Medical interpreter vs spanish interpreter

The differences between medical interpreters and spanish 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 spanish interpreter. Additionally, a medical interpreter has an average salary of $43,593, which is higher than the $43,067 average annual salary of a spanish interpreter.

The top three skills for a medical interpreter include patients, customer service and patient care. The most important skills for a spanish interpreter are patients, medical terminology, and translation services.

Medical interpreter vs spanish interpreter overview

	Medical Interpreter	Spanish Interpreter
Yearly salary	$43,593	$43,067
Hourly rate	$20.96	$20.71
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	47,796	4,043
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
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 spanish interpreter do?

A Spanish interpreter specializes in orally translating Spanish to English language and vice-versa, primarily to bridge the communication gap from one person to another. Their responsibilities typically revolve around meeting with clients to determine their preferences, keeping conversations confidential, conversing according to the purpose of events, and translating documents or written materials when necessary. A Spanish interpreter may also work independently or for a company. Furthermore, it is essential to remain professional and build rapport with clients to establish a strong client base.

Medical interpreter vs spanish interpreter salary

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

	Medical Interpreter	Spanish Interpreter
Average salary	$43,593	$43,067
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $28,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Alameda, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital	Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc.
Best paying industry	Health Care	Professional

Differences between medical interpreter and spanish interpreter education

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

	Medical Interpreter	Spanish Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Medical interpreter vs spanish interpreter demographics

Here are the differences between medical interpreters' and spanish interpreters' demographics:

	Medical Interpreter	Spanish Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%	Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6%
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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 47.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 36.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between medical interpreter and spanish 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.

Spanish interpreter example responsibilities.

Provide accurate Spanish interpretation to LEP in medical, legal and social settings.
Serve as a simultaneous interpreter between providers and patients keeping communication efficient by taking consideration of cultural differences between them.
Make the LEP feel comfortable enough to honestly and accurately convey information.
Create worksheets and design activities to teach an ESL student to read, write, and speak English.
Host for the Latino parent meetings at the school with information about the community, resources, and events.
Contract by Johannesburg government to interpret for non-English speaking defendants.

Medical interpreter vs spanish interpreter skills

Common medical interpreter skills

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

Common spanish interpreter skills

Patients, 41%
Medical Terminology, 13%
Translation Services, 4%
Spanish Language, 3%
Language Services, 3%
Health Insurance, 2%

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Medical Interpreter vs Spanish Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

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