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Healthcare Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kinyarwanda Interpreter

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Job Summary Under the direct supervision of the leadership team, the healthcare interpreter provides accurate and concise oral interpretations for spoken languages to Limited English Proficient (LEP) ...

Kinyarwanda Interpreter

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Job Summary Under the direct supervision of the leadership team, the healthcare interpreter provides accurate and concise oral interpretations for spoken languages to Limited English Proficient (LEP) ...

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Healthcare Interpreter information

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$64K

$104.5K

How much do healthcare interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for healthcare 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 healthcare interpreter?

Healthcare interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers when they do not share a common language. They interpret spoken or signed language to ensure accurate understanding of medical information, instructions, and patient concerns. Their role is critical for ensuring quality care, patient safety, and adherence to medical ethics and privacy regulations. Healthcare interpreters often work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings, serving patients with limited English proficiency or those who use sign language.

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

To thrive as a Healthcare Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of medical terminology, and typically a certification such as CCHI or NBCMI. Familiarity with video remote interpreting (VRI) systems and interpreting software is often required. Outstanding listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, confidential, and empathetic communication between patients and healthcare providers, directly impacting patient care and safety.

What are some common challenges healthcare interpreters face when facilitating communication between patients and medical staff?

Healthcare Interpreters often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical terminology accurately, navigating cultural differences between patients and providers, and maintaining impartiality during emotionally charged situations. They must quickly adapt to new medical settings and manage stress while ensuring patient confidentiality. Effective collaboration with healthcare teams is essential, as interpreters help bridge communication gaps to support patient care and understanding.

What is the difference between Healthcare Interpreter vs Medical Translator?

AspectHealthcare InterpreterMedical Translator
CredentialsCertification in medical interpreting (e.g., CMI, NRIC)Translation certifications (e.g., ATA certification)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare settingsDocuments, manuals, patient education materials
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinicsPublishing, healthcare companies, legal documents
Search & Comparison IntentHealthcare Interpreter vs Medical Translator

Healthcare interpreters facilitate real-time communication between patients and healthcare providers, focusing on spoken language. Medical translators work with written medical documents, translating texts accurately. Both roles require specialized medical language knowledge, but they differ mainly in the medium (spoken vs written) and work environment.

How to become a certified healthcare interpreter?

To become a certified healthcare interpreter, individuals typically need to complete a recognized training program, demonstrate proficiency in both languages, and pass a certification exam such as the Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) or National Certification for Medical Interpreters (NCI). Certification requirements vary by organization but generally include language skills assessment and adherence to ethical standards. Maintaining certification may require ongoing education and recertification exams.
More about Healthcare Interpreter jobs

What cities are hiring for Healthcare Interpreter jobs?

Cities with the most Healthcare Interpreter job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Healthcare Interpreter jobs?

The top employers for Healthcare Interpreter jobs are:

What states have the most Healthcare Interpreter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Healthcare Interpreter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Healthcare Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 15% 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.

Certified Healthcare Interpreter (Bilingual Spanish)

Kaiser Permanente

Oakland, CA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Kaiser Permanente rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 927 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for the provision of oral simultaneous, consecutive interpretation and sight translation throughout the medical center/designated location.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Performs on-site and over-the-phone interpretation for patients, families, Kaiser Permanente and non-Kaiser Permanente health care providers who prefer to speak in their primary languages, other than English.
  • Provides simple translation, under the supervision of Department Manager and/or Translator, completes interpretation work requests as per protocol and provides accurate and timely documentation of work done. Participates as a member of the health care delivery team, exercising sensitivity and maintaining confidentiality of employee and patient information at all times.
  • Provides expert knowledge regarding the interplay of medical treatment and key aspects of culture. Participates in educational programs from medical center staff, members and prospective members. Performs as mentors for interns of partnering interpreter programs.
  • Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
  • Consistently demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other.
  • Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
  • Interpersonal Skills – Maintains confidentiality; treats co-workers, patients and facility visitors with respect.
  • Oral Communication – Listens and gets clarification to ensure that instructions and requests are fully understood and ensures that interpretations are accurate and understood.
  • Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The incumbent is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The incumbent may regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the incumbent is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to inpatients and outpatients who may be experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Basic Qualifications
  • Experience – N/A
  • Education – High School Graduate. Candidates must have completed a health care interpreter certificate training program that (1) is administered by an accredited educational institution. OR (2) is recognized by the California Healthcare Interpreter Association (CHIA) and exceeds 200 contact hours.
  • License, Certification, Registration – Healthcare Interpreter Certification
Additional Requirements
  • Excellent oral command of English and a second language of service (Cantonese, Spanish, etc.).
  • Typing speed: 35 wpm.
  • Basic computer skills required, i.e., Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to demonstrate professionalism in a demanding, high stress and fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated understanding of cultural issues related to health care.
  • Must be sensitive and knowledgeable of the distinction between neutral interpreting and patient advocacy.
  • Must pass an oral and written competency exam.
  • Must be flexible and able to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) Level II required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience as an Interpreter in a multi-specialty health care environment strongly preferred.
  • 2 years of college preferred.
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