Medical interpreter vs arabic linguist

The differences between medical interpreters and arabic linguists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a medical interpreter and an arabic linguist. Additionally, an arabic linguist has an average salary of $44,433, which is higher than the $43,593 average annual salary of a medical interpreter.

The top three skills for a medical interpreter include patients, customer service and patient care. The most important skills for an arabic linguist are english language, transcription, and target language.

Medical interpreter vs arabic linguist overview

	Medical Interpreter	Arabic Linguist
Yearly salary	$43,593	$44,433
Hourly rate	$20.96	$21.36
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	47,796	742
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

What does a medical interpreter do?

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.

What does an arabic linguist do?

Arabic linguists are experts who interpret and translate research or business documents that are written in the Arab language or its dialects. These linguists are required to advise peers and superiors about the Arabic language and culture while providing inputs of written reports developed from target materials utilizing the specific Arabic language. They must conduct simultaneous interpretations of conversations during diplomatic meetings and conferences. Arabic linguists must also create and manage Arabic language training for the newly hired linguists.

Medical interpreter vs arabic linguist salary

Medical interpreters and arabic linguists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Medical Interpreter	Arabic Linguist
Average salary	$43,593	$44,433
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $29,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital	-
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between medical interpreter and arabic linguist education

There are a few differences between a medical interpreter and an arabic linguist in terms of educational background:

	Medical Interpreter	Arabic Linguist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Business	English
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Medical interpreter vs arabic linguist demographics

Here are the differences between medical interpreters' and arabic linguists' demographics:

	Medical Interpreter	Arabic Linguist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%	Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 34.1% Asian, 14.2% White, 38.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between medical interpreter and arabic linguist duties and responsibilities

Medical interpreter example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Inform providers and patients of relevant cultural issues to assist providers in delivering culturally competent patient care.
Assist another medical interpreter in interpreting for patients who have trouble understanding English spoken by health professionals and receptionists.
Create education and promotional materials relate to Latino health and wellness.

Arabic linguist example responsibilities.

Provide written and verbal translation services (Farsi) to achieve assign USAF mission goals.
Perform transcription, analysis and reporting of real-time critical intelligence in target language.
Function as part of an intelligence analytical team of military and DoD civilian in support of BCT.
Instruct crewmembers on operations of employ ISR, IBR and PGL/TTL equipment and integrations of duties with assign crews.
Research, analyze and compose significant section of an individual behavioral profile folder in support of CENTCOM's highest priority.
Serve as project manager and operator for secure tactical datalink communication systems (TIBS, TADIL) and airborne reconnaissance programs.

Medical interpreter vs arabic linguist skills

Common medical interpreter skills

Patients, 35%
Customer Service, 11%
Patient Care, 8%
LEP, 7%
Informed Consent, 4%
Target Language, 4%

Common arabic linguist skills

English Language, 15%
Transcription, 13%
Target Language, 10%
Language, 8%
Vice Versa, 6%
Cultural Knowledge, 5%

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Medical Interpreter vs Arabic Linguist

Updated January 8, 2025

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