Community & Medical Interpreter

Also called: Medical Interpreter

Interprets for immigrants at hospitals, schools, and social service offices.

A day in the life

Interprets at a pediatric appointment, then a parent-teacher conference, then a phone call with a landlord — switching languages all day.

Pay over a career

Starting
$35k
Typical
$50k
High
$78k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Fluency in two languages plus a 40-hour medical interpreter training; national certification for advancement.

Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Languages, Translation Studies.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI interpreting apps are spreading in clinics and schools, cutting demand for routine visits; complex medical talks stay human.

Could start within a month

Age 18+. One way to start: If you're fluent in two languages, take a 40-hour medical interpreter course, then apply to agencies First: Fluency in two languages plus a 40-hour medical interpreter course

Start now, in high school

Classes: Spanish or another language, Health science CTE, AP English Language.

Official data: O*NET occupation 27-3091.

More Refugee & Immigrant Services careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.