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The differences between translators and medical 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 translator and a medical interpreter. Additionally, a translator has an average salary of $44,278, which is higher than the $43,593 average annual salary of a medical interpreter.
The top three skills for a translator include target language, translation services and vice versa. The most important skills for a medical interpreter are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $44,278 | $43,593 |
| Hourly rate | $21.29 | $20.96 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,206 | 47,796 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A translator is an expert of one or multiple languages, responsible for transcribing communication between parties for easy comprehension. Translators often work with written documents, relaying the core context and original message from the source. They should also be able to translate jargon, slang, cultural expressions, and related technical terms in an understandable format, depending on the level of the target audience. A translator must be highly fluent with the language to render ideas accurately, as well as have excellent time-management skills to meet project deadlines.
Medical Interpreters are healthcare professionals who bridge the communication gap between patients and doctors. They interpret and translate medical findings and results in a language that the patient understands. Medical Interpreters are expected to have a deep understanding of medical terms and procedures to translate the doctor's message to the patient. They should have a deep understanding of the patient's cultural context and background. This would help medical interpreters relate to the patient and gain credibility. They should keep all information they come across confidential.
Translators and medical interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $44,278 | $43,593 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a translator and a medical interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between translators' and medical interpreters' demographics:
| Translator | Medical Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6% | Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 32.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 37.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 35.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 39.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |