Translator Vs Per Diem Interpreter

The differences between translators 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 translator and a per diem interpreter. Additionally, a translator has an average salary of $44,278, which is higher than the $42,675 average annual salary of a per diem interpreter.

The top three skills for a translator include target language, translation services and vice versa. The most important skills for a per diem interpreter are patients, per diem, and customer service.

Translator vs per diem interpreter overview

TranslatorPer Diem Interpreter
Yearly Salary$44,278$42,675
Hourly rate$21.29$20.52
Growth Rate20%20%
Number Of Jobs1,20638,934
Job Satisfaction--
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average Age4242
Years Of Experience44

What does a Translator do?

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.

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.

Translator vs per diem interpreter salary

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

TranslatorPer Diem Interpreter
Average Salary$44,278$42,675
Salary RangeBetween $27,000 And $70,000Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest Paying CityWashington, DCDavis, CA
Highest Paying StateNew YorkNew York
Best Paying CompanyAppleCottage Health
Best Paying IndustryTechnologyHealth Care

Differences between translator and per diem interpreter education

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

TranslatorPer Diem Interpreter
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most Common MajorEnglishNursing
Most Common CollegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Translator vs per diem interpreter demographics

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

TranslatorPer Diem Interpreter
Average Age4242
Gender RatioMale, 38.4% Female, 61.6%Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
Race RatioBlack 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between translator and per diem interpreter duties and responsibilities

Translator Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage proofreading, typesetting, and editing of English/Spanish projects.
  • Lead an international team of HUMINT collectors for the NATO mission in Bosnia where overt and covert collection protocols are observed.
  • Translate scripts for 2D and 3D animations from English into Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi.
  • Translate patient materials and informational brochures issue by hospitals and medical facilities into another language.
  • Conduct research on Turkish tourism.
  • Translate tourism articles from English to Chinese.
  • Show More

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.
  • Show More

Translator vs per diem interpreter skills

Common Translator Skills
  • Target Language, 24%
  • Translation Services, 17%
  • Vice Versa, 9%
  • Medical Terminology, 5%
  • Web Pages, 5%
  • English-Language, 4%
Common Per Diem Interpreter Skills
  • Patients, 37%
  • Per Diem, 16%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Acute Care, 4%
  • CPR, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 3%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs