Reasonable rates for 1 year experienced Medical interpreter Thread poster: Austin Shang Huang Lee
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Hello, I would like to inquire about the appropriate rate for an interpreter with almost one year of experience. I have received some offers that seem unreasonably low, and I'm unsure about the standard rates for interpreters, especially since I'm not based in the US.
I'm also looking for someone who can provide confidential guidance and information regarding interpreter rates and reputable companies. It will only be kept between us as it's important to me to ensure that I'm not be... See more Hello, I would like to inquire about the appropriate rate for an interpreter with almost one year of experience. I have received some offers that seem unreasonably low, and I'm unsure about the standard rates for interpreters, especially since I'm not based in the US.
I'm also looking for someone who can provide confidential guidance and information regarding interpreter rates and reputable companies. It will only be kept between us as it's important to me to ensure that I'm not being underpaid, so discretion is necessary.
Additionally, I recently encountered a situation where a female interpreter with little experience was offered a higher rate than me. I'm confused by this, as initially she did not pass the test at Company A. However, when she applied to Company B, which offers a higher rate than mine, they provided her with an opportunity and extensive support. I'm confused about why a company would prioritize an inexperienced interpreter over someone with more experience like myself.
For your reference, I specialize in Mandarin-English medical interpretation. Please reach out to me and let me know you would like to connect, I would love to exchange information to break down the information gap.
Thank you. ▲ Collapse
| | | | IrinaN
United States
Local time: 08:55
English to Russian
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| For what it's worth | May 19, 2023 |
Dear Austin (I hope it's OK to address you this way),
Please forgive me but your post shows how unfamiliar you are with the realities of our world.
No. 1 – nothing is standard. The rates vary between continents, countries, and even more specific locales. Also, between costs of living, language pairs, supply and demand ratios, clients’ experience and requirements, interpreters' experience and background. To tell you the truth, in the client’s eyes no experience or ... See more Dear Austin (I hope it's OK to address you this way),
Please forgive me but your post shows how unfamiliar you are with the realities of our world.
No. 1 – nothing is standard. The rates vary between continents, countries, and even more specific locales. Also, between costs of living, language pairs, supply and demand ratios, clients’ experience and requirements, interpreters' experience and background. To tell you the truth, in the client’s eyes no experience or less than 1 year of the same does not make a big difference.
No. 2 – nothing is guaranteed. For example, maybe that young lady has a nursing diploma and that particular client puts special education first and interpreting skills second. There are many reasons for failing a test, including failure to satisfy the preferences of the person who evaluates it, of which one couldn’t possibly have the slightest idea in advance. Unless you can knock the meanest examiner off h/h feet with your talent, you are at their mercy. There are no state-approved language exam rules mandatory for every private client. Each private client/agency sets their own rules and uses examiners of their choice. What drives a client’s decision? Anything from your specialism to not liking your ears😊. I’m exaggerating, of course, but each and every time you try to obtain a new client you are facing the uncertainty.
No.3 – nothing about the rates calls for sworn secrecy. Maybe people would not be opening up to disclose the exact rate they charge but, for example, in the US medical interpreters working with hospitals are paid between $25 and $60/hr. Those who get $60 or even $75 have a lot to show for themselves, can work in ORs/ERs/courts dealing with medical malpractice cases, and live and work in the locations of the top world hospitals, such as New York or Washington, DC.
No. 4 – most colleagues hold their clientele confidential, which is understandable. Many, though not all, are past any fear of competition, but they have signed the NDAs and cannot, and would not name their clients “just between us, girls” so don’t expect much in response to that part of your inquiry. I’m not sure what you mean by “reputable companies”. If you are talking about good agencies, then how would a good agency in Houston, where I live, help in looking for assignments with your local medical institutions? US companies fly their interpreters across the country and the globe but not in this area of interpretation.
