What Does a Sign Language Interpreter Do?
Sign language interpreters turn spoken English into American Sign Language and a deaf person's signing back into spoken English, in classrooms, doctors' offices, courtrooms and video relay calls. Long or technical sessions are worked in pairs, with interpreters trading off every few minutes. Some also transliterate, keeping English word order for people who prefer it.
Also known as: Interpreter Trainer, Interpreter/Transliterator, Senior Interpreter/Transliterator
Sign Language Interpreter Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a sign language interpreter include:
- Interpret between spoken English and American Sign Language in classes, appointments and meetings.
- Transliterate lectures into signed English for students who prefer English word order.
- Prepare for assignments by reading slides, scripts and terms, and agreeing signs for technical vocabulary.
- Work in teams on long or complex sessions, switching roles every few minutes to stay accurate.
- Voice for deaf speakers, turning their signed remarks into clear spoken English.
- Interpret through video remote and video relay platforms from a studio or home setup.
- Choose positions and lighting in each room so deaf participants can see signs clearly.
- Follow the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct on confidentiality, impartiality and role boundaries.
- Mentor newer interpreters and run skills workshops as an interpreter trainer.
- Record assignment hours and keep up continuing education units for certification maintenance.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a sign language interpreter, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Native-like fluency in ASL and English
- RID certification or a state credential
- Transliteration into signed English
- Video remote and relay interpreting
- Knowledge of Deaf culture
- Strict confidentiality and professional ethics
- Physical stamina and good ergonomics
- Quick, accurate processing under pressure
Education and Training
Most interpreters learn through an interpreter education program, often a bachelor's degree, but some grow up signing with deaf parents and earn their credentials later. To interpret in schools, courts or hospitals, in many states you will need RID national certification or a state license. Mentored practice helps new interpreters.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $46,530 - $80,830 per year, with a median of $60,170.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Interpreters and Translators.
BLS counts sign language interpreters within the wider group of interpreters and translators, which it projects to grow about 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, with roughly 6,000 openings a year. Demand often is tied to school and video relay services, but certified interpreters are needed wherever deaf people see a doctor, go to court or attend class.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Interpreters and translators.