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The differences between sign language teachers and sign language interpreters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a sign language teacher, becoming a sign language interpreter takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a sign language teacher has an average salary of $54,210, which is higher than the $43,655 average annual salary of a sign language interpreter.
The top three skills for a sign language teacher include ESL, student learning and classroom management. The most important skills for a sign language interpreter are customer service, ASL, and registry.
| Sign Language Teacher | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $54,210 | $43,655 |
| Hourly rate | $26.06 | $20.99 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 73,259 | 23,371 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A sign language teacher provides instruction in signed communication. They teach sign languages such as American Sign Language or British Sign Language to both deaf and hearing students. Fluency in sign language can significantly enhance quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing students.
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.
Sign language teachers and sign language interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sign Language Teacher | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $54,210 | $43,655 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $77,000 | Between $26,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Greenfield Union School District | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Education | Government |
There are a few differences between a sign language teacher and a sign language interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Sign Language Teacher | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Special Education | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sign language teachers' and sign language interpreters' demographics:
| Sign Language Teacher | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 18.6% Female, 81.4% | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 15% |