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Per diem interpreter vs technical translator

The differences between per diem 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 per diem interpreter and a technical translator. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, 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 technical translator are technical translation, technical manuals, and proofreading.

Per diem interpreter vs technical translator overview

Per Diem InterpreterTechnical Translator
Yearly salary$42,675$55,019
Hourly rate$20.52$26.45
Growth rate20%20%
Number of jobs38,93468,352
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

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.

What does a technical translator do?

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.

Per diem interpreter vs technical translator salary

Per diem interpreters and technical translators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Per Diem InterpreterTechnical Translator
Average salary$42,675$55,019
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $68,000Between $37,000 And $79,000
Highest paying CityDavis, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkOregon
Best paying companyCottage HealthApple
Best paying industryHealth CareFinance

Differences between per diem interpreter and technical translator education

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

Per Diem InterpreterTechnical Translator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorNursingEnglish
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Per diem interpreter vs technical translator demographics

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

Per Diem InterpreterTechnical Translator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 33.7% Female, 66.3%Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 17.9% White, 42.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between per diem interpreter and technical translator duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Technical translator example responsibilities.

  • Manage group-wide collaboration using SharePoint and enable cross-team communication base on unique team needs.
  • Freelance conference interpreting (English-Spanish).
  • Assist senior mechanic with the installation of HVAC systems up to 10 tons and associate gas lines and copper line sets.
  • Assist medical professionals with several types of surgical procedures including obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, general surgery, endoscopy, and genitourinary.
  • Prepare patients for MRI procedure by conducting intake interview, positioning patient for imaging and initiating contrast administration.

Per diem interpreter vs technical translator skills

Common per diem interpreter skills
  • Patients, 37%
  • Per Diem, 16%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Acute Care, 4%
  • CPR, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 3%
Common technical translator skills
  • Technical Translation, 13%
  • Technical Manuals, 12%
  • Proofreading, 11%
  • User Interface, 7%
  • Proofread, 7%
  • Technical Specifications, 7%

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