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The differences between sign language interpreters and bilingual 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 sign language interpreter and a bilingual interpreter. Additionally, a bilingual interpreter has an average salary of $44,168, 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 a bilingual interpreter are patients, translation services, and interpretation services.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,655 | $44,168 |
| Hourly rate | $20.99 | $21.23 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,371 | 5,338 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| 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.
A bilingual interpreter is responsible for translating communications from one language to another without compromising the focus of the context. Bilingual interpreters manage verbal and written interactions between parties, including the translation of complicated terminologies to comprehensive statements with the same meaning. They should be excellently familiar with the style and structure of their language expertise to translate codes effectively. A bilingual interpreter must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as coordinating with different kinds of people efficiently to assist clients in their daily tasks.
Sign language interpreters and bilingual interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,655 | $44,168 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Kern Community College District | Randolph Health |
| Best paying industry | Government | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a sign language interpreter and a bilingual interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | American Sign Language | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and bilingual interpreters' demographics:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Bilingual Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% | Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 47.2% Asian, 11.0% White, 32.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |