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Spanish interpreter vs technical translator

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

Spanish interpreter vs technical translator overview

Spanish InterpreterTechnical Translator
Yearly salary$43,067$55,019
Hourly rate$20.71$26.45
Growth rate20%20%
Number of jobs4,04368,352
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
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 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.

Spanish interpreter vs technical translator salary

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

Spanish InterpreterTechnical Translator
Average salary$43,067$55,019
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $65,000Between $37,000 And $79,000
Highest paying CityAlameda, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaOregon
Best paying companyGundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc.Apple
Best paying industryProfessionalFinance

Differences between spanish interpreter and technical translator education

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

Spanish InterpreterTechnical Translator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorBusinessEnglish
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Spanish interpreter vs technical translator demographics

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

Spanish InterpreterTechnical Translator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 28.4% Female, 71.6%Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3%
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, 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 spanish interpreter and technical 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

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.

Spanish interpreter vs technical translator skills

Common spanish interpreter skills
  • Patients, 41%
  • Medical Terminology, 13%
  • Translation Services, 4%
  • Spanish Language, 3%
  • Language Services, 3%
  • Health Insurance, 2%
Common technical translator skills
  • Technical Translation, 13%
  • Technical Manuals, 12%
  • Proofreading, 11%
  • User Interface, 7%
  • Proofread, 7%
  • Technical Specifications, 7%

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