How Much Do Sign Language Interpreters Get Paid?
Sign language interpreters serve as a link that enables hearing and deaf people to communicate with each other. Their understanding of English and American Sign Language along with solid communication skills enable them to interpret conversations in real time, whether on location in a school or at home using remote video relay applications. Sign language interpreting can be right for you if you're skilled in both English and ASL, are passionate about the deaf community and enjoy communicating. How much you earn depends partly on the work setting and your experience. Being a self-employed ASL interpreter gives you the benefit of setting the rate you desire, though you can expect a less predictable work schedule if you choose that route.
Job Description
Fluent both in English and ASL, sign language interpreters assist with spoken communication between deaf and hearing individuals. Examples of your duties may include interpreting a teacher's lectures to ASL for a deaf student, interpreting a deaf client's speech and restating it in English in a courtroom setting or serving as an interpreter in real-time video calls between two people. Since sign language interpreters often work in situations where interpretation happens in real time and a clear understanding is crucial, it is important to be both fast and accurate, and aware of the signer's tone and ASL culture. Physical dexterity is required to correctly use ASL, and overall interpersonal and communication skills are important.
Education Requirements
At a minimum, you will need to be fluent in ASL to work as an interpreter. Having a relevant bachelor's degree or higher is also common. Some interpreting jobs in the medical and legal fields require additional training to become familiar with medical or legal terms and to be able to sign and interpret them. Having volunteer experience as an ASL interpreter in your community and earning certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or from the National Association of the Deaf can demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated in May 2017 that interpreters and translators earn a median wage of $47,190 a year. That means that half of translators' earnings were more than that amount and half were less. There was a large difference between salaries for the lowest and best-paid interpreters and translators; the bottom 10 percent made under $25,620, and the top 10 percent made more than $82,290. The average wage was $55,520 for top professional, scientific and technical services. K-12 schools paid less on average at $43,380. The top three states with the highest average wages for ASL translators in 2017 were: District of Columbia, New Jersey and Colorado, offering $92,420,$73,270 and $68,440, respectively.
Industry
As a sign language interpreter, you'll often work for an agency, take on contract assignments or work as a freelancer who seeks assignments from individuals and organizations. You may work on-site in courtrooms, hospitals, government offices, schools or other venues, or you may work from home as a remote interpreter who uses video relay. Although you often interpret alone, you may sometimes participate in teamwork for certain projects. Full-time hours are the norm in this field, although freelance sign language interpreters are more likely to work irregular schedules and continually seek work to fill their work schedule.
Years of Experience
How much ASL interpreters make can depend on how much experience they have interpreting, along with other factors such as whether they are paid per project or hourly, where they perform interpreting work and whether they are self-employed. In April 2018, PayScale.com reported these sign language interpreter salary ranges corresponding with experience:
- Entry-level: $22,044 - $59,900
- Mid-career: $23,565 - $64,499
- Experienced: $23,729 - $66,937
- Late-career: $23,725 - $63,023
Job Growth Trend
The job outlook for sign language interpreters is very good, with the BLS expecting very fast job growth of 18 percent between 2016 and 2026 for both interpreters and translators. Sign language interpreters are especially needed to help out with video calls for the deaf. While the small application pool of qualified sign language interpreters improves your prospects for entering the profession, you can stand out even more with professional and academic certification, and an advanced degree.
References
Writer Bio
Ashley Donohoe started writing professionally in 2010 about career, business and technology topics. She has a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Governors University along with eight years of experience managing all aspects of her small business. Some other places where her business writing appears include JobHero, LoveToKnow, PocketSense, Bizfluent and Study.com.
Location
Industry
Education
What Is The Average Sign Language Interpreter Salary?
The average sign language interpreter salary is $43,112 per year, or $20.73 per hour, in the United States. Those in the lower 10%, such as entry-level positions, only make about $29,000 a year. Meanwhile, the top 10% are sitting pretty with an average salary of $63,000. Many of sign language interpreters seem to be drawn to education and non profits companies. Unless they care more about money, in which case sign language interpreters tend to work at telecommunication, education, and government companies. Even the employees who work in these industries can confirm that's where the money is. Although money is important, a lot of people base their career decisions solely on location. That's why we found that New York, New Jersey and Maryland pay sign language interpreters the highest salaries.
What am I worth?
Average Sign Language Interpreter Salary By State
The darker areas on the map show where sign language interpreters earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
What am I worth?
Sign Language Interpreter average salary by State
State  | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | $33,969 | $16.33 |
Alaska | $44,160 | $21.23 |
Arizona | $29,738 | $14.30 |
Arkansas | $46,842 | $22.52 |
California | $49,129 | $23.62 |
Colorado | $40,444 | $19.44 |
Connecticut | $40,770 | $19.60 |
Delaware | $41,855 | $20.12 |
District of Columbia | $72,679 | $34.94 |
Florida | $39,967 | $19.21 |
Georgia | $43,860 | $21.09 |
Hawaii | $23,889 | $11.49 |
Idaho | $33,862 | $16.28 |
Illinois | $36,041 | $17.33 |
Indiana | $32,873 | $15.80 |
Iowa | $33,458 | $16.09 |
Kansas | $36,112 | $17.36 |
Kentucky | $38,173 | $18.35 |
Louisiana | $40,247 | $19.35 |
Maine | $34,420 | $16.55 |
Maryland | $51,340 | $24.68 |
Massachusetts | $49,275 | $23.69 |
Michigan | $34,355 | $16.52 |
Minnesota | $43,550 | $20.94 |
Mississippi | $38,029 | $18.28 |
Missouri | $44,614 | $21.45 |
Montana | $36,371 | $17.49 |
Nebraska | $35,946 | $17.28 |
Nevada | $38,088 | $18.31 |
New Hampshire | $37,117 | $17.84 |
New Jersey | $51,935 | $24.97 |
New Mexico | $46,862 | $22.53 |
New York | $54,224 | $26.07 |
North Carolina | $33,329 | $16.02 |
North Dakota | $38,553 | $18.54 |
Ohio | $43,054 | $20.70 |
Oklahoma | $46,482 | $22.35 |
Oregon | $50,104 | $24.09 |
Pennsylvania | $43,557 | $20.94 |
Rhode Island | $47,378 | $22.78 |
South Carolina | $45,891 | $22.06 |
South Dakota | $36,601 | $17.60 |
Tennessee | $41,182 | $19.80 |
Texas | $47,124 | $22.66 |
Utah | $33,596 | $16.15 |
Vermont | $43,461 | $20.89 |
Virginia | $49,564 | $23.83 |
Washington | $46,522 | $22.37 |
West Virginia | $48,428 | $23.28 |
Wisconsin | $33,980 | $16.34 |
Wyoming | $31,287 | $15.04 |
How much should you get paid?
Tell us about yourself to get a free, personalized Zippia Salary Report and suggestions on how to increase your pay.
Highest Paying Cities For Sign Language Interpreter
| City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
Brentwood, NY | $54,853 | $26.37 |
Salinas, CA | $52,385 | $25.19 |
Baltimore, MD | $51,650 | $24.83 |
Hampton, VA | $50,054 | $24.06 |
Bend, OR | $49,410 | $23.75 |
Tacoma, WA | $46,961 | $22.58 |
Show More
Average Sign Language Interpreter Salary Over Time
Compare salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Location
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
2021 | $43,100 | $20.73 | +5.5% |
2020 | $40,700 | $19.59 | +2.3% |
2019 | $39,800 | $19.15 | +4.2% |
2018 | $38,200 | $18.34 | +1.4% |
2017 | $37,600 | $18.10 | +2.7% |
Show More
How Much Do Sign Language Interpreters Make In Different Industries?
As we previously stated, sign language interpreter salaries can vary depending on the industry. In fact, our data shows that telecommunication, education, and government companies tend to offer much higher salaries for sign language interpreters. For example, sign language interpreters make a whopping average salary of $52,698 while working for telecommunication companies. Meanwhile, other people in this field are making $42,888 at education companies and $41,618 at government companies. But sign language interpreters may want to avoid working in the non profits industry as it offers the lowest average salary at $39,170.
| 1 | Telecommunication | $52,698 |
| 2 | Education | $42,888 |
| 3 | Government | $41,618 |
| 4 | Non Profits | $39,170 |
High Paying Sign Language Interpreter Jobs
Average JOB Salary by Field
Avg. salary: $42,448
A translator is an expert of one or multiple languages, responsible for transcribing communication between parties for easy comprehension. Translators often work with written documents, relaying the core context and original message from the source. They should also be able to translate jargon, slang, cultural expressions, and related technical terms in an understandable format, depending on the level of the target audience. A translator must be highly fluent with the language to render ideas accurately, as well as have excellent time-management skills to meet project deadlines.
1,757 Translator JobsAvg. salary: $37,358
A freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format. Being a freelance translator means that they can work remotely at their preferred schedule, most of the time, working from home. They are not employed under a company, which is why most freelance translators prepare their own portfolios and create client bases through websites and other platforms.
929 Freelance Translator JobsAvg. salary: $155,876
Cryptologic linguists are lingual professionals who are responsible for using signals equipment to identify and analyze foreign communications. These linguists must assist intelligence community analysts in translating open source and sensitive materials as well as producing comprehensive reports about the daily activities of their enemies. They are required to supervise a team of other linguistic professionals to provide transcriptions and analysis from foreign communications. Cryptologic linguists must also identify the languages spoken at target geographic areas of interest.
3,655 Cryptologic Linguist JobsAvg. salary: $51,477
Technical Translation is the act of translating materials in a specific technical or scientific subject domain. A Technical Translator understands the nitty-gritty of the subject matter and knows the specialized terms in that field in both the source and secondary languages. This individual works to produce translations and interpretations of either written or oral communications of one language to another for a specific purpose or industry. As a Technical Translator, your duties may include interpreting conferences and emails in an organization.
57,330 Technical Translator JobsAvg. salary: $117,039
Arabic linguists are experts who interpret and translate research or business documents that are written in the Arab language or its dialects. These linguists are required to advise peers and superiors about the Arabic language and culture while providing inputs of written reports developed from target materials utilizing the specific Arabic language. They must conduct simultaneous interpretations of conversations during diplomatic meetings and conferences. Arabic linguists must also create and manage Arabic language training for the newly hired linguists.
3,565 Arabic Linguist JobsAvg. salary: $42,346
An interpreter and translator are language experts responsible for translating one language to another for communicative purposes and context comprehension in the highest accuracy. Interpreters and translators must ensure that the translations keep the core message of the speaker or author's statement, including the proper interpretation of terminologies for the target audience. An interpreter and translator should also observe strict grammar rules and composition structures to maintain context integrity. They should have excellent communication skills, especially in the aspects of listening, writing, and speaking crucial for this kind of expertise.
2,831 Interpreter And Translator JobsWhich Companies Pay Sign Language Interpreters The Most?
If you want to get paid the most as a sign language interpreter, being employed by a company such as COCC or Supplemental Health Care would be a smart choice, as they are the highest paying companies in this field. Additionally, companies like Simi Valley High School and American River College.. also report highly competitive salaries for sign language interpreters.
Show More
Recently Added Sign Language Interpreter Salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date Added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Language Interpreter School Year | Enon, VA | 08/25/2021 | ||
Sign Language Interpreter-Special Education | Suwanee, GA | 08/20/2021 | ||
Dcsdk12 Sign Language Interpreter/Tutor-Certified | Sign Language Interpreter/Tutor-Certified | Castle Rock, CO | 08/19/2021 | |
Language Interpreters (Work From Home) | Chicago, IL | 08/19/2021 | ||
Language Interpreters (Work From Home) | Atlanta, GA | 08/18/2021 | ||
Language Interpreters (Work From Home) | Fort Smith, AR | 08/18/2021 | ||
Language Interpreters (Work From Home) | Denver, CO | 08/18/2021 | ||
Language Interpreters (Work From Home) | Magna, UT | 08/18/2021 | ||
Lake Pend Oreille School District Interpreter-Sign Language Day Southside Elementary | Interpreter-Sign Language Day Southside Elementary | Sandpoint, ID | 08/17/2021 | |
Siskiyou County Office of Education Educational Sign Language Interpreter | Educational Sign Language Interpreter | Yreka, CA | 08/12/2021 |
Show More
Related Job Salaries
| Job Title | Average Salary | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
Interpreter | $40,024 | 2823 |
Spanish Interpreter | $41,231 | 2986 |
Medical Interpreter | $41,871 | 25390 |
Interpreter And Translator | $42,347 | 2831 |
Spanish Interpreter/Translator | $41,970 | 3141 |
Translator | $42,449 | 1757 |
Freelance Translator | $37,359 | 929 |
Freelance Interpreter/Translator | $42,004 | 3107 |
Arabic Linguist | $117,039 | 3565 |
Cryptologic Linguist | $155,877 | 3655 |
Show More
Average Sign Language Interpreter Salary by Demographic
Sign Language Interpreter Gender Pay Gap
Median Sign Language Interpreter Income by Race
White sign language interpreters have the highest average salary compared to other ethnicities. Asian sign language interpreters have the lowest average salary at $46,318.
$51,000
$50,000
$49,000
$48,000
$47,000
$46,000
Black or African American
Ethnicity | Salary |
|---|---|
| Unknown | $47,285 |
| White | $50,253 |
| Black or African American | $49,348 |
| Asian | $46,318 |
| Hispanic or Latino | $46,570 |
Average Sign Language Interpreter Salary by Education Level
Sign language interpreters with a Masters degree earn more than those without, at $50,118 annually. With a Doctorate degree, sign language interpreters earn a median annual income of $49,519 compared to $46,704 for sign language interpreters with an Bachelors degree.
$51,000
$49,000
$47,000
$45,000
$43,000
$41,000
$39,000
High School Diploma or Less
Some College/ Associate Degree
Education | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $40,125 |
| Master's Degree | $50,118 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $46,704 |
| Doctorate Degree | $49,519 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $45,059 |
Sign Language Interpreter salary in United States
Build a career you'll love
How much does a Sign Language Interpreter make in the United States?
Most common benefits for Sign Language Interpreters
Salary satisfaction
Based on 216 ratings
50% of Sign language interpreters in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area.
Average Sign Language Interpreter Hourly Pay
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
The average hourly pay for a Sign Language Interpreter is $29.51
EXPLORE BY:
What is the Pay by Experience Level for Sign Language Interpreters?
An entry-level Sign Language Interpreter with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $24.13 based on 18 salaries. An early career Sign Language Interpreter with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $24.95 based on 187 …Read more
What Do Sign Language Interpreters Do?
The sign language interpreter provides translation into American Sign Language (ASL) for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) individuals, as well as provides translation from these individuals into spoken English (or another language, depending on their specialty and audience). These interpreter can work in a variety of settings such as schools, offices, and conferences, among many others. Positions may be part time and full time, and the interpreter may work as an independent contractor. When …Read more
Sign Language Interpreter Tasks
- Translate communications between hearing and non-hearing people using American Sign Language (ASL) and/or Signing Exact English (SEE).
- Provide information and orientation to non-hearing people in emergency situations.
- Serve as liaison with non-hearing and hearing people in various business or social situations.
Job Satisfaction for Sign Language Interpreter
4.2 out of 5
Highly Satisfied
Based on 94 responses, the job of Sign Language Interpreter has received a job satisfaction rating of 4.18 out of 5. On average, Sign Language Interpreters are highly satisfied with their job.
Gender Breakdown
This data is based on 268 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
Common Health Benefits
Salary sign language
American sign language interpreter salary
The average wage for an american sign language interpreter in the United States is around
Avg Wage
American sign language interpreters earn an average hourly wage of $25.17.
Salaries typically start from $13.68 per hour and go up to $46.31 per hour.
12% below national average ● Updated in 2019
American sign language interpreter earnings by seniority
Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.
American sign language interpreter salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $52,450 |
| Alabama | $38,630 |
| Arkansas | $30,840 |
| Arizona | $40,280 |
| California | $55,010 |
| Colorado | $59,540 |
| Connecticut | $46,710 |
| District of Columbia | $98,850 |
| Delaware | $53,450 |
| Florida | $40,660 |
| Georgia | $55,250 |
| Hawaii | $35,680 |
| Iowa | $37,840 |
| Idaho | $37,650 |
| Illinois | $44,852 |
| Indiana | $40,040 |
| Kansas | $34,820 |
| Kentucky | $49,690 |
| Louisiana | $36,370 |
| Massachusetts | $53,280 |
| Maryland | $71,280 |
| Maine | $46,390 |
| Michigan | $39,850 |
| Minnesota | $53,250 |
| Missouri | $57,090 |
| Mississippi | $49,050 |
| Montana | $37,960 |
| North Carolina | $43,770 |
| North Dakota | $32,170 |
| Nebraska | $38,670 |
| New Hampshire | $49,600 |
| New Jersey | $64,600 |
| New Mexico | $57,200 |
| Nevada | $35,700 |
| New York | $64,460 |
| Ohio | $52,600 |
| Oklahoma | $30,200 |
| Oregon | $49,950 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,100 |
| Puerto Rico | $41,560 |
| Rhode Island | $42,840 |
| South Carolina | $42,050 |
| South Dakota | $35,560 |
| Tennessee | $41,360 |
| Texas | $52,830 |
| Utah | $41,650 |
| Virginia | $70,780 |
| Vermont | $38,100 |
| Washington | $46,650 |
| Wisconsin | $50,800 |
| West Virginia | $31,150 |
| Wyoming | $44,730 |
How do american sign language interpreter salaries compare to similar careers?
American sign language interpreters earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than fire inspectors but more than clergies.
Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)
What Is the Average Salary of a Sign Language Interpreter?
Job Description
If you have strong English skills, the commitment to learn a new language and a desire to assist others, then you might enjoy a career as a sign language interpreter. As a sign language interpreter, you translate spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) for the benefit of deaf or hearing-impaired individuals.
Important Facts About This Occupation
| On-the-Job Training | Short-term training is typical for interpreters |
| Key Skills | Ability to listen, speak, and write well; knowledge of business and cultural differences; manual dexterity and ability to interact well with others |
| Work Environment | Schools, meeting and conference facilities, hospitals, and in court settings |
| Similar Occupations | Court reporter, medical transcriptionist, technical writer |
Career Prospects
The job prospects for sign language interpreters are favorable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that positions in interpreting and translating would grow much faster than average at a rate of 20% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). This growth is due to an increase in Internet video communication.
Salary Overview
According to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), salary statistics for this field are hard to come by, mostly because sign language interpreter jobs and their pay vary widely (www.rid.org). In February 2021, PayScale.com reported that most sign language interpreters reporting made between $17.85-$49.89 hourly; however, many interpreters work as freelancers and are sometimes unable to find 40 hours of work in a week. Your particular salary may depend on your geographic location, training, credentials and experience.
Salary by Industry
Jobs are available in several sectors. The BLS reported that most interpreters and translators in May 2019 worked for other professional, scientific and technical services, with an hourly mean wage of $29.48. Many also worked in elementary and secondary schools and earned an hourly mean wage of $23.44.
The highest mean pay was found in federal executive branch and related services, as well as colleges and universities. These two industries paid hourly mean wages $40.05 and $36.25, respectively.
Salary by Location
Mean hourly wages in the states with the highest employment levels of interpreters and translators were $29.40 for California, $29.02 for Texas, $34.89 for New York, $26.52 for Florida and $23.24 for Arizona. Mean hourly wages in the states with the highest pay included $36.43 for Virginia, $34.89 for New York, $34.60 for New Jersey, $32.75 for Maryland and $30.97 for Maine. Mean wages were much lower in states that included Montana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa.
Education Requirements
While it's possible to learn ASL without formal education, attending a sign language interpretation program can be very helpful because of the interactive nature of this type of interpretation. You could choose to pursue either an associate or bachelor's degree in this field, with programs including courses in interpretation analysis, deaf culture, ASL, transliterating and more. These programs are designed to be interactive and provide practical interpreting opportunities to students.
Certification Options
To advance your earning potential, you might consider pursuing certification, such as the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) offered by RID in association with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). Earning this certification requires passing a written exam, oral interview and performance test. You can earn certification at a generalist, advanced or master level. Each certification requires a higher-level exam and interview. A bachelor's degree is required for certification.
Now discussing:
- Victoria beach tides
- Solo 2 bubbler
- Mary poppins print
- Floating cubbies
- Spanish letter tiles
- Beast academy answers
Then she lit a cigarette herself and sat down next to him. He realized that I want him. And he began to caress me. He especially started stroking my feet.