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The differences between medical interpreters and sign language 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 sign language interpreter. Additionally, a sign language interpreter has an average salary of $43,655, 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 sign language interpreter are customer service, ASL, and registry.
| Medical Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,593 | $43,655 |
| Hourly rate | $20.96 | $20.99 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 47,796 | 23,371 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| 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 sign language interpreter specializes in bridging the communication gap for people with hearing or speaking difficulties using American Sign Language (ASL) and other sign languages. Interpreters may work for a company or independently; they may also interpret for one-on-one communication or public engagements. The responsibilities of a sign language interpreter depend on the situation or environment. Besides helping clients convey and receive messages, they may also build rapport with clients to make them feel at ease, manage schedules, and perform calls.
Medical interpreters and sign language interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Medical Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,593 | $43,655 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $68,000 | Between $26,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Government |
There are a few differences between a medical interpreter and a sign language interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Medical Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between medical interpreters' and sign language interpreters' demographics:
| Medical Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% |
| 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, 7.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 11.8% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |