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The differences between medical interpreters and technical 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 technical translator. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, 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 technical translator are technical translation, technical manuals, and proofreading.
| Medical Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,593 | $55,019 |
| Hourly rate | $20.96 | $26.45 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 47,796 | 68,352 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
Technical Translation is the act of translating materials in a specific technical or scientific subject domain. A Technical Translator understands the nitty-gritty of the subject matter and knows the specialized terms in that field in both the source and secondary languages. This individual works to produce translations and interpretations of either written or oral communications of one language to another for a specific purpose or industry. As a Technical Translator, your duties may include interpreting conferences and emails in an organization.
Medical interpreters and technical translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Medical Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Average salary | $43,593 | $55,019 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $68,000 | Between $37,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a medical interpreter and a technical translator in terms of educational background:
| Medical Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between medical interpreters' and technical translators' demographics:
| Medical Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% | Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3% |
| 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 17.9% White, 42.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |