What does an American Sign Language Interpreter do? 

ASL Interpreters are tasked with bridging the communication gap between people who can hear and those who are hard of hearing, whether it’s at school, medical facility, church, concert or other location. Quality interpreters can effectively capture and translate spoken information before immediately interpreting it for a hard of hearing audience, often using high-level, specialized vocabulary. To execute this, interpreters must spend large parts of the day concentrating, focusing on auditory and visual information before conveying it. 

American Sign Language Interpreters may specialize in a specific mode of communication, like oral interpreters, who silently mouth words in English for easier lip-reading. Transliterators are another form of ASL Interpreters who use a visually-coded language that follows the grammatical structure of written English. 

American Sign Language Interpreter skills and qualifications 

A successful American Sign Language Interpreter will have a range of prerequisite skills necessary to carry out the position’s daily responsibilities. These qualifications include: 

• A strong grasp of both English and American Sign Language 

• The ability to facilitate communication with discretion and impartiality 

• Proficiency in oral and written communication 

• A wide breadth of knowledge in a variety of topics 

• Strong social awareness for interpretation with empathy and attentiveness 

• Understanding of the cultural norms and conventions of the American Deaf Community 

• The ability to track and remember information and concepts while simultaneously interpreting them 

• Physical stamina and dexterity for extended interpretation sessions 

American Sign Language Interpreter experience requirements 

It’s important to keep in mind that fluency in American Sign Language is not all it takes to be an effective interpreter. Because interpreters must mediate understanding among all parties in a conversation, they must be able to quickly and concisely relay information, often at a high level. Developing this skill can take years of practice. 

Because of this, ASL Interpreters should have substantial work experience to ensure their interpretations are accurate. At least three years in a similar position is a standard requirement, though specifying anywhere from two to five years can help you find a candidate with plenty of know-how. 

American Sign Language Interpreter education and training requirements 

ASL Interpreters are required to complete an accredited interpreter training program to build the knowledge and abilities needed for success in the role. A certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf may be required in some cases to demonstrate proficiency as a communicator. To qualify for this certificate, applicants must also hold a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Some candidates may qualify for the role without this certification if they’ve spent significant time in a position with equivalent responsibilities. 

American Sign Language Interpreter salary expectations 

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an ASL Interpreter is $76,079 per year. This figure may vary based on location and company, as well as the candidate’s experience level. 

Job description samples for similar positions 

If this job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, these other samples might be a better fit: 

• Interpreter

• Translator 

American Sign Language Interpreter job description FAQs 

Do ASL Interpreters have different responsibilities in different industries? 

The role of an ASL Interpreter can vary based on the type of information they’re charged with interpreting. Those working in educational or medical facilities may need to have a more extensive vocabulary and knowledge base in order to understand and effectively interpret high-level subject matter. 

Who reports to an ASL Interpreter? 

While ASL Interpreters work closely with hard-of-hearing members of an organization, interpreters themselves seldom supervise others. However, interpreters may work collaboratively for mentoring or skill development purposes. 

What is the difference between an ASL Interpreter and an ASL translator? 

American Sign Language Interpreters primarily work in environments where information is communicated orally, interpreting information to people who are hard of hearing as it’s spoken aloud. Translators, on the other hand, tend to focus on the written word, transforming it from paper into visual signs and vice-versa.