🎨 Creative & Media ↑ 11% growth · Much faster than average

Sign Language Interpreter (ASL)

American Sign Language interpreters bridge communication between Deaf and hearing communities in classrooms, medical settings, courts, and live events — a deeply meaningful career that requires both linguistic mastery and cultural competency. Demand far exceeds supply, and qualified interpreters command strong rates.

$57,000 Median Salary
31K US Jobs
2–4 years Training
$10,000–$40,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$38,000
Median
$57,000
Experienced
$82,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

11%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Much faster than average
31K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
RID Certification
Required Credential
RID Certification (National Interpreter Certification - NIC)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Bachelor's in ASL Interpreting or Deaf Studies
Program Length
2–4 years
Typical Tuition
$10,000–$40,000
Work Setting
Schools, hospitals, courts, government, freelance/VRS
🏆 Credential Required: RID Certification (National Interpreter Certification - NIC)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Sign Language Interpreter (ASL) involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Schools environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Sign Language Interpreter (ASL) by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC