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How to hire a deaf interpreter

Deaf interpreter hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring deaf interpreters in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a deaf interpreter is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new deaf interpreter to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a deaf interpreter, step by step

To hire a deaf interpreter, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a deaf interpreter:

Here's a step-by-step deaf interpreter hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a deaf interpreter job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new deaf interpreter
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your deaf interpreter job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a deaf interpreter for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A deaf interpreter's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, deaf interpreters from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of deaf interpreter salaries for various roles:

    Type of Deaf InterpreterDescriptionHourly rate
    Deaf InterpreterInterpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.$12-34
    Cryptologic LinguistCryptologic 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... Show more$12-32
    Freelance TranslatorA 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... Show more$12-34
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Registry
    • EIPA
    • ASL
    • Facilitate Communication
    • Mental Health
    • IEP
    • Message Content
    • English Language
    • K-12
    • Hearing Individuals
    • Language Interpretation
    • Deaf-Blind
    Responsibilities:
    • Help implement and modify behavior plans and IEP goals for the success of the students.
    • Work closely with teachers & other staff to meet or exceed student IEP goals & to resolve problems.
    • Provide effective communication by making important connection between patients, families and providers in clinical and hospital settings.
    • Follow establish departmental guidelines and protect confidentiality of member's information (HIPPA )
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your deaf interpreter job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A deaf interpreter can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, deaf interpreters' average salary in nevada is 57% less than in district of columbia.
    • Seniority. Entry-level deaf interpreters 63% less than senior-level deaf interpreters.
    • Certifications. A deaf interpreter with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a deaf interpreter's salary.

    Average deaf interpreter salary

    $43,511yearly

    $20.92 hourly rate

    Entry-level deaf interpreter salary
    $26,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 18, 2025

    Average deaf interpreter salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$70,252$34
    2New York$63,167$30
    3Massachusetts$57,288$28
    4Connecticut$48,971$24
    5Texas$48,918$24
    6Minnesota$46,941$23
    7South Carolina$46,619$22
    8Montana$43,588$21
    9Michigan$42,076$20
    10New Mexico$40,268$19
    11Indiana$37,898$18
    12Tennessee$37,735$18
    13Oklahoma$35,061$17

    Average deaf interpreter salary by company

  4. Writing a deaf interpreter job description

    A deaf interpreter job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a deaf interpreter job description:

    Deaf interpreter job description example

    • High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution
    • Interpreter Certification Level 1 or equivalent post-secondary coursework
    • Must possess strong organizational skills, customer service, telephone etiquette, administration support and positive interpersonal skills
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills

    Special Knowledge/Skills:

    • RID Code of Ethics
    • Fluent in a Sign System i.e. SEE, CASE, ASL
    • Ability to use Signing Exact English, SEE in the educational environment

    MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

    INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

    • Provide Interpreting or Transliterating through Signing Exact English, SEE, during instruction in the assigned classroom
    • Reverse interpret student's questions and comments in English in the assigned classroom
    • Assist students in prescribed activities to help provide individual instruction, as directed by the teacher to deaf students
    • Provide additional explanations to the students in order to ensure understanding

    SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

    • Have a working knowledge of district policies and practices that relate to the department.
    • Follow established schedule - the RDSPD Coordinator and deaf education teacher of the program is responsible for formulating the schedule of the interpreter.
    • Work cooperatively with principal, curriculum coordinator, special education teachers, support staff, and general education teachers to insure the success of the students

    SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

    • Provide clerical duties as assigned; including, but not limited to: copying, faxing, filing, scanning and mailing documents related to classroom instruction
    • Assist with bus duty; playground activities, and extracurricular activities such as field day, programs, and similar events in which deaf students are participating

    ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

    • Help keep classroom orderly and attractive when assigned to deaf education classroom
    • Prepare teaching materials for deaf education teacher during periods not assigned

    STUDENT MANAGEMENT

    • Assist students in prescribed activities to help provide individual instruction, as directed by the teacher to deaf students
    • Provide assistance in the classroom while following the classroom plan, behavior plan or BIP of a particular student.

    SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

    • Maintain professional standards in regard to student confidentiality and information.
    • Interpret in various school activities as requested by the deaf education teacher, including PTA meetings, ARD meetings and faculty meetings
    • Promote positive awareness of deafness and its implications in the school and the community

    PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

    • Attend professional development regarding Sign Interpreting, language development in Deaf children and professional ethics by attending the SEE Skillshop yearly.
    • Acquire additional certification in Educational Interpreting
    • Develop personal growth in SEE to be used daily during classroom instruction.
    • Acquire knowledge of hearing equipment and Ling sounds while assisting the classroom teacher.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Supervise and evaluate student practicum interpreters, as requested by the Coordinator of the RDSPD

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Performs other duties as may be assigned by the RDSPD Coordinator or teacher of the Deaf

  5. Post your job

    To find the right deaf interpreter for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with deaf interpreters they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit deaf interpreters who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your deaf interpreter job on Zippia to find and recruit deaf interpreter candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit deaf interpreters, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new deaf interpreter

    Once you've decided on a perfect deaf interpreter candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new deaf interpreter first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a deaf interpreter?

Before you start to hire deaf interpreters, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire deaf interpreters pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for deaf interpreters is $43,511 in the US. However, the cost of deaf interpreter hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a deaf interpreter for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $12 and $34 an hour.

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