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The differences between spanish interpreters and sign language 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 spanish interpreter and a sign language interpreter. Additionally, a sign language interpreter has an average salary of $43,655, which is higher than the $43,067 average annual salary of a spanish interpreter.
The top three skills for a spanish interpreter include patients, medical terminology and translation services. The most important skills for a sign language interpreter are customer service, ASL, and registry.
| Spanish Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,067 | $43,655 |
| Hourly rate | $20.71 | $20.99 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 4,043 | 23,371 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Spanish interpreter specializes in orally translating Spanish to English language and vice-versa, primarily to bridge the communication gap from one person to another. Their responsibilities typically revolve around meeting with clients to determine their preferences, keeping conversations confidential, conversing according to the purpose of events, and translating documents or written materials when necessary. A Spanish interpreter may also work independently or for a company. Furthermore, it is essential to remain professional and build rapport with clients to establish a strong client base.
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.
Spanish interpreters and sign language interpreters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Spanish Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average salary | $43,067 | $43,655 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $65,000 | Between $26,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alameda, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Inc. | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between a spanish interpreter and a sign language interpreter in terms of educational background:
| Spanish Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | American Sign Language |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between spanish interpreters' and sign language interpreters' demographics:
| Spanish Interpreter | Sign Language Interpreter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6% | Male, 24.1% Female, 75.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 47.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 36.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 15% | 15% |