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The differences between interpreters 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 a medical interpreter. Additionally, a medical interpreter has an average salary of $43,593, which is higher than the $42,008 average annual salary of an interpreter.
The top three skills for an interpreter include patients, customer service and ASL. The most important skills for a medical interpreter are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Interpreter | Medical Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $42,008 | $43,593 |
| Hourly rate | $20.20 | $20.96 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 3,772 | 47,796 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An interpreter is responsible for facilitating communication between different language speakers by translating information from one language to another for easy comprehension. Some interpreters work on spoken languages while the rest specialize in sign languages. Interpreters must have strong knowledge and expertise in their chosen language to translate communication accurately and efficiently. They should also provide written texts as needed, especially in the transcription and publishing industry. Interpreters must be detail-oriented all the time to communicate the message effectively without altering its core content.
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.
Interpreters and medical interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interpreter | Medical Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $42,008 | $43,593 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $60,000 | Between $27,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Cottage Health | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an interpreter and a medical interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Interpreter | Medical Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between interpreters' and medical interpreters' demographics:
| Interpreter | Medical Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3% | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 32.8% Asian, 17.5% White, 38.7% 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% |