Medical interpreter vs per diem interpreter

The differences between medical 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 a medical interpreter and a per diem interpreter. Additionally, a medical interpreter has an average salary of $43,593, which is higher than the $42,675 average annual salary of a per diem interpreter.

The top three skills for a medical interpreter include patients, customer service and patient care. The most important skills for a per diem interpreter are patients, per diem, and customer service.

Medical interpreter vs per diem interpreter overview

	Medical Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Yearly salary	$43,593	$42,675
Hourly rate	$20.96	$20.52
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	47,796	38,934
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
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 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.

Medical interpreter vs per diem interpreter salary

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

	Medical Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average salary	$43,593	$42,675
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Davis, CA
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital	Cottage Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between medical interpreter and per diem interpreter education

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

	Medical Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Medical interpreter vs per diem interpreter demographics

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

	Medical Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 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 medical interpreter and per diem interpreter 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.

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.

Medical interpreter vs per diem interpreter skills

Common medical interpreter skills

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

Common per diem interpreter skills

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

Medical Interpreter vs. similar jobs

Medical Interpreter related careers

Medical Interpreter related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
Medical Interpreter
Medical Interpreter vs Per Diem Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs