraduate degree)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 102% of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable, but salary levels may vary depending on employer and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a court interpreter, a specialized education in interpretation or translation with a legal focus is usually required. The education is often combined with practical experience in legal interpretation. Certification and ongoing training are important to stay updated within the field.

  • Formal degrees: University education in interpretation or translation, typically 1–3 years
  • Certifications: Approved court interpreter certification or similar quality assurance
  • Practical experience: Experience from courts or government agencies is recommended
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and at least one other language at a high level
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs with a legal focus and opportunities for internships

Common benefits and compensations

Court interpreters are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and flexible working hours. Compensation for overtime and unsociable hours occurs in many employment contracts, especially for assignments outside regular office hours. Some assignments may also include travel allowances or compensation for special work tools.

Competition and challenges

The profession of court interpreting is characterized by a relatively limited job market where competition can be intense, especially in larger cities. The challenge often lies in staying updated with legal terminology and managing stressful situations with high precision. Additionally, a high degree of objectivity and the ability to work under pressure are required, demanding strong personal qualities. Flexibility and readiness to work at various times are also important aspects.

Tips for those who want to become a court interpreter

To succeed as a court interpreter, it is beneficial to develop strong language skills and a good understanding of legal processes. Precision is a key trait, so choosing education and internships with a focus on quality and relevance is advisable. Flexibility facilitates handling assignments at different times and locations. A professional attitude and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations are also crucial for delivering accurate interpretations. Finally, actively seeking certifications and further training can strengthen your professional role and competitiveness.

Key facts about court interpreters

  • Educational level: University education in interpretation or translation
  • Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Office and courtroom-based, often fast-paced
  • Occupational group: Translators, interpreters, and linguists among others
  • Demand: Limited assessment but about 620 job openings within the group

Career paths and future prospects

After some years as a court interpreter, there are opportunities to specialize in various legal fields or work as a freelance consultant with more flexible assignments. Some progress to roles as language experts or trainers in interpretation. The future outlook is considered stable but without clear growth due to the profession’s specialized nature and limited job market. According to data from the Employment Service, court interpreters are part of a group including translators, interpreters, and linguists with approximately 620 job openings, but no specific forecast for court interpreters has been established.

Frequently asked questions about court interpreting

  • What is the average salary of a court interpreter?
    - The average salary is approximately 38 300 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a court interpreter?
    - A university education in interpretation or translation with a legal focus is common.
  • Are there gender differences in court interpreter salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 102% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for a court interpreter?
    - The work environment is usually office- or courtroom-based with a fast pace and confidentiality requirements.
  • What are the future prospects for court interpreters?
    - Projections are uncertain, but the profession is part of a group with about 620 job openings, indicating stable demand.
  • What personal qualities are important for a court interpreter?
    - Accuracy, integrity, and stress management are essential qualities for success.
  • What is the hourly wage for a court interpreter?
    - The average hourly wage is about 230 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 21:01:48

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Legal interpreter is 48100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Legal interpreter is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 36200 kr 36700 kr
45-54 37500 kr 38200 kr
55-64 41100 kr 41700 kr
Snitt 102% 37700 kr 38300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Legal interpreter has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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