Sign Language Interpreters

Question: Do Sign Language Interpreters make much money? How much do sign language interpreters make? Any information is helpful.

Answer: in California. I think they get paid around $30~$50/hr depending on where. good luck

Question: Any sign language interpreters in here? I'm interested in majoring in Deaf Studies at my university (I'm currently an undecided freshman right now), to possibly pursue a career as a sign language interpreter. I would like to know a couple of things: -Where are they commonly hired? Schools? Hospitals? -What is the mean salary? What about entry-level salary? -What will the job outlook be like in 2011 (my year of expected graduation)? Will there be a high demand for sign language interpreters?

Answer: 1. Usually interpreters are hired by an agency which then contracts out the interpreters on an as needed basis. Interpreters will work at Dr. Apts, Court, Hospitals, Schools, Churches, Graduation Ceremonies, Plays, and several other things. 2. The mean and entry level salary are different for each location, from state to state and from city to city. Here, in Ohio, starting is around 20$/h and can go as high as 28$/h with experience. 3. Interpreters will always be needed! The demand here is VERY high, the agency I know of turns down around 100 jobs per week due to lack of interpreters!

Question: How well do sign language interpreters pay? I was wondering if I should take some college courses in sign launguage when I get older ; do interpreters pay well?

Answer: My mom is an interpreter in Memphis. She's been doing it for years. She and my dad make about the same income, which is roughly $60,000 a year.

Question: Are there any Sign Language Interpreters out there? I'm learning sign language with the hopes of become a sign language interpreter. Any advice?

Answer: Ok, I am Deaf, and the previous post is WRONG, only a FEW Deaf people are excellent lip-readers! Lip-reading is a skill, the same as playing piano, painting an artwork, or solving complicated math problems. Totally unfair to generalize us like that! Also pictures are very hard to learn from, unless you use the online sign language browsers. But you still need to see signs in a conversation to understand the whole grammatical aspect of ASL. Second, (which should be first) CONGRATS on your decision! I suggest: 1. Take a sign language class if you can afford it. Try to make sure that your teacher is DEAF. 2. Make sure to socialize with other Deaf as often as you can. Sign up to your local Deaf newsletter online, and try to attend the Deaf events. 3. Don't be shy about it! Try as hard as you can, and helpful Deaf will show you the right away. 4. Practice as much as you can! At home, practice fingerspelling all the objects in your home. Or while you are at a stop light, practice fingerspelling the license plates in front of you. You also learn and remember signs well when you try to sign the words to music. This is a great start! If you do this consistently, you -could- be fluent between 6mos - a year. Glad for you!!

Question: How much money do sign language interpreters make?

Answer: It depends on where you work. Freelance interpreters charge anywhere between $15- $60 per hour, depending on skill and demand for interpreters. Staff interpreters at schools make anywhere from minimum wage to $35,000 per year. ASL interpreters for the CIA can make almost $100,000. Just depends on skill, demand, and field. :)

Question: Are American Sign Language Interpreters professionals or paraprofessionals? Particularly in the educational setting, should Interpreters be considered professionals? If not, why?

Answer: Professionals! Most places require a degree and certification. Interpreters have a huge responsibility to their clients and can be held responsible for information interpreted wrongly or information that is left out. Educational Interpreters should also be certified but many schools will hire uncertified interpreters. This is detrimental to both the student and the educator.

Question: are sign language interpreters in high demand? I would like to study asl but I would like to know if they're in high demand and where would my services be needed?

Answer: Yes, definitely!!... So you're interested in working as a interpreter? If I were you, I would go to California State University of Northridge or Gaudalladet University OR any nearby colleges that offer Deaf program and interpreter too! Also, try to majoring in Deaf Studies plus Interpreter credentials as well and talk to your counselor about it... I live in Southern California and I am Deaf, really... Also, I have Deaf friends back in high school who going to the same college as I am this fall and my college are short of interpreter... For example: More Deaf students coming to college, university, trade school, etc.. = increased demand of interpreters. and right now, in my school, more and more Deafs come (I say about 36 Deafs) and only have about 12 interpreters available... It not good for Deafs and me as well.... good pay? YES! But depends on the location, really :) Hope this helps? If you have any question, feel free to email me on my profile

Question: Sign language Interpreters what is your hourly rate? central ny are you an educational interpreter? Do you know of any positions open?

Answer: The rate depends on your experience, qualifications and geographic areas you work in. In my state, Virginia, there is a published state rate that is a guideline many interpreters use, but it is only a suggestion. It is only used specifically for those that are on the state contract. If I followed the contract and was a freelancer (I work for an agency), then my rate would be $38/hr. (or is it $42? I've forgotten since I don't work on my own anymore.) I have one certification (CI). The scale varies based on certifications. You asked about educational interpreters... not sure if you want an educational interpreting position, or if you are asking about freelance rates that educational interpreters charge when they go out in the community. The above was addressed to community work. For a full-time position with the school, I would never accept a hourly wage position. I want to have the same pay and benefits of a professional. I would not want my pay to be dependent on if the student came to school or not. I am setting aside my time and cannot replace the work for the day due to the student not being there. As far as open positions... Do you have RID, NAD, or NIC certification? Are you willing to move? I believe that Virginia is a great place to work! The pay and cost of living here are great for interpreters. There is a wide range of work -- community and education. There are few agencies and lots of freelancers. I work for Sign Language Associates, Inc. and love it! I make good money and get to do the work I like to do. I'm currently doing video relay, but I also can take other jobs that interest me. I use to work for a large school system and the pay got much better through the years. Thank goodness! The school pay here isn't bad at all.