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The differences between spanish interpreters and language 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 language translator. Additionally, a language translator has an average salary of $45,490, 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 language translator are proofreading, foreign language, and target language.
| Spanish Interpreter | Language Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,067 | $45,490 |
| Hourly rate | $20.71 | $21.87 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 4,043 | 21,450 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Language translators are linguistic professionals who are responsible for converting information from one language to another to help people read the translation based on the original source. These translators must use a computer to translate the original language into their native language. They can work for software development companies as under contract independent foreign language translators. They must utilize target language to translate and transcribe critical information and performing immediate data analysis. Language translators must also provide interpretations for meetings, conferences, and administrative hearings for any sponsored functions.
Spanish interpreters and language translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Spanish Interpreter | Language Translator | |
| Average salary | $43,067 | $45,490 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $65,000 | Between $29,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alameda, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc. | Bloomberg |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between a spanish interpreter and a language translator in terms of educational background:
| Spanish Interpreter | Language Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between spanish interpreters' and language translators' demographics:
| Spanish Interpreter | Language Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6% | Male, 39.4% Female, 60.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 31.5% Asian, 18.0% White, 38.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |