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The differences between freelance translators and sign language interpreters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a freelance translator and a sign language interpreter. Additionally, a freelance translator has an average salary of $44,736, which is higher than the $43,655 average annual salary of a sign language interpreter.
The top three skills for a freelance translator include target language, web content and vice versa. The most important skills for a sign language interpreter are customer service, ASL, and registry.
| Freelance Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $44,736 | $43,655 |
| Hourly rate | $21.51 | $20.99 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 1,162 | 23,371 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A sign language interpreter specializes in bridging the communication gap for people with hearing or speaking difficulties using American Sign Language (ASL) and other sign languages. Interpreters may work for a company or independently; they may also interpret for one-on-one communication or public engagements. The responsibilities of a sign language interpreter depend on the situation or environment. Besides helping clients convey and receive messages, they may also build rapport with clients to make them feel at ease, manage schedules, and perform calls.
Freelance translators and sign language interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Freelance Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $44,736 | $43,655 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $72,000 | Between $26,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Virginia |
| Best paying company | - | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a freelance translator and a sign language interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Freelance Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | English | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between freelance translators' and sign language interpreters' demographics:
| Freelance Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 28.0% Asian, 16.3% White, 43.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 11.8% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |