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The differences between per diem interpreters and bilingual 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 per diem interpreter and a bilingual interpreter. Additionally, a bilingual interpreter has an average salary of $44,168, which is higher than the $42,675 average annual salary of a per diem interpreter.
The top three skills for a per diem interpreter include patients, per diem and customer service. The most important skills for a bilingual interpreter are patients, translation services, and interpretation services.
| Per Diem Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $42,675 | $44,168 |
| Hourly rate | $20.52 | $21.23 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 38,934 | 5,338 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A bilingual interpreter is responsible for translating communications from one language to another without compromising the focus of the context. Bilingual interpreters manage verbal and written interactions between parties, including the translation of complicated terminologies to comprehensive statements with the same meaning. They should be excellently familiar with the style and structure of their language expertise to translate codes effectively. A bilingual interpreter must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as coordinating with different kinds of people efficiently to assist clients in their daily tasks.
Per diem interpreters and bilingual interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Per Diem Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $42,675 | $44,168 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $68,000 | Between $27,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Davis, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Cottage Health | Randolph Health |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a per diem interpreter and a bilingual interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Per Diem Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between per diem interpreters' and bilingual interpreters' demographics:
| Per Diem Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3% | Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 47.2% Asian, 11.0% White, 32.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |