Foreign language interpreter vs interpreter and translator

The differences between foreign language interpreters and interpreter and translators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a foreign language interpreter and an interpreter and translator. Additionally, a foreign language interpreter has an average salary of $44,242, which is higher than the $43,870 average annual salary of an interpreter and translator.

The top three skills for a foreign language interpreter include target language, foreign language and medical terminology. The most important skills for an interpreter and translator are transcription, english language, and security clearance.

Foreign language interpreter vs interpreter and translator overview

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Interpreter And Translator
Yearly salary	$44,242	$43,870
Hourly rate	$21.27	$21.09
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	23,134	3,787
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

Foreign language interpreter vs interpreter and translator salary

Foreign language interpreters and interpreter and translators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Interpreter And Translator
Average salary	$44,242	$43,870
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $72,000	Between $27,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	Virginia
Best paying company	Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept	Apple
Best paying industry	Automotive	Government

Differences between foreign language interpreter and interpreter and translator education

There are a few differences between a foreign language interpreter and an interpreter and translator in terms of educational background:

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Interpreter And Translator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Business	English
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Foreign language interpreter vs interpreter and translator demographics

Here are the differences between foreign language interpreters' and interpreter and translators' demographics:

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Interpreter And Translator
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 39.5% Female, 60.5%	Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 33.0% Asian, 14.0% White, 39.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 34.3% Asian, 14.2% White, 39.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between foreign language interpreter and interpreter and translator duties and responsibilities

Foreign language interpreter example responsibilities.

Coach and teach students to achieve grades at or beyond expect IEP goals.
Translate patent's documentation from doctors who fill out prescription and directions in Tamil and Hindi.
Help to build collaboration with internal and international patients with medical staff, social organizations and insurance companies.
Create education and promotional materials relate to Latino health and wellness.

Interpreter and translator example responsibilities.

Coach and teach students to achieve grades at or beyond expect IEP goals.
Lead an international team of HUMINT collectors for the NATO mission in Bosnia where overt and covert collection protocols are observed.
Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Provide foreign language support services, including transcription, and translation / interpretation services in support of military operations.
Carry out assignments within the intelligence community in the capacity of Linguist/Interrogator in the Thai language.
Provide written translation of general and technical material into and from the Urdu language to English, and English into Urdu.

Foreign language interpreter vs interpreter and translator skills

Common foreign language interpreter skills

Target Language, 28%
Foreign Language, 27%
Medical Terminology, 23%
Facilitate Communication, 11%
Interpretation Services, 6%
Court Proceedings, 2%

Common interpreter and translator skills

Transcription, 13%
English Language, 12%
Security Clearance, 12%
Law Enforcement, 12%
Target Language, 10%
Vice Versa, 4%

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Foreign Language Interpreter vs Interpreter And Translator

Updated January 8, 2025

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