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The differences between sign language interpreters and technical translators 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 technical translator. Additionally, a technical translator has an average salary of $55,019, 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 technical translator are technical translation, technical manuals, and proofreading.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,655 | $55,019 |
| Hourly rate | $20.99 | $26.45 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 23,371 | 68,352 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
Technical Translation is the act of translating materials in a specific technical or scientific subject domain. A Technical Translator understands the nitty-gritty of the subject matter and knows the specialized terms in that field in both the source and secondary languages. This individual works to produce translations and interpretations of either written or oral communications of one language to another for a specific purpose or industry. As a Technical Translator, your duties may include interpreting conferences and emails in an organization.
Sign language interpreters and technical translators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Average salary | $43,655 | $55,019 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $70,000 | Between $37,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Kern Community College District | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a sign language interpreter and a technical translator in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | American Sign Language | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language interpreters' and technical translators' demographics:
| Sign Language Interpreter | Technical Translator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% | Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3% |
| 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 17.9% White, 42.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |