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Health Care Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medical Interpreter

Martinez, CA · On-site

$69K - $84K/yr

Local 856 - Health Services Unit The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is recruiting to fill several permanent full-time Medical Interpreter vacancies in the Health Care Interpreter ...

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How much do health care interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for health care interpreter in the United States is $64,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a health care interpreter?

Health care interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between patients and medical staff when there is a language barrier. They accurately translate spoken or signed information in medical settings, ensuring that patients fully understand diagnoses, treatments, and instructions. Their role is crucial for providing equitable and safe health care, protecting patient confidentiality, and supporting informed decision-making. Health care interpreters may work in hospitals, clinics, or remotely, and must be proficient in both the source and target languages as well as medical terminology.

How does a health care interpreter typically collaborate with medical staff and patients during clinical appointments?

Health Care Interpreters play a vital role in facilitating clear communication between patients with limited English proficiency and medical staff. During clinical appointments, interpreters work side-by-side with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to accurately convey information, ensuring that patients fully understand diagnoses, treatment options, and instructions. They must maintain impartiality and confidentiality while navigating sensitive medical discussions. Effective collaboration requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to manage complex, fast-paced interactions. Interpreters often participate in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to better patient outcomes and a positive care experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health care interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Care Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a thorough understanding of medical terminology, and often a certification such as CCHI or NBCMI. Familiarity with interpreter telehealth platforms, electronic health records, and specialized medical dictionaries is typically required. Outstanding active listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial set exceptional interpreters apart. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate, confidential, and culturally appropriate communication between patients and medical professionals, directly impacting quality of care.

What is the difference between Health Care Interpreter vs Medical Translator?

AspectHealth Care InterpreterMedical Translator
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CCHI, NBCMI), bilingual proficiencyLanguage proficiency, translation certifications (e.g., ATA), specialized medical knowledge
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare settings, real-time interpretationDocument translation, medical reports, patient education materials
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinicsMedical publishing, translation agencies, healthcare organizations

While both roles require bilingual skills and medical knowledge, Health Care Interpreters focus on real-time verbal communication in healthcare settings, whereas Medical Translators work on written medical documents. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to be a health care interpreter?

To become a health care interpreter, you typically need proficiency in at least two languages, completion of specialized training or certification programs, and knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare procedures. Many employers prefer candidates to obtain certification from organizations like the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). Strong communication skills, cultural competence, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments are also important for success in this role.
More about Health Care Interpreter jobs

What cities are hiring for Health Care Interpreter jobs?

Cities with the most Health Care Interpreter job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Health Care Interpreter jobs?

The top employers for Health Care Interpreter jobs are:

What states have the most Health Care Interpreter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Health Care Interpreter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Health Care Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Medical Interpreter - Vietnamese Language

Emory Healthcare

Atlanta, GA

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Be inspired.  Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare. 

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.  We provide: 

  • Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1 
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs 
  • Family-focused benefits  
  • Wellness incentives 
  • Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs  
  • And more

This position is onsite in Atlanta, GA

Description

The Foreign Language Medical Interpreter provides accurate consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients and their families, ensuring complete and culturally appropriate communication throughout the continuum of care.

Serving as both a language specialist and cultural liaison, the interpreter promotes understanding between patients and healthcare providers, supports equitable care delivery, and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and professional standards. This position also participates in departmental education, documentation, and performance improvement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIESLanguage Interpretation
  • Provide accurate interpretation during medical encounters using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation techniques.

  • Deliver interpretation services via in-person, telephone, or video remote interpretation platforms when needed.

  • Support communication in a variety of clinical environments including surgery, trauma, mental health, palliative care, and discharge planning.

Cultural Mediation
  • Serve as a cultural liaison to bridge communication gaps between patients and healthcare teams.

  • Assist providers in understanding cultural considerations that may impact care delivery or patient decision-making.

Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate records of interpretation encounters including encounter type, duration, and service location.

  • Ensure strict adherence to HIPAA regulations, the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care, and Emory Healthcare policies.

Professional Development & Mentorship
  • Participate in continuing education, competency validation, and departmental quality improvement initiatives.

  • Mentor newly hired interpreters and participate in peer review processes.

  • Provide education and training to staff regarding language access compliance and interpreter service protocols.

Operational Support
  • Assist with interpreter scheduling and dispatch activities during low-volume periods.

  • Support the deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of interpretation equipment including phones, tablets, and video remote interpretation (VRI) units.

Patient & Family Support
  • Provide patient and family support by facilitating communication and navigation of care services.

  • Connect patients and families with hospital or community resources as appropriate.

  • Participate in on-call or after-hours coverage as required.

Travel
  • Travel may be required between Emory Healthcare operating units or affiliated locations.

Work Type

Onsite

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience
  • Two (2) years of experience in healthcare, medical interpretation, customer service, advocacy, or a related field.

  • At least one (1) year of experience in medical interpretation.

Certification

Completion of a 40-60 hour Medical Interpreter Training Program such as:

  • Bridging the Gap

  • ALTA

  • Language Line Academy

  • Or equivalent program

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in English and the target language (reading, writing, and speaking).

  • Strong knowledge of medical terminology in both languages.

  • Interpreter proficiency validated through a third-party Interpreter Skills Test (IST).

  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in complex healthcare environments.

Preferred QualificationsEducation

Associate's Degree in Business, Foreign Language, Healthcare Administration, or related field.

Experience
  • Four (4) years of medical interpretation experience preferred.

  • Experience delivering interpreter training or educational sessions.

Certification
  • Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) - National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)

  • Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) - Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred)
  • Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.

  • Understanding of cultural humility and healthcare system navigation.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and interpreter technology platforms.

  • Strong interpersonal communication and the ability to maintain professionalism in high-pressure clinical environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the work day (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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