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The differences between medical interpreters and bilingual 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 medical interpreter and a bilingual interpreter. Additionally, a bilingual interpreter has an average salary of $44,168, 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 a bilingual interpreter are patients, translation services, and interpretation services.
| Medical Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,593 | $44,168 |
| Hourly rate | $20.96 | $21.23 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 47,796 | 5,338 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A bilingual interpreter is responsible for translating communications from one language to another without compromising the focus of the context. Bilingual interpreters manage verbal and written interactions between parties, including the translation of complicated terminologies to comprehensive statements with the same meaning. They should be excellently familiar with the style and structure of their language expertise to translate codes effectively. A bilingual interpreter must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as coordinating with different kinds of people efficiently to assist clients in their daily tasks.
Medical interpreters and bilingual interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Medical Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,593 | $44,168 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $68,000 | Between $27,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | Randolph Health |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a medical interpreter and a bilingual interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Medical Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between medical interpreters' and bilingual interpreters' demographics:
| Medical Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% | Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 47.2% Asian, 11.0% White, 32.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |