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Medical Interpretation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Contra Costa County, CA

Medical Interpreter

Martinez, CA · On-site

$69K - $84K/yr

Medical interpretation services are provided for clients and patients of Contra Costa Health Services including Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and its Health Centers, the Appointment Unit, and ...

Reliable Interpreters, Inc.

Be Seen First

CCHI Certified Spanish Medical Interpreter (California)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Provide accurate, complete, and impartial interpretation between patients and healthcare professionals in various medical settings (e.g., consultations, procedures etc.). Interpret both verbal and ...

WelbeHealth

Medical Translator

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

The Medical Translator is accountable for supporting our participants by providing accurate, culturally sensitive translation and interpretation of medical information. This role ensures participants ...

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Medical Interpretation information

See California salary details

$36K

$162.6K

$332.6K

How much do medical interpretation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical interpretation in California is $162,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $265,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is medical interpretation?

Medical interpretation is the process of facilitating communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages. Medical interpreters ensure that both parties understand each other's messages accurately, including medical terminology, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Their role is crucial in reducing language barriers, improving patient care, and maintaining confidentiality. Medical interpreters may work in hospitals, clinics, or remotely, and must adhere to strict ethical and professional standards.

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

To thrive as a Medical Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of medical terminology, and often a certification such as CMI or CHI. Familiarity with interpretation platforms, telehealth systems, and HIPAA regulations is also important. Excellent listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial help build trust and ensure accurate communication. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure patient safety, reduce misunderstandings, and support effective healthcare delivery.

What are some common challenges medical interpreters face during patient-provider interactions, and how can they effectively handle them?

Medical interpreters often encounter challenges such as managing complex medical terminology, maintaining patient confidentiality, and navigating cultural differences that may impact communication. Interpreters must stay neutral and avoid giving personal opinions, even when conversations are sensitive or emotional. Effectively handling these situations involves thorough preparation, ongoing training, and utilizing available resources like glossaries and support from colleagues or supervisors. Building trust with both patients and healthcare providers is also essential for fostering clear, accurate communication.

How much do you get paid as a medical interpreter?

Medical interpreters typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and location. Some may work as freelancers or for agencies, which can affect pay rates, and those with specialized language skills or certifications often command higher wages.

Is there a demand for medical interpreters?

Medical 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 certified interpreters skilled in medical terminology and often require bilingual proficiency, with job opportunities available in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations.

What are popular job titles related to Medical Interpretation jobs in California?

For Medical Interpretation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Medical Interpretation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Medical Interpretation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Medical Interpretation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Medical Interpretation job openings:

Medical Interpretation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Interpretation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,574 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Medical Interpreter

Contra Costa County, CA

Martinez, CA • On-site

$69K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary : $69,845.95 - $84,898.18 Annually
Location : Martinez, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: VMVD-2022A
Department: Health Services - Continuous
Opening Date: 11/09/2022
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: TC
The Position
CONTINUOUS
Bargaining Unit: 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 Network (HCIN), located in Martinez, California. Currently, the Department is seeking bi-lingual candidates to fill Lao, Mien, Spanish and ASL Medical Interpreter vacancies.
Under general direction, incumbents provide medical interpretation, in target languages or American Sign Language, for patients and their family members either face-to-face, or by telephone or video during encounters with medical providers and/or other medical support personnel. Medical interpretation services are provided for clients and patients of Contra Costa Health Services including Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and its Health Centers, the Appointment Unit, and Financial Counseling as well as for clients and patients of various other hospitals and medical centers and clinics on the HCIN network, and on other related national networks.
Future vacancies for different languages may become available, bi-lingual candidates fluent in other language(s) are encouraged to apply.
To read the complete job description, please visit the website
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.
Typical Tasks
  • Orally Interprets information related to medical procedures, diagnostic information, and medical education and instructions between patients, clients, medical providers, clinical staff in target language and in English
  • Clarifies meaning and verifies patient's understanding of conveyed medical information
  • Provides education, support, and clarification to medical providers and clinical staff on culturally specific values and practices as they relate to the health care encounter
  • Verify the accuracy of medical and technical terms and terminology
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient/client information according to established Departmental guidelines
  • Participate in training and continuing education to facilitate professional development.
  • Assist others in the use of the HCIN system
  • Provide and promote excellent customer service for all internal and external customers

Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Six (6) months of full time, or its equivalent, professional experience working as a Medical Interpreter.
Education: Completion of an approved Medical Interpreter training program.
Note: Incumbents will be required to pass the Language Line Interpreter Skills Test and complete 40 hours of Health Care Interpreter Network (HCIN) approved medical interpreter training within nine months of appointment.
Other Requirements: A background investigation/fingerprint and/or physical exam may be required prior to the start of employment.
A COMPLETED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE IS REQUIRED AND YOU MUST ATTACH COPIES OF CERTIFICATIONS TO YOUR APPLICATION.
Selection Process
1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Training and Experience Evaluation: At the time of filing, within the supplemental questionnaire, candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire. Candidates that clearly meet the minimum qualifications, as described above, will have their training and experience responses evaluated. The training and experience questionnaire is designed to measure candidate's relevant education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the Family Nurse Practitioner classification. (Weighted 100%).
TENTATIVE EXAM DATES
Supplemental questions will be evaluated on a monthly basis. Responses to the supplemental questions are submitted at the time of application filing.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel, Recruitment Team at For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to
01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Medical Interpreter position and to assist Personnel staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your responses to the questionnaire will be evaluated. The scores you obtain will be used to determine your rank on the eligible list.
  • I Understand

02
How many years of full-time, or its equivalent professional experience do you have working as a Medical Interpreter?
  • 6 months or more of experience as described
  • Less than 6 months of experience as described
  • I do not have any experience as described

03
Have you completed a 40-hour Medical Interpreter training program?
  • Yes, and a copy of my certificate is attached to my application
  • No

04
How many fluent language(s) other than English have you utilized as an Interpreter in a clinic, hospital, or other medical setting?
  • Five or more
  • Four
  • Three
  • Two
  • One
  • None

05
Which fluent language(s) other than English have you utilized as an Interpreter in a clinic, hospital, or other medical setting?
06
How many language training or education programs have you completed other than English? Please attach proof of training/education to your application.
  • I have completed 5 or more training/education programs
  • I have completed 4 training/education programs
  • I have completed 3 training/education programs
  • I have completed 2 training/education programs
  • I have completed 1 training/education program
  • I have not completed any training or education programs

07
Please list the language training or education programs you completed other than English and provide facility name(s) and dates.
08
How many language testing certificates have you received other than English? Please attach a copy of the certificates to your application.
  • I have 5 or more language testing certificates
  • I have 4 language testing certificates
  • I have 3 language testing certificates
  • I have 2 language testing certificates
  • I have 1 language testing certificate
  • I do not have any language testing certificates

09
What language(s) other than English do you have a language testing certificate in? Provide facility name(s) and dates.
10
How many years of full-time or its equivalent work experience do you have performing oral interpretation related to medical procedures between patients/clients and medical providers/clinical staff?
  • 5 years or more of experience as described
  • 4 years or more, but less than 5 years, of experience as described
  • 3 years or more, but less than 4 years, of experience as described
  • 2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience as described
  • 1 year or more, but less than 2 years, of experience as described
  • Less than 1 year of experience as described
  • I do not have any experience as described

11
How many years of full-time or its equivalent work experience do you have performing oral interpretation related to diagnostic information or medical evaluation between patients/clients and medical providers/clinical staff?
  • 5 years or more of experience as described
  • 4 years or more, but less than 5 years, of experience as described
  • 3 years or more, but less than 4 years, of experience as described
  • 2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience as described
  • 1 year or more, but less than 2 years, of experience as described
  • Less than 1 year of experience as described
  • I do not have any experience as described

12
How many years of full-time or its equivalent work experience do you have performing oral interpretation related to medical education/instructions between patients/clients and medical providers/clinical staff?
  • 5 years or more of experience as described
  • 4 years or more, but less than 5 years, of experience as described
  • 3 years or more, but less than 4 years, of experience as described
  • 2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience as described
  • 1 year or more, but less than 2 years, of experience as described
  • Less than 1 year of experience as described
  • I do not have any experience as described

13
What language(s) other than English were used in your Medical Interpreter experience?
14
I certify that I meet the announced minimum requirements for this examination and understand that I will be eliminated at any stage in such examination if it develops that, in fact I do not meet them. I further certify that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and the application are true and I agree and understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will cause forfeiture of my rights to employment with Contra Costa County.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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