Sign Language Interpreter FAQ’s – Common Questions & Misconceptions

Why does the sign language interpreter you see on television keep making funny faces? Moreover, how do you become an interpreter and how much does an average ASL interpreter earn? 

As a result of Covid-19, ASL interpreters have started to achieve near-celebrity status. However, ASL interpreters becoming so publically visible has left many people with questions about how ASL interpreting works. 

Here, we’ll attempt to answer some of the most common questions about what it means to be a sign language interpreter.  

How Much Does a Sign Language Interpreter Earn?

Is becoming a sign language interpreter a smart career choice? As it stands, the answer is a simple yes.  

At present in the United States, a professional sign language interpreter can earn an average of $44.72 to $49.35 per hour. In many states, this equates to almost double the average hourly wage in other professions. 

Will There Still be Demand for ASL Interpreters After Covid-19?

Contrary to what you might think, being a sign language interpreter involves a lot more than just appearing on daily news broadcasts. Most ASL interpreters don’t even work in the media at all. 

Every day, millions of U.S. businesses rely on ASL interpreters to provide a variety of services to hearing-impaired consumers. All are also legally mandated to do so as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Because sign language interpreters don’t just work in the media, demand for ASL interpreting services won’t disappear after Covid-19. In fact, demand for ASL interpreters is expected to keep on rising until at least 2022. 

Why do ASL Interpreters Always Wear Black?

When you watch sign language interpreters on television, you might notice that many always wear black. This is not always the case. However, when interpreting on television or via a video link, most ASL interpreters will try to wear neutral colors.  

By wearing neutral colors, interpreters can more easily keep viewers’ attention on their facial expressions and hand movements. 

Why do Sign Language Interpreters Move Their Mouth?

Not all deaf people are born deaf. At present, congenital deafness only affects (approximately) 1 in every 1,000 Americans. Because of this many deaf people can lip read. Some ASL interpreters, therefore, mouth words while making hand signs, for the benefit of hearing-impaired people who may not be as familiar with American Sign Language as those who are born deaf. 

Why do Sign Language Interpreters Make Faces?

Contrary to what you might think, American Sign Language isn’t just comprised of different hand signs. As well as hand signs, interpreters can use facial expressions and whole body movements to relate different uses of grammar and emotions. 

Do You Need Professional Qualifications to be a Sign Language Interpreter?

As a rule, you do not need a degree to become an ASL sign language interpreter. Being fluent in ASL will often be enough to allow you to start a potentially lucrative freelance career. However, some employers and translation agencies like ourselves do require a minimal level of experience. 

At Languagers, we hire the best ASL interpreters by requiring all our interpreters to have a minimum of a college education and 3-years of professional interpreting experience. You can find out more about how to become an interpreter with us by clicking here.