Interpreter, healthcare

What does a healthcare interpreter do? – Tasks and work environment

A healthcare interpreter plays a central role in meetings between patients and healthcare staff where language and cultural barriers can affect the quality of care. The tasks include translating conversations during medical examinations, treatments, diagnoses, and follow-ups, both orally and sometimes in writing. Interpretation often occurs in real-time and requires accuracy, neutrality, and the ability to handle sensitive conversations. The work environment varies: some interpreters work on-site in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare centers, while others work remotely via phone or video link. The profession often involves quick shifts between different situations and patient groups, demanding flexibility and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

The salary for an interpreter in healthcare has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month. In 2023, it decreased slightly to 33 500 SEK, but recovered strongly to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of about 14% between 2023 and 2024, which is a notable development compared to many other public sector professions. Explanations may include increased demand for qualified interpreters due to a more multicultural society, and employers being forced to offer higher wages to secure competence in a competitive job market. Additionally, the profession's complexity and the requirements for education and specialization have become more recognized, possibly contributing to the salary increase.

Interpreter, healthcare salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
• Women earn: 102% of men's salary (38 500 SEK vs 37 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a healthcare interpreter, a specialized education in interpreting with a focus on medical terminology and ethics is usually required. Many employers require formal degrees, but there are also opportunities to supplement knowledge through certification courses and internships. Experience from the healthcare sector is advantageous and may be a requirement for some employers. Language tests and authorization may be required depending on the employer and language needs.

• Type of education: Basic interpreter training (1–2 years), often with a medical focus
• Certifications: Authorization as an interpreter, sometimes specifically for healthcare interpreting
• Internships: Common within training or as a trainee
• Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of Swedish and the target language
• Tips: Additional courses in medical terminology and ethics are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Healthcare interpreters are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and holiday pay. Some employers also provide wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours, especially for remote work. Compensation can vary depending on employment type, and hourly workers may have access to overtime pay for irregular hours.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a healthcare interpreter is characterized by high demand but also competition, especially for popular languages. Since the profession is part of a broad occupational group, there are many job openings – recently 620 positions were listed – but there is a shortage of interpreters with the right language combinations and medical competence. Challenges include quick switches between different tasks, the need for continuous further training, and sometimes emotionally demanding situations. Digitalization offers both opportunities and new requirements, as interpreters must handle technology and work independently remotely. Limited access to authorized interpreters for certain languages can also lead employers to compete for the right expertise.

Tips for those who want to become a healthcare interpreter

To succeed as a healthcare interpreter, strong communication skills are essential, as clarity and precision are crucial when interpreting medical conversations. A high level of empathy helps to handle sensitive situations and create trust with patients. Accuracy is important, especially when reproducing medical terms correctly and avoiding misunderstandings. Being flexible and resilient under stress makes it easier when workdays are unpredictable and the pace varies. It is also wise to regularly update oneself with courses in medical terminology and interpreting ethics. Building a strong network within the healthcare sector can lead to more assignments and a better understanding of healthcare routines. Finally, good technical skills benefit today’s interpreters, as digital tools are becoming more common.

Key facts about Interpreter, healthcare

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
• Education level: Basic interpreter training, often with a medical focus
• Work environment: Hospitals, healthcare centers, remote work (phone/video)
• Demand: 620 job openings within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a healthcare interpreter can progress to more specialized roles, such as authorized healthcare interpreter, trainer for new interpreters, or coordinator within interpretation agencies. There are also opportunities to work in quality development or as a consultant within authorities and healthcare providers. According to the Employment Service's forecast, no detailed assessment is made specifically for healthcare interpreters, but the broad occupational group shows stable demand and many job openings. Digitalization and the increased need for linguistic competence in healthcare suggest good future prospects, especially for interpreters with authorization and specialization in medical fields.

Frequently asked questions about Interpreter, healthcare

• What does an interpreter in healthcare earn?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, but it can vary between 31,500 and 48,100 SEK depending on education, sector, and experience.
• How does one become an interpreter in healthcare?
  - The most common way is to complete a basic interpreter training with a medical focus, including internships, and possibly obtain certification as an authorized interpreter.
• What qualities are important for a healthcare interpreter?
  - Communication, accuracy, empathy, and stress resilience are key qualities for the profession.
• Are there salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, women earn on average 102% of what men do in the profession (38 500 SEK vs 37 700 SEK).
• Do healthcare interpreters work on-site or remotely?
  - Both. Many work on-site in healthcare settings, but remote interpreting via phone and video is increasingly common.
• What are the future prospects for healthcare interpreters?
  - The outlook is stable with many job opportunities, especially for those with medical specialization and authorization.
• What education is needed to work as a healthcare interpreter?
  - Basic interpreter training, often supplemented with courses in medical terminology and ethics.