Foreign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter

The differences between foreign language interpreters and per diem interpreters 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 a per diem interpreter. Additionally, a foreign language interpreter has an average salary of $44,242, which is higher than the $42,675 average annual salary of a per diem interpreter.

The top three skills for a foreign language interpreter include target language, foreign language and medical terminology. The most important skills for a per diem interpreter are patients, per diem, and customer service.

Foreign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter overview

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Yearly salary	$44,242	$42,675
Hourly rate	$21.27	$20.52
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	23,134	38,934
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

Foreign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter salary

Foreign language interpreters and per diem interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average salary	$44,242	$42,675
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $72,000	Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Davis, CA
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept	Cottage Health
Best paying industry	Automotive	Health Care

Differences between foreign language interpreter and per diem interpreter education

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

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Foreign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter demographics

Here are the differences between foreign language interpreters' and per diem interpreters' demographics:

	Foreign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 39.5% Female, 60.5%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between foreign language interpreter and per diem interpreter 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.

Per diem interpreter example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Facilitate communication between LEP patients/families and medical staff by providing accurate and comprehensive interpreter services (person/phone).
Monitor patient EKG patterns while patient is admitted.
Provide education and training while administering a base wide CPR training program.
Assist with documentation, groups, and ADL's for idd/m psych patients.
Serve as a liaison between patients and physicians to assist Somali speaking patients in understanding physician's questions.

Foreign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter 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 per diem interpreter skills

Patients, 37%
Per Diem, 16%
Customer Service, 11%
Acute Care, 4%
CPR, 4%
Rehabilitation, 3%

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Foreign Language Interpreter
Foreign Language Interpreter vs Per Diem Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

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