Updated October 15, 2024.
If you are bilingual with fluency or near-fluency in English, LanguageLine is a company you may want to check out.
You can work at home as a LanguageLine interpreter, helping to break through the language barrier between two people on the phone trying to communicate with one another that do not speak the same language.
While they do not currently have openings for remote translators, they do encourage you to apply if you have experience in translation.
This is phone work and every call you take is a three way call.
You simply listen to the person who does not speak English and then relay what they are saying in English to the person on the other end of the line.
There is no selling involved here and all calls are inbound.
How much does LanguageLine pay?
The pay rate will vary depending on the language (they have positions for Spanish, Mandarin, sign language, and everything in between), but from what I'm seeing, most positions pay at least $20 hourly.
In addition, LanguageLine also offers sign-on bonuses of $1,000 or even more.
Is LanguageLine open worldwide?
LanguageLine hires in the US and Canada. They may also have occasional openings for people in other countries.
What types of calls do you take?
You might be doing interpretation for 911 calls, banking, insurance questions, reservations, and all kinds of other things.
LanguageLine has a number of different clients in various industries.
Is a phone line required?
Yes, you do have to have a dedicated land line to work for this company. Cell phones, Voip, etc. are not acceptable.
Are you an IC or an employee?
Most Language Line interpreters are hired as employees although some people do work as IC's on temporary projects.
If you're hired as an employee, benefits are offered.
What equipment is needed?
Per the job description, LanguageLine requires:
- High speed Internet connection for work related electronic communication. This internet connection should provide download speeds of no less than 5 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps.
- Your home office should provide space for a backdrop of 5 ft by 7 ft and; a desk and chair.
- A direct connection from the modem to the desktop or laptop must be used. Cable or fiber optic services are preferred. For optimal connectivity: Satellite service is not permissible.
- Must have access to a quiet space free from background noise or distraction.
What about scheduling and training?
The job descriptions do not state what hours you are required to work, but they do have both full and part-time positions available.
Training is done entirely over the phone and you are paid for it. The total training time might last anywhere from two to four weeks.
How is the feedback?
Glassdoor gives LanguageLine a solid 3.1 stars.
According to workers, the hours are flexible and the training is thorough and detailed so you understand what you're doing before you start.
Other reviewers aren't happy with the pay, and there was mention of the health insurance you're given not being good enough to cover anything much.
Want to apply?
If you'd like to apply to work for Language Line, you can view their current opportunities here.
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Good luck to you!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.