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The differences between interpreter and 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 an interpreter and translator and a sign language interpreter. Additionally, an interpreter and translator has an average salary of $43,870, which is higher than the $43,655 average annual salary of a sign language interpreter.
The top three skills for an interpreter and translator include transcription, english language and security clearance. The most important skills for a sign language interpreter are customer service, ASL, and registry.
| Interpreter And Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,870 | $43,655 |
| Hourly rate | $21.09 | $20.99 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 3,787 | 23,371 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Interpreter and translators and sign language interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interpreter And Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,870 | $43,655 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $70,000 | Between $26,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Apple | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between an interpreter and translator and a sign language interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Interpreter And Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | English | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between interpreter and translators' and sign language interpreters' demographics:
| Interpreter And Translator | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 34.3% Asian, 14.2% White, 39.3% 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% |