Does a medical interpreting certificate ensure a good salary?

Due to the rise in non-English speaking foreigners into the United States, hospitals are seeing an increased demand for language professionals with a medical interpreting certificate. Interpretation accounts for nearly half of the translation service industry, making it the biggest section of industry services. According to the BLS, among paid language service providers, interpreters and translators in hospitals (state, local and private) ranked the third highest. The average salary for a medical interpreter was $49,560. In comparison, the top 2 specializations for interpreters were professional, scientific and technical services and government, making more than $54,000 annually. A medical interpreting certificate could lead to a significant rise in salary, since the top 3 categories are closely related to the healthcare industry.

A medical interpreting certificate is a valuable addition for language professionals when you consider the positive industry outlook and the fact that interpreting is not a labor-intensive profession. Health care interpreters are fundamental for institutions in providing high-quality healthcare services to patients with limited English proficiency. In 2018, the average medical interpreter made $24 per hour. The top 10% made an average of $39.00 an hour. Meanwhile, the lowest 10% made $12.70 per hour. Naturally, the language combinations impact salary as well. For instance, Chinese and Arabic interpreter trainings are ranked among the highest-paid languages. Meanwhile, Spanish and Portuguese interpreter training might be common, but it is highly in demand. Overall, medical interpreter salaries differ due to several variable factors such as years of certifications, degrees, experience, and specialties.

For a medical interpreter to make good money, there are two national certifications that can increase job prospects (in addition to a medical interpreting certificate):

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters provides industry recognition, allowing medical interpreters to leverage a degree as credibility to avoid constantly having to prove their competency to every employer.

Similarly, the Certification Commission for Health care Interpreters is one of the only certifications accredited by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies).  Acquiring this credential is valuable for any healthcare interpreter’s career path.

To increase salary prospects, candidates should enroll in a recognized medical interpreting program that will essentially prepare them to take any of the national certifications. Additionally, getting the credentials that apply to each state will increase their in-state job outlook.

A medical interpreter can make a good salary, so long as they invest in continuous learning and specialize in a technical field to reach higher positions. Although some of the best interpreters may not have graduate degrees, their medical interpreter training and industry expertise and an avid interest in healthcare will define their upward mobility. Basically, a medical interpreting certificate is the first step of an on-going process. Just as the industry is expected to grow, the salary of a medical interpreter can also rise over time. Medical interpreters just need to isolate a specialty and focus on continuous education that adds to their value.