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The differences between sign language interpreters and arabic linguists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a sign language interpreter and an arabic linguist. Additionally, an arabic linguist has an average salary of $44,433, which is higher than the $43,655 average annual salary of a sign language interpreter.
The top three skills for a sign language interpreter include customer service, ASL and registry. The most important skills for an arabic linguist are english language, transcription, and target language.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Arabic Linguist | |
| Yearly salary | $43,655 | $44,433 |
| Hourly rate | $20.99 | $21.36 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,371 | 742 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Sign language interpreters and arabic linguists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Arabic Linguist | |
| Average salary | $43,655 | $44,433 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $70,000 | Between $29,000 And $67,000 |
| 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 sign language interpreter and an arabic linguist in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Arabic Linguist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | American Sign Language | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and arabic linguists' demographics:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Arabic Linguist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 34.1% Asian, 14.2% White, 38.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |