Pay Scale for Deaf Interpreters

Deaf interpreters often work at conferences and business meetings.

Sign language originated in France in the 18th century, and its variations, including American Sign Language (ASL), have become the most common form of communiction for the deaf. Deaf interpreters -- or sign language interpreters -- translate verbal communication into sign language for deaf observers, using their hands, fingers and body language to translate spoken English into American Sign Language. They may do so face-to-face or via video conferencing and online facilities. The deaf person then signs in return for the interpreter to repeat aloud to the hearing audience. As such, sign language interpreters must have a thorough knowledge of American Sign Language conventions and a high level of English language. Salary levels for the role are comparable with those of interpreters working with other forms of language.

Average Pay

In July 2010, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (right) commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with the help of a sign language interpreter.

For the purposes of its May 2010 survey of national employment trends, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics classified interpreters for the deaf alongside translators and interpreters working with verbal and written languages. It found that the mean yearly salary across the profession was $49,790, equivalent to $23.94 an hour and $4,149 a month. Those among the top 10 percent of earners received wages of over $86,410 a year, while their contemporaries in the bottom 10 percent earned less than $22,950. At the time of publication, Indeed put the average salary for a deaf interpreter at $46,000 per year, while the Economic Research Institute gave the figure as $52,996.

Pay by Industry

The largest numbers of interpreters and translators, including sign language specialists, work in professional, scientific and technical services. The bureau listed the mean annual pay in this sector of the industry as $57,340. This is significantly higher than the mean of $39,710 for individuals employed by elementary and secondary schools and the $47,710 salary for those working for junior colleges. Interpreters working for local government agencies received a mean salary of $45,540, while their equivalents at the federal executive branch level earned $74,780.

Pay by Location

Wage comparison organization Salary Expert charted average pay rates for deaf interpreters in some major cities. New York was the most lucrative metropolis with a yearly pay rate of $73,610 at the time of publication. Houston and Phoenix were also comparatively high-paying locales, at $57,674 and $55,801, respectively. Orlando and Indianapolis were among the locations with the lowest rates, having respective averages of $45,888 and $43,326.

Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities for interpreters of all kinds, including sign language specialists, will grow by around 22 percent over the decade from 2008 to 2018. This represents a faster growth rate than is posited across all occupations for the country as a whole, estimated at between 7 and 13 percent for the same period. As society continues to recognize and legislate for the needs of physically impaired citizens, demand for signing interpreters will grow. Interpreters can enhance their employment and salary prospects by becoming certified. Certification is not a legal requisite for working as a sign language interpreter, but recognition by bodies such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf attests to a high level of skill. Other factors influencing an interpreter's salary are likely to include amount of experience and education.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Interpreters and Translators
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010: Interpreters and Translators
• Indeed; Deaf Interpreter Salary; August 2011
• Economic Research Institute; Deaf Interpreters Salary Survey Data; August 2011
• SalaryExpert; Deaf Interpreter Salaries; August 2011
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: Getting Started

Resources

• World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
• National Association of the Deaf
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf