Have you considered becoming a sign language interpreter using American Sign Language (ASL)? Read on to learn about education and certification requirements to pursue this career.
What Does an ASL Interpreter Do?
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, like many language interpreters, translate the spoken word from the language of the speaker to the language of the listener or audience.
In the case of American Sign Language, the interpreter listens to an English speaker and then uses signs and fingerspelling to translate for members of Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
American Sign Language is a visual language used mainly by Deaf people in the United States and English-speaking Canada. ASL's rules for grammar and syntax differ from spoken English.
What Careers Exist for ASL Interpreters?
ASL interpreters may find work in a variety of settings, such as schools, courtrooms, places of worship, healthcare facilities, and businesses.
Professional scientific and technical services, K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, and higher learning institutions are among the largest employers of interpreters.
Some of the leading career specialties for ASL Interpreters include:
- Medical Interpreter: This is a specialized ASL position that requires knowledge about the medical field and may require additional certifications.
- School Interpreter: This is a full-time job in predominantly hearing schools or in Deaf schools, interpreting for Deaf students.
- Court-Certified Interpreter: This is another specialized ASL position requiring additional certifications to communicate about legal issues.
- Community Interpreter: People in this job may be sent by agencies to sites or organizations that need an interpreter for a Deaf client.
- Video Relay Interpreter: This role mediates video conferences and calls between hearing people and Deaf people.
ASL interpreters may work as full-time or part-time employees for a company or agency. Some interpreters work as freelancers or independent contractors.
What Skills and Training Do ASL Interpreters Need?
ASL interpreters need to be fluent in the grammar, structure, and usage of both English and American Sign Language.
Interpreters should possess cultural sensitivity, compassion, and strong listening skills. They should also be attuned to the nuances in language in both spoken and nonverbal expression.
What Are the Best College Majors for Becoming an ASL Interpreter?
A bachelor's degree in American Sign Language and English Interpretation (ASLEI) is an ideal degree for an entry-level interpreter.
However, interpreters may want to pursue a master's degree to enhance their career advancement opportunities.
Other related degree fields include:
- Sign Language Interpreting
- ASL/English Interpreting
- American Sign Language
- Deaf Studies and Deaf Education
- Sign Language Studies
- English or Communication, ideally with a minor or certificate in Deaf culture or ASL
The Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) provides an online list of all accredited ASL programs for those training to become interpreters.
What Job-Related Knowledge Do Interpreters Need?
In addition to a formal university education in ASL and interpreting, prospective ASL interpreters will need to be knowledgeable in the field of their desired career niche.
For example, if working within a particular industry, the interpreter will need to know how to translate words and jargon used in that industry in addition to being adept at standard ASL.
That requires more than a superficial knowledge of business processes, principles, and topics in a particular niche, whether it be manufacturing, law, or a medical specialization.
The interpreter must be able to explain abstract concepts using ASL; this could include business processes, legal phrases, medical terminology, and more depending on the interpreter's field.
Does Certification Exist for ASL Interpreters?
Although not required, you may want to consider becoming certified as an ASL interpreter.
Generally, there are three levels of certification for ASL interpreters:
- National Interpreter Certification
- National Interpreter Certification Advanced
- National Interpreter Certification Master
After completing a bachelor's degree, you can pursue your National Interpreter Certification (NIC) through the Registry for the Interpreters of the Deaf (RID).
In addition to national certification, some states require state-specific screening tests to earn a state license or certification. As you develop your skills, you can earn specialized certifications.
ASL Interpreter Salary Information and Job Outlook
Your earnings as an American sign language interpreter will vary based on experience, the industry you work in, and your geographic location.
As of June 2023, according to Indeed.com, the average salary for a U.S. sign language interpreter was $72,961 per year, with a median range between $43,000 and $122,000.
Salary.com reports that the highest-paying ASL Interpreter job markets are the District of Columbia, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for interpreters and translators (not just for ASL interpreters) is expected to grow by 20% from 2021 to 2031.
The expansion of video conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic expanded opportunities for ASL interpreters through remote interpreting technologies and video conferencing.
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