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Health Interpreter Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Health Interpreter information

See Kansas salary details

$21.4K

$57.1K

$93.2K

How much do health interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for health interpreter in Kansas is $57,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to be a health interpreter?

To become a health interpreter, you typically need bilingual proficiency and certification such as the Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) or similar credentials. Training programs focus on medical terminology, ethics, and cultural competence, and some states or employers may require background checks or specific licensing. Strong communication skills and familiarity with healthcare settings are essential for success in this role.

Are health interpreters in demand?

Health interpreters are in high demand due to the growing need for language services in healthcare settings, especially as patient populations become more diverse. Employers seek interpreters with certification and bilingual skills to improve communication and patient outcomes, leading to steady job growth in this field.

What is a health interpreter?

Health interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between patients with limited English proficiency and healthcare providers. They translate spoken or signed language in medical settings to ensure that patients fully understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and care instructions. Health interpreters also help medical staff understand patients’ concerns and cultural contexts, promoting effective and equitable care. Their role is essential in reducing language barriers and improving healthcare outcomes. Interpreters are trained to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all interactions.

What is the difference between Health Interpreter vs Medical Translator?

AspectHealth InterpreterMedical Translator
CredentialsCertification in interpreting (e.g., CCHI, NBCMI)Translation certifications (e.g., ATA, CMT)
Work EnvironmentReal-time spoken communication in healthcare settingsWritten documents, reports, and medical records
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare agenciesMedical publishing, legal documents, patient materials

Health Interpreters focus on real-time spoken communication between patients and healthcare providers, requiring interpreting certifications. Medical Translators work mainly with written medical documents, often holding translation certifications. Both roles are essential in healthcare but differ in their methods and work environments.

What are some common challenges health interpreters face when working in medical settings?

Health Interpreters often encounter challenges such as managing complex medical terminology, ensuring accuracy in high-pressure situations, and addressing cultural differences between patients and healthcare providers. They may also need to navigate emotionally charged conversations or deliver difficult news while maintaining professionalism and empathy. Effective communication and continuous learning are essential to overcome these challenges and provide clear, accurate interpretation for all parties involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health interpreter?

To thrive as a Health Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a solid understanding of medical terminology, and often a certification such as CCHI or NBCMI. Familiarity with telehealth platforms, interpretation equipment, and relevant healthcare documentation systems is typically required. Excellent listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial are crucial soft skills for building trust and ensuring clear communication. These skills are vital to facilitate accurate and confidential communication between patients and healthcare providers, directly impacting patient care and safety.
Infographic showing various Health Interpreter job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,097 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Community Health Center Of Southeast Kansas rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

CORE VALUES 

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of the Center's resources. 


GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position provides accurate interpretation and translation of critical medical information in direct service to physicians and/or other health care providers or support staff who are seeing patients who cannot speak or understand English.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Precisely and accurately interprets critical medical advice and information given by the provider into equivalent terminology in the patient's native language.
  • Interpret information regarding the patient's and family's medical needs including consent for treatment, history and physical assessment, etc.
  • Ensure the patient and the health care provider understand the questions, answers and instructions transmitted by the speaker.
  • Assist health care providers in understanding patient's culture as it relates to health service interaction.
  • Assists in translating medical text from English on behalf of internal and external customers; may translate patient education information as requested.
  • Establishes and maintains quality service and positive interaction with patients, customers, visitors, health care providers and other staff members.
  • Assists with patient follow-up as necessary, to include contacting patients with appointment reminders.
  • Provides occasional services outside of normal working hours on an as-needed basis.
  • May accompany and/or transport a CHC/SEK patient to another appointment outside of the CHC/SEK health system, such as to rehabilitation services or to a specialist appointment.
  • Perform all duties, services and documentation in full compliance with CHC/SEK policies and procedures.
  • Trains new interpreters to the organization and may assist with interview process of applicants.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Medical terminology.
  • Valid drivers license.
  • Interpreter/Translator Certificate and/or Certificate of competency from an approved Interpreter/Translator training program preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the rationale of appropriate patient care.
  • Communicates through appropriate channels. Use proper chain of command for patient complaints.
  • Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
  • Must be computer literate.
  • Must be able to maintain good inter-personal relationship with co-workers and other members of the health care team and the organization.
  • Provide customer service in accordance to the organization's mission.
  • Be courteous and respectful when interacting with patients and family members.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance to organization's policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Computer work is frequent. Good lighting and comfortable temperature of ventilation at all times. May be exposed to situations where personal protective equipment and other safety precautions need to be used.


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