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The differences between sign language interpreters and educational 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 an educational interpreter. Additionally, a sign language interpreter has an average salary of $43,655, which is higher than the $39,807 average annual salary of an educational interpreter.
The top three skills for a sign language interpreter include customer service, ASL and registry. The most important skills for an educational interpreter are EIPA, facilitate communication, and math.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Educational Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,655 | $39,807 |
| Hourly rate | $20.99 | $19.14 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,371 | 5,541 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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.
An educational interpreter specializes in providing communication assistance to students with hearing problems or difficulty in understanding the language. It is their duty to develop strategies to convey lessons through various materials and efforts, interpret messages from the speaker and receiver, and monitoring the student's progress. They may also produce progress reports, coordinating with teachers and parents at all times. Furthermore, an educational interpreter must build a positive relationship with the student, helping them feel comfortable as they adjust to the classroom environment.
Sign language interpreters and educational interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Educational Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,655 | $39,807 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $70,000 | Between $25,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Vallejo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | New York |
| Best paying company | Kern Community College District | Irving Isd |
| Best paying industry | Government | Education |
There are a few differences between a sign language interpreter and an educational interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Educational Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | American Sign Language | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and educational interpreters' demographics:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Educational Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% | Male, 16.9% Female, 83.1% |
| 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, 6.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 10.3% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |