Once formal interpreting education is completed, interpreters need to remain abreast of research and trends in the field. Interpreters should participate in professional development events, workshops and conferences annually. Higher education is encouraged and an advantage. Interpreters may be employed as staff members for educational institutions, for service agencies or interpreter referral agencies. Interpreters in educational settings may work in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools or in schools for the deaf.
Many interpreters work on a freelance basis.
Freelance interpreters may take part-time contracts from educational institutions or accept appointments referred by agencies or accept appointments directly from hearing or deaf consumers. Salaries for interpreters vary depending on the employment situation and the interpreter's level of competency. Most freelance interpreters are paid an hourly rate, often by an interpreter service or agency. Earnings vary from region to region in Canada, depending on the local economy, interpreter's qualifications and the supply and demand for service. The income for interpreters' working for school boards varies depending on seniority and duties assigned to the interpreter, as well as the region in Canada in which the school board is located.