Top 15 Interpretation Companies in the USA in 2024

The demand for professional interpretation in the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the need for businesses, healthcare providers, legal firms, nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies to bridge communication gaps in a multicultural society. As the diversity of languages spoken across the country continues to grow, effective communication has become a critical requirement for delivering services, closing deals, and ensuring legal and medical accuracy.

Organizations increasingly rely on on-site interpreting, over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), and video remote interpreting (VRI) to ensure that communication is seamless, culturally appropriate, and accurate. In high-stakes fields such as healthcare, law, and business, even the slightest misinterpretation can have serious consequences, such as medical errors, legal disputes, or lost business opportunities. That's why choosing the right interpreter is more than a simple decision-it's an investment in accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and trust.

To help you make the best choice, we've reviewed the top 15 interpreting companies in the U.S. for 2024. We've evaluated their services, technology integration, industry expertise, and overall reputation. Read on to find the provider that will meet your organization's needs and pave the way for seamless, effective communication across all language and cultural barriers.

1. LanguageLine Solutions

Source: languageline.com

LanguageLine Solutions is one of the largest providers in the US, known for its extensive network of interpreters covering over 240 languages. They specialize in healthcare and government services, and offer reliable VRI and OPI options. Their proprietary technology ensures fast and secure access to professional interpreters, improving the customer experience.

Best for: Large organizations requiring interpretation in a wide range of languages, particularly healthcare and government.

Pros:

• Broad range of languages and services.

• Strong reputation for healthcare and government interpretation.

• Advanced technology for instant access.

Cons:

• Less personalized service for smaller clients.

• Occasional wait times during peak periods.

2. Tomedes

Source: tomedes.com

Tomedes is known for its wide range of interpretation options, including simultaneous and consecutive conference interpreting, as well as interpreting for NGOs. Their commitment to cultural competence and accuracy is enhanced by their technology-driven approach, using AI and machine learning. Tomedes offers customized solutions across all industries and provides 24/7 customer support, making them an excellent choice for clients with high-value interpreting needs.

Best for: Comprehensive interpreting with a strong focus on the nonprofit, legal, medical, education, and business sectors.

Pros:

• Flexible pricing takes into account specific project requirements, customization needs, and client budget.

• Strong emphasis on cultural competence.

• Extensive experience in high-stakes environments such as nonprofit, legal, and healthcare.

Cons:

• Some personalized services may require a more involved onboarding process, which can increase the setup time for new customers.

• Specialized services may not meet all general interpretation needs.

3. Certified Languages International

Source: certifiedlanguages.com

Certified Languages International (CLI) provides reliable OPI and VRI in a variety of industries, including healthcare, legal, financial, and education. They support interpretation in over 230 languages and provide 24/7 access to their diverse clientele. Their services are designed to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate communication.  CLI also offers dedicated support and resources tailored to industries such as call centers and healthcare providers to ensure smooth and seamless communication.

Best for: Various industries such as healthcare, finance, education, and legal require accurate and culturally relevant interpretation.

Pros:

• Supports interpretation in more than 230 languages.

• 24/7 availability to meet diverse client needs.

• High levels of accuracy and cultural competence.

Cons:

• Less emphasis on face-to-face interpreting.

• No dedicated client portal to manage interpretation requests.

4. Propio Language Services

Source: propio.com

Propio Language Services offers a full range of interpretation options, including OPI, VRI and on-site interpreting, with a strong focus on the healthcare and education sectors. Their 24/7 availability ensures that clients have access to interpreting support whenever they need it. Known for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Propio provides customized solutions to meet the diverse needs of their clients. They also provide various resources and training for healthcare professionals to improve the quality of interpretation and communication in medical settings.

Best for: Clients seeking robust interpretation services with a focus on healthcare, legal and education.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of services, including OPI, VRI, and on-site interpreting.

• 24/7 availability for clients who need immediate assistance.

• Strong focus on the healthcare and education industries, providing customized resources.

Cons:

• Focus on specific industries (healthcare and education) may limit customization for clients in other industries.

• No visible online booking or client portal to manage interpretation services.

