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Phone Medical Interpreter information

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$16

$33

$43

How much do phone medical interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for phone medical interpreter in the United States is $33.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $39.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace medical interpreters?

AI technology can assist medical interpreters by providing quick translations and supporting communication, but it is unlikely to fully replace human medical interpreters due to the need for cultural understanding, emotional sensitivity, and complex medical context. Medical interpreters are essential for ensuring accurate, nuanced communication in healthcare settings, and their role often requires certification and language proficiency that AI cannot fully replicate. Human interpreters remain vital for patient safety and effective care delivery.

What is the difference between Phone Medical Interpreter vs Medical Translator?

AspectPhone Medical InterpreterMedical Translator
CredentialsCertification in medical interpreting (e.g., CMI, NIC)Translation certifications (e.g., ATA certification)
Work EnvironmentOver-the-phone, real-time interpretation during medical callsWritten translation of medical documents, reports, and texts
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare providersMedical publishing, legal documents, patient education materials
Search & Comparison IntentReal-time communication in healthcare settingsDocument translation of medical content

Phone Medical Interpreters focus on real-time verbal communication during medical appointments via phone, requiring interpretation certifications. Medical Translators work on translating written medical documents, often with different certification requirements. Both roles serve healthcare but differ in method and environment.

How to become a phone interpreter?

To become a phone medical interpreter, typically you need to complete language proficiency assessments, obtain relevant certifications such as the Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI), and complete specialized training in medical terminology and interpreting protocols. Many employers also require background checks and a good understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards in healthcare settings.

What are phone medical interpreters?

Phone medical interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers who speak different languages by interpreting over the phone. They ensure that medical information is accurately conveyed, helping to prevent misunderstandings and promote patient safety. These interpreters are trained in medical terminology, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity, making them a critical part of effective healthcare delivery, especially in diverse communities.

How much does telephone interpreting cost?

For a Phone Medical Interpreter, costs typically range from $1 to $4 per minute, depending on the provider, language, and whether the service is on-demand or scheduled. Some companies offer flat-rate packages or subscription plans for ongoing needs, and rates may vary based on the complexity of medical terminology and required certifications.

What are some common challenges Phone Medical Interpreters face when facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers?

Phone Medical Interpreters often encounter challenges such as managing complex medical terminology, ensuring clarity when visual cues are absent, and maintaining confidentiality in high-pressure situations. They must stay attentive to both linguistic and cultural nuances to accurately convey information, sometimes in emotionally charged or urgent medical scenarios. Additionally, interpreters need to quickly build rapport and trust with patients and providers over the phone, which requires strong communication skills and adaptability.

What is the highest paid interpreter?

The highest paid interpreters are often specialized medical or legal interpreters with extensive experience and certifications, earning salaries that can exceed $80,000 annually. Sign language interpreters and those working in high-demand languages or in freelance roles may also command higher rates, especially with additional skills or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Phone Medical Interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Phone Medical Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a solid understanding of medical terminology, and typically a certification such as CMI or CHI. Familiarity with telephone interpreting platforms, secure communication systems, and reference materials is also important. Outstanding listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help interpreters facilitate clear and compassionate communication. These skills ensure accurate and efficient exchanges between patients and healthcare providers, directly impacting patient care and safety.
More about Phone Medical Interpreter jobs
What cities are hiring for Phone Medical Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Phone Medical Interpreter job openings:
What states have the most Phone Medical Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Phone Medical Interpreter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Phone Medical Interpreter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Phone Medical Interpreter jobs are:
Phone Medical Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phone Medical Interpreter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Full Time, 65% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,410 per year, or $33.9 per hour.
Medical Interpreter

Medical Interpreter

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

$24 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 998 rated hospitals

Job description

Better at Work. Better at Life.
When you work at St. Jude, you'll join a highly collaborative work culture that inspires you every day to be your best. With opportunities for learning and growth, you can shape a career path that is right for you while also enjoying all the benefits and stability of working for a world-class institution. This includes work-life balance with generous paid time-off and on-campus conveniences that make life a little easier. Join us and you'll quickly see why St. Jude is consistently ranked by our employees on Glassdoor as a "Best Place to Work."
A Medical Interpreter provides on-site and over-the-phone interpretation services for providers, patients, and caregivers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Medical proficiency and experience interpreting in Hebrew could be a plus. Helps to link Limited-English Proficient (LEP) patients and families with appropriate hospital resources. Performs translation of non-critical documents on a limited basis.
Full-time Position
Shift hours: 8:30AM to 5:00PM
Professional Interpreting Experience Required
Job Responsibilities:
  • Interprets critical medical information in Spanish and English for providers, patients, and caregivers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, both on-site and over the phone. Proficiency interpreting in medical encounters in Hebrew could be a plus. Ensures that providers and LEP/NEP patients and parents clearly understand each other in verbal exchanges of essential information during inpatient and outpatient visits (e.g., informed consent, medical interview, health care instructions). Interprets telephone conferences between caregivers and providers. Notifies supervisor of potential or actual communication problems regarding LEP/NEP patients and staff. Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to LEP/NEP patients and families.
  • Helps to link Limited-English Proficient (LEP) patients and families with appropriate hospital resources.
  • Performs written translation of non-critical documents on a limited basis.
  • Provides timely and accurate daily records of all interpreting services performed
  • Participates in continuing education programs and competency training to enhance professional medical interpretation skills
  • Collaborates with other interpreters to ensure coverage of interpreting assignments; participates in on-call rotation as assigned
  • Assists with the coordination of volunteer medical interpreters
  • Assists with the orientation and training of other medical interpreters as needed
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • High school/GED required
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Prior completion of an accredited medical interpreter training course of at least 40 hours is required. A list of training programs is posted on the IMIA web site at http://www.imiaweb.org/education/accreditationhistory.asp

Minimum Experience:
  • Three months or 480 hours of documented medical interpreting experience is required
  • Proficiency in English, Hebrew, and one other language preferred

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
  • None

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
  • (LC:CCHI or NBCMI)Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CCHI) issued by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters OR Certified Medical Interpreter (NBCMI) issued by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters within 12 months of hire into this position.

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Medical Interpreter.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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