Spanish interpreter vs per diem interpreter

The differences between spanish interpreters and per diem 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 spanish interpreter and a per diem interpreter. Additionally, a spanish interpreter has an average salary of $43,067, which is higher than the $42,675 average annual salary of a per diem interpreter.

The top three skills for a spanish interpreter include patients, medical terminology and translation services. The most important skills for a per diem interpreter are patients, per diem, and customer service.

Spanish interpreter vs per diem interpreter overview

	Spanish Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Yearly salary	$43,067	$42,675
Hourly rate	$20.71	$20.52
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	4,043	38,934
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

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 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.

Spanish interpreter vs per diem interpreter salary

Spanish interpreters and per diem interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Spanish Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average salary	$43,067	$42,675
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $65,000	Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Alameda, CA	Davis, CA
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc.	Cottage Health
Best paying industry	Professional	Health Care

Differences between spanish interpreter and per diem interpreter education

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

	Spanish Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Spanish interpreter vs per diem interpreter demographics

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

	Spanish Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between spanish interpreter and per diem interpreter 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.

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.

Spanish interpreter vs per diem interpreter skills

Common spanish interpreter skills

Patients, 41%
Medical Terminology, 13%
Translation Services, 4%
Spanish Language, 3%
Language Services, 3%
Health Insurance, 2%

Common per diem interpreter skills

Patients, 37%
Per Diem, 16%
Customer Service, 11%
Acute Care, 4%
CPR, 4%
Rehabilitation, 3%

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Spanish Interpreter vs Per Diem Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

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