Court system raises pay for interpreters

Increased funding provided by the legislature is allowing the South Carolina Judicial Branch to expand and enhance its court interpreting program for limited English proficient individuals and those who rely on American Sign Language.  Persons interested in pursuing certification as an LEP interpreter through the South Carolina Court Interpreter Certification Program are invited to register for the next two-day workshop being held virtually October 21-23. According to the 2020 Census, 7.5% of South Carolinians speak a language other than English at home or consider English to be their second language.  The hourly rate for certified interpreters in all languages increased from $45 to $65 and the hourly reimbursement rate for otherwise qualified interpreters increased from $25 to $40.  The hourly rate for interpreters for deaf persons increased from $45 to $80.