5. Interpreters Unlimited

Source: interpreters.com

Interpreters Unlimited offers a wide range of interpreting and translation in over 200 languages for a variety of industries, including education, legal, healthcare, government, and business. Their customized solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and include OPI, VRI, and on-site interpreting options. The company emphasizes its "robust ERP platform system" for scheduling and management, ensuring smooth service delivery. 

Best for: Organizations in a variety of industries, including education, legal, government, healthcare, and corporate.

Pros:

• Extensive network of industry-specific interpreters.

• Customized solutions to fit client needs.

• Strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Cons:

• Limited AI integration, as their technology is more focused on scheduling and management than advanced AI-driven tools.

• Industry focus may limit service customization for clients in niche industries.

6. CyraCom

Source: cyracom.com

While CyraCom is widely known for its healthcare-focused interpreting services, they also offer a broader range of offerings across multiple industries, including legal, government, and business. They offer a full range of services, including OPI and VRI, with a strong emphasis on compliance and client confidentiality. CyraCom's extensive network of trained interpreters makes them a versatile choice for organizations seeking accurate and culturally competent communication.

Best for: Healthcare providers and various sectors, including legal, government, and business.

Pros:

• Strong healthcare compliance.

• Specialized interpreters for various industries.

• Broad industry experience beyond healthcare.

Cons:

• Limited focus on AI-driven technology compared to some competitors.

• Higher costs for non-healthcare sectors.

7. AMN Language Services

Source: amnhealthcare.com

AMN Language Services is a healthcare interpretation provider with a focus on HIPAA-compliant solutions for hospitals and clinics. They offer both OPI and VRI services, with the goal of improving patient care through clear communication. Their user-friendly platform and competitive rates make them an attractive choice for healthcare professionals.

Best for: Healthcare providers who need reliable and affordable interpretation.

Pros:

• Strong healthcare compliance.

• Competitive pricing.

• Easy-to-use platform.

Cons:

• Focuses primarily on the healthcare industry.

• Limited information available on the website regarding advanced technology features.

8. United Language Group (ULG)

Source: unitedlanguagegroup.com

ULG offers a wide range of interpreting services, including OPI, VRI and on-site interpreting, with a strong focus on compliance and quality in the business, legal and healthcare sectors. They use advanced technology and an extensive global network of interpreters to ensure seamless communication and provide culturally sensitive solutions to clients worldwide.

Best for: Comprehensive interpretation in various industries.

Pros:

• Comprehensive global language solutions across multiple industries.

• Strong focus on legal and business compliance.

• Advanced technology integration.

Cons:

• Higher prices for premium services.

• May require longer lead times for large, complex projects.

9. Global Interpreting Network

Source: globalinterpreting.com

Global Interpreting Network provides interpretation to the healthcare, government, legal, and corporate markets. Their scalable solutions are built on a foundation of cultural competency, ensuring accuracy and sensitivity in communication. Their network of certified interpreters supports multiple industries and offers both on-site and remote interpreting.

Best for: Large organizations with diverse industry needs.

Pros:

• Comprehensive interpretation services across industries.

• Strong focus on cultural and linguistic accuracy.

• Scalable solutions for large organizations.

Cons:

• Limited focus on AI-powered technology.

• Services may require long-term contracts for some industries.

10. MasterWord Services

Source: masterword.com

MasterWord Services provides interpreting solutions across various industries, focusing on healthcare, government, and education sectors. They offer on-site, OPI, and VRI services, supported by a commitment to cultural sensitivity and accuracy. Their extensive training programs for interpreters ensure the highest quality in their services.

Best for: Organizations requiring specialized interpreting in the healthcare, government and education sectors.

Pros:

• Strong focus on industry-specific solutions.

• Excellent cultural and linguistic accuracy.

• Extensive training programs for interpreters.

Cons:

• Fewer language options than larger providers.

• Higher costs for urgent or expedited services.

11. GLOBO

Source: helloglobo.com

GLOBO specializes in on-demand interpreting for a variety of industries, with a focus on healthcare. Their user-friendly platform and fast response times make them a reliable partner for hospitals and clinics. GLOBO's services include OPI and VRI with a focus on linguistically and culturally appropriate communication. 

