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The differences between sign language interpreters and court 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 court interpreter. Additionally, a court interpreter has an average salary of $44,300, 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 court interpreter are vice versa, court cases, and court hearings.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Court Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,655 | $44,300 |
| Hourly rate | $20.99 | $21.30 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,371 | 4,250 |
| 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.
A court interpreter is responsible for translating one language to another in real-time in a courtroom setting. Court interpreters work closely with clients and law officers to relay accurate and reliable information from the actual context. Apart from having excellent communication skills, a court interpreter should also possess extensive knowledge of the legal industry to understand and interpret terms accordingly. They also translate legal documents for court reference. In some cases, a court interpreter may also read the statements beforehand to have a good grasp of courtroom procedures.
Sign language interpreters and court interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Court Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,655 | $44,300 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Central Islip, NY |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | New York |
| Best paying company | Kern Community College District | City of Houston |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between a sign language interpreter and a court interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Court Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | American Sign Language | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and court interpreters' demographics:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Court Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 35.4% Asian, 14.1% White, 38.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |