Interpreter vs per diem interpreter

The differences between 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 an interpreter and a per diem interpreter. Additionally, a per diem interpreter has an average salary of $42,675, 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 per diem interpreter are patients, per diem, and customer service.

Interpreter vs per diem interpreter overview

	Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Yearly salary	$42,008	$42,675
Hourly rate	$20.20	$20.52
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	3,772	38,934
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

What does an interpreter do?

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.

What does a per diem interpreter do?

A per diem interpreter is responsible for interpreting sign or oral language and translating text from one specific language into another. You will perform several tasks that include adapting translations to students' grade and cognitive levels, working closely with other educational team members when necessary, and proofreading, revising, and editing translated materials. Additionally, you are responsible for translating messages into one language orally using hand signs and explaining translation requirements to clients. As a pier diem interpreter, you are also responsible for checking translated texts for technical terminology.

Interpreter vs per diem interpreter salary

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

	Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average salary	$42,008	$42,675
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $60,000	Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Arlington, VA	Davis, CA
Highest paying state	Virginia	New York
Best paying company	Cottage Health	Cottage Health
Best paying industry	Government	Health Care

Differences between interpreter and per diem interpreter education

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

	Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Interpreter vs per diem interpreter demographics

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

	Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 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 interpreter and per diem interpreter duties and responsibilities

Interpreter example responsibilities.

Lead an international team of HUMINT collectors for the NATO mission in Bosnia where overt and covert collection protocols are observed.
Perform administrative duties such as filling, scanning, printing and photocopying.
Keep update information on students, families and translate school documents into Hmong.
Serve as a media spokesperson for the ESL department on Spanish radio and television.
Interpret ASL to English, and English to ASL for high profile & complex legal matters.
Serve as French, creole and Spanish interpreter when necessary.- Responsible to take and document vital signs.

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.

Interpreter vs per diem interpreter skills

Common interpreter skills

Patients, 24%
Customer Service, 18%
ASL, 10%
Medical Terminology, 8%
LEP, 5%
Sign Language, 4%

Common per diem interpreter skills

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

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Interpreter vs Per Diem Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

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