Best for: On-demand healthcare interpreting.

Pros:

• Fast response times.

• User-friendly platform.

• Tailored solutions for healthcare.

Cons:

• Less focus outside of healthcare.

• Fewer language options than some competitors.

12. ALTA Language Services

Source: altalang.com

ALTA Language Services is recognized for its focus on quality and cultural competence. They offer interpretation in various fields, including legal, business, government, education, and healthcare, providing both OPI and VRI options. Their emphasis on linguistic and cultural accuracy makes them a preferred choice for clients requiring precise communication.

Best for: Various sectors that require culturally competent interpretation such as legal, education, government, business and healthcare.

Pros:

• High level of accuracy and cultural competence.

• Strong reputation for legal and business interpretation.

• Extensive language assessment services.

Cons:

• Higher prices.

• Limited local availability in some regions.

13. American Language Services (ALS)

Source: alsglobal.net

American Language Services (ALS) provides interpretation with extensive experience in the legal, business, and government sectors. They offer a variety of services, including on-site, OPI, and VRI, with a commitment to accurate and culturally sensitive communication.

Best for: Legal, business, and government.

Pros:

• Extensive experience in the legal and government sectors.

• Competitive pricing.

• Wide range of languages covered.

Cons:

• Less focus on healthcare.

• Limited technological innovation.

14. Language Services Associates (LSA)

Source: lsa.inc

Language Services Associates (LSA) offers comprehensive interpretation with a focus on building long-term client relationships through customizable solutions. They provide a wide range of services, including OPI, VRI, and on-site interpretation, with experienced interpreters across various industries. LSA is known for its customer-centric approach, offering competitive pricing that caters to both large and small organizations. However, their emphasis on long-term partnerships may result in more tailored services for regular clients.

Best for: Companies seeking long-term interpreting partnerships.

Pros:

• Excellent customer service with a focus on long-term relationships.

• Competitive pricing for organizations seeking ongoing interpretation support.

• Experienced interpreters in a variety of industries.

Cons:

• Limited focus on advanced technology integration compared to more tech-driven competitors.

• May not be the best fit for clients looking for flexible, one-time interpretation services.

15. TransPerfect

Source: transperfect.com

TransPerfect is a global leader in interpretation and translation, providing solutions in more than 170 languages. They provide a wide range of options, including on-site, OPI and VRI, with deep expertise in industries such as legal, technology and business. TransPerfect is known for its advanced technology integration, including AI-driven tools and machine learning, which enhance the accuracy and efficiency of its services. Its global network of interpreters provides coverage for multinational organizations.

Best for: Organizations requiring global reach with extensive language options.

Pros:

• Extensive global reach and language options, making it ideal for multinational clients.

• Robust technology integration, including AI-powered tools for greater accuracy and efficiency.

• Expertise in legal, technology, and business.

Cons:

• Premium services come with higher pricing.

• Longer lead times for complex projects.

Emerging trends in interpretation 

Technology integration

AI, machine learning, and other technologies are becoming key drivers in improving interpretation. Companies such as Tomedes and Propio are leading the way in integrating AI to improve accuracy and speed.

Focus on less common languages

As demand grows, there is an increasing need to support less common and indigenous languages, especially in the healthcare and government sectors.

Cultural and ethical considerations

As the need for cultural competence increases, companies that focus on training interpreters in ethical sensitivity and cultural nuances will be better positioned for success.

Conclusion

The U.S. interpretation industry is evolving rapidly, with providers offering services tailored to different sectors such as healthcare, legal, and business. Whether you're looking for AI-driven solutions, culturally competent interpreters, or specialized services, the top 15 companies in this article are leading the way in 2024.

If you're looking for an interpretation partner with global reach and a strong focus on cultural accuracy, Tomedes is here to help. With services tailored to your specific needs, we ensure that your communication is seamless, accurate, and culturally sensitive-no matter the industry or language. Contact us today to find out how Tomedes can support your interpreting needs and elevate your global communications.