Career Facts
What They Do:
The Sign Language Interpreter is a person specially trained
to facilitate communication between the deaf, hard of
hearing and hearing communities. Employment opportunities
may be in educational settings, freelance, or contracted
with agencies to provide interpreter services for deaf
persons. Positions include those working with vocational
rehabilitation, community service agencies, local school
districts, gerontology, the Peace Corps,
self employment as free lance interpreters, social service
agencies, communication facilities, college and
universities.
Who Would Enjoy It:
Someone who would enjoy this field would have characteristics that include flexibility, objectivity, self-discipline and self-motivation, sensitivity to others, punctuality and responsibility. They must be able to focus their attention on one task at a time and be accurate in their actions/duties. They must also be able to maintain a low profile, so that the attention of the participants is not focused on him or her.
What They Earn:
Salaries range from $10,000 to $45,000 depending on one's employer, experience, hours worked and location. Some interpreters who only work part-time or as a free-lancer may earn between $20 and $45 per hour.
How Much Schooling, Training, or Skill Development:
An associate degree is required by most employers, along with continual and periodic classes and certification. A bachelor's degree will be helpful to make one more competitive in this field. National Interpreter Certification, which is offered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, will require a bachelor's degree as of July 1, 2012. Michigan as well as other states that require minimum education may vary by the kind of work the interpreter does.
Related Occupations:
Teacher for the Deaf, Social Work and Counseling
Communication Department
Arts and Sciences Bldg, Room 211
Phone: (517) 483-1040
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