Sign Language Interpreting as a Career

Employment Opportunities: The demand for Sign Language interpreters exceeds supply. This includes full-time and flexible part-time opportunities in a variety of engaging settings.

Salary Range: Up to $45,000, depending on experience and industry.

A Sign Language Interpreter works between two languages ...

English and American Sign Language (ASL), to effectively convey messages between those persons who are Deaf and those who are not. Interpreters must be fluent in English, ASL, and English-influenced forms of signing. They must also have a thorough understanding of both Deaf and non-Deaf cultures and have the ability to make cultural adjustments when interpreting between two languages.
Persons who work in the field of sign language interpreting are part of a profession whose goal is the equal access of information for both deaf and non-deaf persons. The field has a national organization, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), as well as state and local chapters of the RID. Individuals are encouraged to join these professional organizations to become acquainted with different aspects of the field, and for the opportunity to network with members of the interpreting and deaf communities.

Many working interpreters seek to become nationally certified through the RID. National certification opens doors for professional advancement and employment. Individuals not yet certified through the RID will have to pass the Interpreter Skills Assessment Screening to be able to work in most settings in Illinois.

Harper College hosts a number of workshops, teleclasses and continuing education opportunities for students and working interpreters offered through the Illinois RID, the Sign Language Interpreting Program at Harper College, and other organizations in northern Illinois. Look in Professional Information for upcoming opportunities in the area.

What are the different settings in which a sign language interpreter might work?

Interpreting can take place whenever a deaf and hearing person have need of the services of an interpreter. The number of settings is extensive, and the list below includes just a few of the many possibilities for a person seeking employment in the field of sign language interpreting.

Educational: at the pre-school, elementary, secondary or post-secondary level.
Business: at organizational meetings, board meetings, technology seminars, staff meetings, performance reviews, job interviews, and any other situation that takes place in the businesses in which Deaf persons are employed.

Community: at area park districts, libraries, banks, real estate agencies, for political organizations, city or town meetings.

Religious: at churches, synagogues, for weddings, funerals, conferences.

Performing Arts: for theatrical events, concerts, storytelling festivals, poetry readings.

Social Service: for vocational rehabilitation and general government services at the Federal and State level.

The following settings are best left to interpreters who are nationally certified through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and/or have many years of experience!

Medical: at hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy sessions, pre-natal classes.

Mental Health: at clinics, counselors' offices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, twelve-step meetings.

Legal: in the courts, at police stations, lawyers' offices, prisons.

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Employment Opportunities: The demand for Sign Language interpreters exceeds supply. This includes full-time and flexible part-time opportunities in a variety of engaging settings. Salary Range: Up to $45,000, depending on experience and industry.

A Sign Language Interpreter works between two languages ...
English and American Sign Language (ASL), to effectively convey messages between those persons who are Deaf and those who are not. Interpreters must be fluent in English, ASL, and English-influenced forms of signing. They must also have a thorough understanding of both Deaf and non-Deaf cultures and have the ability to make cultural adjustments when interpreting between two languages. Persons who work in the field of sign language interpreting are part of a profession whose goal is the equal access of information for both deaf and non-deaf persons. The field has a national organization, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), as well as state and local chapters of the RID. Individuals are encouraged to join these professional organizations to become acquainted with different aspects of the field, and for the opportunity to network with members of the interpreting and deaf communities. Many working interpreters seek to become nationally certified through the RID. National certification opens doors for professional advancement and employment. Individuals not yet certified through the RID will have to pass the Interpreter Skills Assessment Screening to be able to work in most settings in Illinois. Harper College hosts a number of workshops, teleclasses and continuing education opportunities for students and working interpreters offered through the Illinois RID, the Sign Language Interpreting Program at Harper College, and other organizations in northern Illinois. Look in Professional Information for upcoming opportunities in the area.

What are the different settings in which a sign language interpreter might work?
Interpreting can take place whenever a deaf and hearing person have need of the services of an interpreter. The number of settings is extensive, and the list below includes just a few of the many possibilities for a person seeking employment in the field of sign language interpreting.
Educational: at the pre-school, elementary, secondary or post-secondary level. Business: at organizational meetings, board meetings, technology seminars, staff meetings, performance reviews, job interviews, and any other situation that takes place in the businesses in which Deaf persons are employed. Community: at area park districts, libraries, banks, real estate agencies, for political organizations, city or town meetings. Religious: at churches, synagogues, for weddings, funerals, conferences. Performing Arts: for theatrical events, concerts, storytelling festivals, poetry readings. Social Service: for vocational rehabilitation and general government services at the Federal and State level. The following settings are best left to interpreters who are nationally certified through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and/or have many years of experience! Medical: at hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy sessions, pre-natal classes. Mental Health: at clinics, counselors' offices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, twelve-step meetings. Legal: in the courts, at police stations, lawyers' offices, prisons.
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