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The differences between medical interpreters and freelance translators 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 freelance translator. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, 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 freelance translator are target language, web content, and vice versa.
| Medical Interpreter | Freelance Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,593 | $44,736 |
| Hourly rate | $20.96 | $21.51 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 47,796 | 1,162 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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 freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format. Being a freelance translator means that they can work remotely at their preferred schedule, most of the time, working from home. They are not employed under a company, which is why most freelance translators prepare their own portfolios and create client bases through websites and other platforms.
Medical interpreters and freelance translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Medical Interpreter | Freelance Translator | |
| Average salary | $43,593 | $44,736 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $68,000 | Between $27,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a medical interpreter and a freelance translator in terms of educational background:
| Medical Interpreter | Freelance Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between medical interpreters' and freelance translators' demographics:
| Medical Interpreter | Freelance Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| 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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 28.0% Asian, 16.3% White, 43.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |