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The differences between interpreter and translators and medical interpreters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an interpreter and translator and a medical interpreter. Additionally, an interpreter and translator has an average salary of $43,870, which is higher than the $43,593 average annual salary of a medical interpreter.
The top three skills for an interpreter and translator include transcription, english language and security clearance. The most important skills for a medical interpreter are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Interpreter And Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,870 | $43,593 |
| Hourly rate | $21.09 | $20.96 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 3,787 | 47,796 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An interpreter and translator are language experts responsible for translating one language to another for communicative purposes and context comprehension in the highest accuracy. Interpreters and translators must ensure that the translations keep the core message of the speaker or author's statement, including the proper interpretation of terminologies for the target audience. An interpreter and translator should also observe strict grammar rules and composition structures to maintain context integrity. They should have excellent communication skills, especially in the aspects of listening, writing, and speaking crucial for this kind of expertise.
Medical Interpreters are healthcare professionals who bridge the communication gap between patients and doctors. They interpret and translate medical findings and results in a language that the patient understands. Medical Interpreters are expected to have a deep understanding of medical terms and procedures to translate the doctor's message to the patient. They should have a deep understanding of the patient's cultural context and background. This would help medical interpreters relate to the patient and gain credibility. They should keep all information they come across confidential.
Interpreter and translators and medical interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interpreter And Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,870 | $43,593 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an interpreter and translator and a medical interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Interpreter And Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between interpreter and translators' and medical interpreters' demographics:
| Interpreter And Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 35.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 39.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |