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Spanish interpreter vs freelance translator

The differences between spanish interpreters and freelance 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 spanish interpreter and a freelance translator. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $43,067 average annual salary of a spanish interpreter.

The top three skills for a spanish interpreter include patients, medical terminology and translation services. The most important skills for a freelance translator are target language, web content, and vice versa.

Spanish interpreter vs freelance translator overview

Spanish InterpreterFreelance Translator
Yearly salary$43,067$44,736
Hourly rate$20.71$21.51
Growth rate20%20%
Number of jobs4,0431,162
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

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.

What does a freelance translator do?

A freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format. Being a freelance translator means that they can work remotely at their preferred schedule, most of the time, working from home. They are not employed under a company, which is why most freelance translators prepare their own portfolios and create client bases through websites and other platforms.

Spanish interpreter vs freelance translator salary

Spanish interpreters and freelance translators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Spanish InterpreterFreelance Translator
Average salary$43,067$44,736
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $65,000Between $27,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityAlameda, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyGundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc.-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between spanish interpreter and freelance translator education

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

Spanish InterpreterFreelance Translator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessEnglish
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Spanish interpreter vs freelance translator demographics

Here are the differences between spanish interpreters' and freelance translators' demographics:

Spanish InterpreterFreelance Translator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 28.4% Female, 71.6%Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 28.0% Asian, 16.3% White, 43.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between spanish interpreter and freelance translator duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Freelance translator example responsibilities.

  • Manage proofreading, typesetting, and editing of English/Spanish projects.
  • Translate technical documents in various formats using TRADOS.
  • Assist LEP patients to access a full range of services available.
  • Translate Thai to English for children's books publish for sale in Thailand.
  • Learned how to use basic and advance translation tools including TRADOS and Passalo.
  • Provide excellent interpretation for both the LEP as for the English speaking healthcare professional.
  • Show more

Spanish interpreter vs freelance translator skills

Common spanish interpreter skills
  • Patients, 41%
  • Medical Terminology, 13%
  • Translation Services, 4%
  • Spanish Language, 3%
  • Language Services, 3%
  • Health Insurance, 2%
Common freelance translator skills
  • Target Language, 15%
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Vice Versa, 8%
  • User Manuals, 7%
  • Financial Reports, 6%
  • Subtitles, 5%

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