In today’s world, communication is more crucial than ever. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, sign language interpreters play an essential role in ensuring they can communicate effectively.
Because of this, the need for skilled sign language interpreters, particularly in educational settings, is only growing. School sign language interpreters have a significant impact on the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, helping them access the same educational opportunities as their hearing peers.
In this State of Sign Language Interpreters report, learn everything you need to know about the career of a sign language interpreter today, including the demand for ASL interpreters, job outlook, salary, responsibilities, and career trends that are shaping this essential field.
About Sign Language Interpreter Careers
The primary job responsibility of sign language interpreters is to translate spoken words into American Sign Language (ASL). To do so, it is important that a sign language interpreter understands the subject matter of what is being discussed, as this ensures a more accurate translation.
Sign language interpreters can work in various job settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community organizations. In the school setting, ASL interpreters work one-on-one with students who are deaf and hard of hearing. These professionals facilitate communication between a student and their peers or teachers, translating anything from lunchroom conversations and classroom instruction to school-wide presentations and after-school extracurricular activities.
Demand for Sign Language Interpreters
Demand for sign language interpreters is high throughout the country, especially in schools. Today, about 20% of employed sign language interpreters work in the educational setting.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4.3% from 2022 to 2032. However, employment in the educational support industry is projected to grow by 25%; employment in colleges, universities, and professional schools is projected to grow by 6%; and employment in private elementary and secondary schools is projected to grow by 8%.
In recent years, public awareness of the importance of accessibility and inclusion has increased, driving a growing demand for sign language interpreters. More schools are working to accommodate the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, meaning job opportunities and demand for specialized services, like sign language interpretation, are on the rise.
In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for ASL is expected to grow as more and more students and members of the workforce use video relay services, which allow people to conduct online video calls and use a sign language interpreter.
Where Sign Language Interpreters are Needed
According to the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the states that will see the highest percent increase in employment of interpreters and translators from 2020 to 2030 are as follows:
- Arizona (50.6%)
- Colorado (47.3%)
- Utah (41.4%)
- Florida (40.2%)
- Texas (35.2%)
- Vermont (35%)
- Washington (33.8%)
- Georgia (33.6%)
- Tennessee (31.4%)
- New Mexico (31.3%)
Sign Language Interpreter Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 7,200 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force for reasons such as retirement.
Although technological advancements have created opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate with others without an interpreter present, these jobs aren’t going to be automated anytime soon, as the work that human interpreters do cannot be easily replicated by computers.
Sign Language Interpreter Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $57,090 in May 2023. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,410, and the highest 10% earned more than $97,100.
However, it’s important to note that the average salary for ASL interpreters depends on the job setting and location of the role, as well as the level of experience and education of the interpreter. School districts with a larger caseload will typically offer higher salaries, while interpreters who work remotely can earn more by working more hours.
Virginia, Vermont, Maryland, and New York are the top-paying states for interpreters and translators. The average annual mean wage is over $82,000 in each of these states. The 10 top-paying metropolitan areas for interpreters and translators are:
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
- Burlington-South Burlington, VT
- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
- Charlottesville, VA
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
- Austin-Round Rock, TX
Explore the Rewarding Career of a School ASL Interpreter
At ProCare Therapy, we understand more than anyone the critical role that school sign language interpreters play in our society today. These professionals do more than translate spoken words to ASL – they give children the power of communication, ensuring that each child has the same opportunities as their peers.
In one of ProCare’s sign language interpreter openings, you will empower deaf students by serving as a bridge of communication between teachers and students. Learn more about becoming a sign language interpreter, browse jobs here, and discover the many opportunities that await in this rewarding career today!