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Spanish Interpreter Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Spanish Interpreter information

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$13

$26

$44

How much do spanish interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for spanish interpreter in Oregon is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Spanish interpreter?

Spanish Interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between Spanish-speaking individuals and those who speak other languages, often English. They convert spoken or signed messages from Spanish into another language and vice versa, ensuring the meaning, tone, and intent remain intact. Spanish Interpreters work in various settings, such as hospitals, courts, schools, and conferences, to help bridge language barriers and support effective communication. Their role is critical for ensuring accurate understanding in important conversations and legal or medical situations.

What do Spanish interpreters do?

Spanish Interpreters translate spoken language from English to Spanish or vice versa. As a Spanish interpreter, you facilitate communication between people who otherwise would struggle to understand each other. The two primary methods of interpreting are simultaneous interpretation and consecutive interpretation. In simultaneous interpretation, you translate in real-time as a person is speaking. In consecutive interpretation, you take notes on what is said, then translate the text. Your translations must preserve meaning while honoring cultural norms and linguistic nuances. You can find Spanish Interpreter jobs in the medical field as well as education, law, business, and government.

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

To thrive as a Spanish Interpreter, you need native or near-native proficiency in both Spanish and English, along with a deep understanding of cultural nuances and often a relevant certification such as from the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or court interpreter credentials. Familiarity with interpretation equipment, remote interpreting platforms, and terminology databases is commonly required. Exceptional listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure accurate, confidential, and effective communication between parties, which is crucial in settings like healthcare, legal, and community services.

What are some common challenges Spanish interpreters face when working in fast-paced environments, and how can they overcome them?

Spanish Interpreters often encounter challenges such as rapid speech, overlapping conversations, and technical jargon in fast-paced settings like hospitals or courtrooms. To overcome these, interpreters should continuously develop their active listening skills, familiarize themselves with specialized vocabulary, and practice techniques for managing speaker interruptions. Building strong communication with clients and setting expectations for clear, paced dialogue can also help ensure accuracy and reduce misunderstandings.

What is the difference between Spanish Interpreter vs Medical Interpreter?

AspectSpanish InterpreterMedical Interpreter
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, certification often preferredLanguage proficiency, medical interpreting certification (e.g., CMI, NRIC)
Work EnvironmentVarious settings including legal, business, communityHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryLegal firms, government agencies, community organizationsHospitals, healthcare providers, clinics
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for general language servicesSpecialized medical terminology and protocols

While both Spanish Interpreter and Medical Interpreter require strong language skills, Medical Interpreters focus specifically on healthcare settings and medical terminology, often needing specialized certification. Spanish Interpreters work across various industries, including legal, business, and community services, making their roles broader in scope.

Are Spanish interpreters in demand?

Spanish interpreters are in high demand across various industries such as healthcare, legal, and government services due to the growing Spanish-speaking population. The profession often requires certification and bilingual proficiency, and employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.

How much do Spanish interpreters make?

Spanish interpreters in Texas typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and setting. Salaries can vary for freelance versus agency work, with experienced interpreters or those with specialized skills earning higher rates.

What are the most commonly searched types of Spanish Interpreter jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Spanish Interpreter jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Spanish Interpreter jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Spanish Interpreter job openings:

Infographic showing various Spanish Interpreter job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,123 per year, or $26 per hour.

Spanish Interpreter

Portland, OR • On-site


Oregon Health & Science University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$32.18 - $43.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Department Overview
The Language Access Specialist is responsible for providing objective and accurate interpretation and translation for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Under the direction of the Interpreter Services Manager, the language access specialist functions as a member of the health care team alongside other health care professionals and helps patients navigate and understand the health care system and connect with internal and external resources. Specialists in this position will also provide counsel to and consult with other stakeholders in healthcare.
The language access specialist's role extends beyond the spoken and written conversions of messages from source languages to target languages; language access specialists must serve as a conduit; interpreting messages accurately and completely, a communication manager; preserving the triadic relationship wherein patient and providers relate primarily to each other, a cultural broker; sensing and articulating cultural influences.
Function/Duties of Position
Language Interpretation Services
  • Provides interpretation between patients, employees, and OHSU staff via telephone, videoconferencing, and on-site for patients with limited English proficiency while maintaining a friendly disposition. Understands and analyzes the spoken message, and re-expresses that message faithfully, accurately, and objectively in the target language, considering the cultural and social context. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers in contributing to successful outcomes.

Language Translation Services
  • Completes translations projects by rendering written text from one language into another language while maintaining the meaning, structure, style, and intended impact of the original. Provides accurate translation of medical documents, letters, educational materials, and other translation projects as assigned by the department.

Consulting and Education Services
  • Works with medical staff to promote alternative communication approaches for more effective medical treatment of non-English speaking patients. Consults and educates department management on best practices of working and communicating with LEP employees. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to patients, staff, management and providers in contributing to successful outcomes. Educates staff and faculty on topics of cultural awareness, LEP populations, and working with interpreters.

Patient Services
  • Respectfully aids patients in finding internal and external resources when deemed appropriate. Works collaboratively with other auxiliary departments to ensure Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients can access and actively participate in their health care. Works with medical staff to promote alternative communication approaches for more effective medical treatment of LEP patients.

Documentation
  • Documents interpretation encounters and keeps logs related to program and operation required for accurate billing submitted within deadlines communicated by the Interpreter Services Manager. Complies with all OHSU mandatory requirements including annual TB Screening, required education, and immunizations and takes responsibility for following accurate timekeeping processes.

Professional Contribution
  • Complies with OHSU's Code of Conduct, core department and job specific competencies, the Interpreter Code of Ethics, and consistently performs the job duties in a professional manner. Stays involved in growing the profession by holding memberships in national and local interpreting organizations. Works with other interpreters to research best standards for delivery of services. Participates in training and staff meetings as required. Maintains a safe and healthy workplace.

Customer Services
  • Uses independent decision-making and judgment skills to provide prompt, efficient and courteous service to all staff, patients and their families. Utilizes customer service recovery skills to ensure patients and staff have a good experience. Identifies problematic trends in patient and employee system navigations and provides proposed solutions to management for resolution.

Confidentiality Conduit
  • Holds confidentiality of all information learned via interpreting or providing translation services.

Miscellaneous
  • Provides support on departmental language access projects and activities as assigned by the Interpreter Services Manager.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
  • Five years of documented professional interpreting experience
  • Three years of experience interpreting in healthcare settings
  • Fluent bilingual proficiency in English and designated language. Native or native-like fluency in English - both written and spoken;
  • Full understanding of the interpreting process and knowledge of linguistic principals as it applies to interpreting;
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of medical terminology
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint);
  • Ability to work with a wide range of patients and families with diverse language needs;
  • Must have (or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire) national certification from either the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) and be in good standing
  • Qualification or certification through the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Program under Oregon Health Authority
  • NCICH Code of Ethics
  • Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications
  • American Translators Association (ATA) Certification

Additional Details
  • While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to speak and hear. The employee is required to be able to navigate (with or without any reasonable accommodation) the Marquam Hill campus and South Waterfront to access all clinics and departments.

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees
    • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
  • Several retirement plans to choose from! - Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)
  • Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off
  • 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status)
  • Commuter subsidies
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
  • Annual Raises
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses
  • Childcare service discounts
  • Growth/Development Opportunities

Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

Oregon Health & Science University logo

About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887


What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

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