There is a great demand in the State of New Mexico for certified and registered court interpreters. Many certified and registered court interpreters work as permanent employees while others work as freelance contract interpreters, hired by the day or the half day by the courts. A contract interpreter must be willing to travel from one trial court to another, and often from one county to another, to be assured of full-time work. Currently, contract court interpreters are paid $282 a day and $156.56 for a half day. The Administrative Office of the Courts of New Mexico currently pays staff interpreters $5,742 - $6,274 per month, depending on experience and subject to negotiation with organized labor.