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The differences between sign language interpreters and cryptologic 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 a cryptologic linguist. Additionally, a sign language interpreter has an average salary of $43,655, which is higher than the $43,225 average annual salary of a cryptologic linguist.
The top three skills for a sign language interpreter include customer service, ASL and registry. The most important skills for a cryptologic linguist are TIP, government agencies, and national security.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Yearly salary | $43,655 | $43,225 |
| Hourly rate | $20.99 | $20.78 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,371 | 696 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| 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.
Cryptologic linguists are lingual professionals who are responsible for using signals equipment to identify and analyze foreign communications. These linguists must assist intelligence community analysts in translating open source and sensitive materials as well as producing comprehensive reports about the daily activities of their enemies. They are required to supervise a team of other linguistic professionals to provide transcriptions and analysis from foreign communications. Cryptologic linguists must also identify the languages spoken at target geographic areas of interest.
Sign language interpreters and cryptologic linguists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Average salary | $43,655 | $43,225 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $70,000 | Between $27,000 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 a cryptologic linguist in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | American Sign Language | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and cryptologic linguists' demographics:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Cryptologic Linguist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% | Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4% |
| 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, 6.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |