How Much Can a Sign Language Interpreter Make?
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Salary Breakdown & Career Growth
Technology has transformed how we communicate — from the first telegraphs of the 19th century to today’s AI-powered captioning tools that can transcribe speech in seconds. Yet, even with these advances, technology still can’t fully replicate the expressive nuance and cultural understanding that skilled human interpreters bring to a conversation.
Sign language interpreters are vital bridges between the Deaf and hearing communities, ensuring that communication is not only accurate but also rich in meaning. And as accessibility awareness continues to grow, so does the demand for professional interpreters — making this a rewarding and increasingly sought-after career.
The Growing Demand for Sign Language Interpreters
Across the world, the number of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who rely on sign language far exceeds the number of qualified interpreters.
- United States: The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) lists around 10,000–10,300 certified interpreters nationwide. Yet, there are an estimated 500,000 to 1 million adults who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary means of communication.¹
- United Kingdom: According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), roughly 87,000 Deaf people use British Sign Language (BSL) — but there are only about 1,500 registered interpreters.²
- Canada: The Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) has approximately 830–835 active members serving around 357,000 Deaf Canadians.³
This significant gap highlights both the accessibility challenges and the strong job security interpreters enjoy. Fewer interpreters mean higher demand — and in many regions, professionals can choose between a variety of job types, employers, and pay structures.
Salary Overview: How Much Can a Sign Language Interpreter Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), interpreters and translators — including ASL interpreters — earned a median annual wage of $59,440 in May 2024.⁴
Here’s a closer look at the national percentile breakdown:
| Percentile | Annual Wage (USD) |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,630 |
| 25th | $45,270 |
| Median (50th) | $59,440 |
| 75th | $77,960 |
| 90th | $99,830 |
However, this is only part of the story. Wages vary widely based on certification level, specialty, and work setting.
1. Freelance vs. Staff Interpreter Pay
Many interpreters work as freelancers, setting their own rates based on experience, certification, and the complexity of assignments.
- Freelancers and community interpreters typically charge $30–$75 per hour, depending on location and demand.
- Certified medical or legal interpreters can earn between $80–$150 per hour, particularly for specialized or court-related work.⁵
- Staff interpreters employed by schools, government agencies, or corporations usually earn $50,000–$75,000 annually, often with benefits like healthcare and retirement plans.
Working independently can yield higher per-hour earnings, but staff roles provide stability, predictable schedules, and professional development opportunities.
2. Video Relay Service (VRS) and Remote Work
Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreters connect Deaf and hearing individuals via video and voice calls. Companies such as Sorenson Communications and Convo Relay have expanded remote opportunities for interpreters across the U.S.
- Average VRS interpreter salaries typically range from $60,000–$85,000 per year, with some senior interpreters exceeding $90,000.⁶
- Remote interpreting allows flexibility — interpreters can work from home while serving clients nationwide. This trend accelerated after 2020 and continues to grow as telecommunication technology improves.
3. Location and Experience Impact
Geography plays a major role in earning potential.
According to BLS data and job board reports:
- California, New York, and Washington, D.C. offer some of the highest interpreter salaries, with averages exceeding $70,000 due to demand and cost of living.
- Entry-level interpreters (less than 2 years of experience) may start near $40,000–$45,000 annually, while experienced certified interpreters often surpass $80,000 with consistent work.
In rural areas, hourly rates might be lower — but interpreters may find more flexible schedules and less competition.
What Affects Your Pay as an Interpreter?
Several key factors determine how much an interpreter earns:
1. Certification and Credentials
The RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC) is the gold standard in the U.S. Certified interpreters generally earn 20–30% more than non-certified peers.⁷
In Canada, CASLI certification is essential for many institutional and government contracts.
Specialized certifications (such as legal or medical interpreting) open the door to high-paying assignments.
2. Education and Continuing Development
Interpreting is a profession built on lifelong learning. The RID requires certified interpreters to complete ongoing continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain credentials.⁷ These CEUs enhance language skills, ethics, and specialty knowledge — all of which can boost earning potential.
3. Work Environment and Specialty
Medical interpreting: Hospitals and clinics rely on interpreters who understand anatomy, medical terminology, and patient confidentiality — often paying higher rates for qualified specialists.
Legal interpreting: Courtrooms and legal depositions require exceptional precision, offering premium pay for interpreters trained in legal systems.
Educational interpreting: Working in schools and universities may offer steady employment and benefits, though pay is generally moderate compared to other specialties.
4. Technology and Remote Tools
Advances in AI translation and virtual interpreting platforms are reshaping the field. However, experts agree that no software can yet match the expressive nuance and cultural context provided by human interpreters.⁸ Instead, technology enhances opportunities — allowing interpreters to work across states or countries without relocation.
Freelance or Employee: Which Path Fits You?
Freelancers enjoy flexibility and potentially higher hourly rates but handle their own taxes, marketing, and health insurance.
Employees, on the other hand, benefit from stability, paid time off, and professional resources provided by schools, agencies, or corporations.
Many interpreters blend both — maintaining staff positions while taking freelance gigs for variety and income growth.
Career Growth and Future Outlook
The BLS projects employment for interpreters and translators to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, roughly matching the national average — but demand for ASL interpreters specifically is outpacing overall growth, thanks to expanding accessibility laws and Deaf advocacy.⁴
Ways to Grow:
- Pursue advanced certifications (RID Specialist Certifications or CASLI equivalents).
- Develop a niche — such as medical, mental health, or conference interpreting.
- Teach or mentor future interpreters through workshops or academic programs.
- Explore VRS and remote opportunities for broader exposure.
Many senior interpreters also move into program coordination, accessibility consulting, or interpreting management, where salaries can exceed $90,000–$100,000 annually.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a sign language interpreter isn’t just about income — it’s about impact.
You’re giving people access to education, healthcare, justice, and everyday communication that many take for granted.
Still, it’s a career that can be financially rewarding. From community work at $30 per hour to advanced legal interpreting earning $100 per hour, there’s significant earning potential — especially for certified professionals willing to specialize and continue developing their craft.
Technology will continue to evolve, but interpreters remain irreplaceable — not just for what they translate, but for how they connect people across worlds of language, culture, and experience.
Sources
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Annual Reports & CauseIQ (10,000+ certified interpreters, FY2023)
- Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), “BSL Users and Interpreters in the UK,” 2024
- Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI), Membership Directory, 2024
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – Interpreters and Translators, 2024
- Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter salary data for ASL interpreters, 2024
- Sorenson Communications Careers Page & Glassdoor Employer Reviews, 2024
- RID Certification Maintenance Program (CEU & NIC guidance), 2024
- Wired Magazine (2024), “AI Signing Avatars and the Future of Deaf Communication”