Sign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter

The differences between sign language interpreters and per diem 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 per diem interpreter. Additionally, a sign language interpreter has an average salary of $43,655, which is higher than the $42,675 average annual salary of a per diem interpreter.

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

Sign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter overview

	Sign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Yearly salary	$43,655	$42,675
Hourly rate	$20.99	$20.52
Growth rate	20%	20%
Number of jobs	23,371	38,934
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

What does a sign language interpreter do?

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.

What does a per diem interpreter do?

A per diem interpreter is responsible for interpreting sign or oral language and translating text from one specific language into another. You will perform several tasks that include adapting translations to students' grade and cognitive levels, working closely with other educational team members when necessary, and proofreading, revising, and editing translated materials. Additionally, you are responsible for translating messages into one language orally using hand signs and explaining translation requirements to clients. As a pier diem interpreter, you are also responsible for checking translated texts for technical terminology.

Sign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter salary

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

	Sign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average salary	$43,655	$42,675
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $70,000	Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Davis, CA
Highest paying state	Virginia	New York
Best paying company	Kern Community College District	Cottage Health
Best paying industry	Government	Health Care

Differences between sign language interpreter and per diem interpreter education

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

	Sign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	American Sign Language	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Sign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter demographics

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

	Sign Language Interpreter	Per Diem Interpreter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between sign language interpreter and per diem 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.

Per diem interpreter example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Facilitate communication between LEP patients/families and medical staff by providing accurate and comprehensive interpreter services (person/phone).
Monitor patient EKG patterns while patient is admitted.
Provide education and training while administering a base wide CPR training program.
Assist with documentation, groups, and ADL's for idd/m psych patients.
Serve as a liaison between patients and physicians to assist Somali speaking patients in understanding physician's questions.

Sign language interpreter vs per diem interpreter skills

Common sign language interpreter skills

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

Common per diem interpreter skills

Patients, 37%
Per Diem, 16%
Customer Service, 11%
Acute Care, 4%
CPR, 4%
Rehabilitation, 3%

Sign Language Interpreter vs. similar jobs

Sign Language Interpreter related careers

Sign Language Interpreter related jobs

Sign Language Interpreter jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
Sign Language Interpreter
Sign Language Interpreter vs Per Diem Interpreter

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs