Sign language interpreter vs deaf interpreter

The differences between sign language interpreters and deaf 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 deaf interpreter. Additionally, a sign language interpreter has an average salary of $43,655, which is higher than the $43,511 average annual salary of a deaf interpreter.

The top three skills for a sign language interpreter include customer service, ASL and registry. The most important skills for a deaf interpreter are registry, EIPA, and ASL.

Sign language interpreter vs deaf interpreter overview

	Sign Language Interpreter	Deaf Interpreter
Yearly salary	$43,655	$43,511
Hourly rate	$20.99	$20.92
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	23,371	3,676
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Associate Degree, 38%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

Sign language interpreter vs deaf interpreter salary

Sign language interpreters and deaf interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Sign Language Interpreter	Deaf Interpreter
Average salary	$43,655	$43,511
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $70,000	Between $26,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	Virginia	New York
Best paying company	Kern Community College District	Soliant
Best paying industry	Government	Education

Differences between sign language interpreter and deaf interpreter education

There are a few differences between a sign language interpreter and a deaf interpreter in terms of educational background:

	Sign Language Interpreter	Deaf Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Associate Degree, 38%
Most common major	American Sign Language	Special Education
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Sign language interpreter vs deaf interpreter demographics

Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and deaf interpreters' demographics:

	Sign Language Interpreter	Deaf Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9%	Male, 14.7% Female, 85.3%
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, 5.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 11.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between sign language interpreter and deaf interpreter duties and responsibilities

Sign language interpreter example responsibilities.

Utilize basic ASL medical terminology to provide access and facilitate communication between adult patients and medical staff or doctor.
Provide interpretation services for patients in preparation for procedures, locations and other general information.
Perform consecutive interpretation services over the phone to provide quality interpretation between clients and LEP.
Tutor a deaf student in math and reading.
Translate and make subtitles in documentary and self produce films.
Work with students and staff/faculty to interpret sign-to-voice and voice-to sign.

Deaf interpreter example responsibilities.

Help implement and modify behavior plans and IEP goals for the success of the students.
Work closely with teachers & other staff to meet or exceed student IEP goals & to resolve problems.
Provide effective communication by making important connection between patients, families and providers in clinical and hospital settings.
Follow establish departmental guidelines and protect confidentiality of member's information (HIPPA )

Sign language interpreter vs deaf interpreter skills

Common sign language interpreter skills

Customer Service, 20%
ASL, 20%
Registry, 8%
Patients, 8%
Sign Language, 6%
English Language, 5%

Common deaf interpreter skills

Registry, 35%
EIPA, 15%
ASL, 12%
Facilitate Communication, 11%
Mental Health, 10%
IEP, 7%

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Sign Language Interpreter vs Deaf Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

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