Front Office & Administration
Medical Interpreter jobs
Medical interpreters help patients and providers understand each other during visits, explaining symptoms, diagnoses and instructions accurately and confidentially.
- Typical US pay
- $40k–$65k /yr
- ≈ $19–$31/hr
- Open jobs
- 0
- on MEDroles right now
- Also called
- Healthcare Interpreter, Spanish Medical Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, Language Access Specialist
Open medical interpreter jobs
No medical interpreter jobs are posted right now. Apply once and a recruiter will call you when one opens.
What does a medical interpreter do?
- Interpret between patients and providers in person, by phone or video
- Sight-translate forms, consents and discharge instructions
- Keep interpretation accurate, complete and confidential
- Flag cultural issues that could affect care
Key skills
- Fluency in English and another language
- Medical terminology
- Interpreter ethics
- HIPAA
- Note-taking
How to become a medical interpreter
Fluency in English and another language plus at least 40 hours of medical interpreter training. Many interpreters start as bilingual front desk staff or medical assistants.
Licensing & certifications
Certification is voluntary in most states but widely preferred: Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) or CoreCHI from CCHI, or Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) from NBCMI.
Frequently asked questions
How much do medical interpreters make?
Medical Interpreters in the US typically earn about $40k to $65k a year, depending on experience, certification, location, specialty and setting. Bilingual candidates sometimes earn a pay differential.
How do I become a medical interpreter?
Fluency in English and another language plus at least 40 hours of medical interpreter training. Many interpreters start as bilingual front desk staff or medical assistants.
Do medical interpreters need a license or certification?
Certification is voluntary in most states but widely preferred: Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) or CoreCHI from CCHI, or Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) from NBCMI.
What other job titles are there for medical interpreters?
Common titles include Healthcare Interpreter, Spanish Medical Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, Language Access Specialist.
Pay ranges are approximate US figures for entry-level through experienced workers and vary by state, setting and specialty. Licensing rules vary by state; check with your state board.