Medical interpretation is, and shall always remain in high demand yet in the meantime it is a very specific niche of the market, which is entirely about local connections with hospitals and agencies. You need to study your local market to come to some practical conclusions matching real life. I don't know if there is a Proz forum that narrows down your audience like, for example, Russian, French etc forums. Maybe you should raise your questions there. Also, Proz offers a huge list of agencies located all over the world.
Good luck,
Irina ▲ Collapse
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Hey Irina,
I appreciate the valuable information you shared with me. As a newcomer to this industry, I understand the importance of gaining more experience, so I am committed to continuously working and learning. I've reached out to other interpreters and fortunately, I have found a supportive group that I can know more information.
No.1: Regarding the rates, I am aware that some companies still offer competitive compensation regardless of location, which is encouraging... See more Hey Irina,
I appreciate the valuable information you shared with me. As a newcomer to this industry, I understand the importance of gaining more experience, so I am committed to continuously working and learning. I've reached out to other interpreters and fortunately, I have found a supportive group that I can know more information.
No.1: Regarding the rates, I am aware that some companies still offer competitive compensation regardless of location, which is encouraging. It seems that rate policies vary among different companies. Could you please advise how many years of interpreting experience would be considered sufficient? In my previous role, I accumulated over 1,000 hours of interpreting within just six months because that company has a high volume of calls, and I work atleast 8 hours a day. After gaining that valuable experience, I decided to explore opportunities with higher pay rates.
No.2: That lady is actually my friend and she just graduated from highschool, so I'm puzzled that she was offered a higher rate by the same company I work for, despite her lack of experience. We share the same HR department, so I'm curious to understand the reasoning behind this discrepancy.
No.3: Thank you providing the information. It seems that there is a ceiling in terms of hourly pay rates for interpreters, I will have to consider alternative paths that could offer a more stable income in that case. For your information, I don't anticipate living in the USA now or the future, which means I will always work as an over-the-phone interpreter, hopefully there will be more company that offers good rate that accepts interpreter that reside outside of the US.
No.4: Thanks for letting me know. When I referred to companies, I specifically meant those that provide over-the-phone interpreting services. It would be beneficial to have a wider range of companies to work with, especially as a freelance interpreter.
Another thing is the AI is advancing rapidly, and its rise concerns me regarding the potential replacement of interpreters, I hope that day does not come anytime soon. I have dedicated a great deal of effort into building a career as an interpreter and intend to pursue it for at least the next ten years.
Thank you again for all your useful information. I appreciate them, hope you have a great day.
Best regards,
Austin. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Adieu 
Ukrainian to English
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| Regarding rates and experience | Oct 13, 2023 |
Native bilingual or native-ish speaker? Lied on resume? Immediate demand: right place, right time?
Also, don't overestimate the impact of experience. Due to the ease of client-poaching in the translation and interpreting industries, many pros choose to be quite tight-lipped and vague about their professional experience. It has become *expected*.
It's nice to have experience, sure, but don't expect anyone to trust your claims too much OR to try to verify them.
Austin Shang Huang Lee wrote:
Hello, I would like to inquire about the appropriate rate for an interpreter with almost one year of experience. I have received some offers that seem unreasonably low, and I'm unsure about the standard rates for interpreters, especially since I'm not based in the US.
I'm also looking for someone who can provide confidential guidance and information regarding interpreter rates and reputable companies. It will only be kept between us as it's important to me to ensure that I'm not being underpaid, so discretion is necessary.
Additionally, I recently encountered a situation where a female interpreter with little experience was offered a higher rate than me. I'm confused by this, as initially she did not pass the test at Company A. However, when she applied to Company B, which offers a higher rate than mine, they provided her with an opportunity and extensive support. I'm confused about why a company would prioritize an inexperienced interpreter over someone with more experience like myself.
For your reference, I specialize in Mandarin-English medical interpretation. Please reach out to me and let me know you would like to connect, I would love to exchange information to break down the information gap.
Thank you.
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