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How much do spoken language interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for spoken language 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 spoken language interpreter?

Spoken language interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between people who speak different languages by orally translating spoken words from one language to another in real time. They work in various settings such as hospitals, courts, conferences, and schools to ensure all parties fully understand each other. These interpreters must possess a high level of fluency in at least two languages and have strong listening and communication skills. Their work is essential in breaking down language barriers and supporting effective, accurate communication.

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

To thrive as a Spoken Language Interpreter, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, strong listening and memory skills, and often a relevant certification or degree in interpretation or linguistics. Familiarity with interpretation equipment, remote interpreting platforms, and industry-specific terminology is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain neutral help interpreters excel in diverse settings. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate, effective communication and fostering understanding between parties who speak different languages.

How do spoken language interpreters typically manage the challenge of interpreting in fast-paced or emotionally charged situations?

Spoken language interpreters often face challenging scenarios where conversations move quickly or emotions run high, such as in hospitals, courtrooms, or crisis interventions. To manage this, interpreters rely on strong concentration, active listening, and the ability to remain neutral and composed under pressure. Many interpreters also use note-taking techniques and clarify information when necessary to ensure accuracy. Ongoing professional training and debriefing sessions with colleagues can further help interpreters handle stressful assignments effectively.

What cities are hiring for Spoken Language Interpreter jobs?

Cities with the most Spoken Language Interpreter job openings:

What states have the most Spoken Language Interpreter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spoken Language Interpreter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Spoken Language Interpreter jobs?

For Spoken Language Interpreter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Spoken Language Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Spoken Language Interpreter (Spanish)

Portland, OR • On-site

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

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department Overview

Multiple positions are available, schedules will be determined at time of interview

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 to include a minimum of 60 hours of formal health care interpreter training;
  • Three Years of documented Medical Interpreting Experience;
  • Two years of documented translation experience;
  • Be in good standing and holding national certification from either the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters(NBCMI) or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or American Translators Association (ATA);
  • Must abide by the National Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for Health Care Interpreters;
  • Full understanding of the interpreting process and knowledge of linguistic principals as it applies to interpreting;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint);
  • Native or native-like fluency in English - both written and spoken;
  • Native or native-like fluency in a language other than English - both written and spoken;
  • Language preference will be dependent on the position opening. 
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications
  • American Translators Association (ATA) Certification
Additional Details

Pay Range: $31.16 - $42.12 per hour with offer based on experience, education and internal equity

  • 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

Employment Type: OTHER

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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