NOTE: This is as of early 2023. With inflation, supply & demand, this can change – please click the links below for more accurate info for your country! Use this as a guide only.
It’s also worth noting, many interpreters work part time basis due to there not always being full-time roles.
Sign language interpreters play a vital role in bridging communication gaps between Deaf and hearing individuals. Their work is not only essential but also highly specialized, requiring fluency in sign language, cultural competency, and professional certification. But how much do sign language interpreters earn around the world? In this blog post, we’ll explore interpreter salaries in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, France, South Korea, and Brazil. We’ll break down yearly and hourly earnings in local currency and their equivalent in USD (as of 2023).
1. United States: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary:$50,000−$50,000−$70,000 USD
- Hourly Rate: $25−$35 USD
- Details: ASL interpreters in the U.S. earn a median salary of around $60,000 USD per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Freelance interpreters often charge hourly rates, which can vary based on experience and specialization (e.g., legal or medical interpreting).
- Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. United Kingdom: British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary: £25,000 – £40,000 GBP (~31,000−31,000−50,000 USD)
- Hourly Rate: £20 – £35 GBP (~25−25−44 USD)
- Details: BSL interpreters in the UK earn a median salary of around £32,000 GBP per year. Freelance interpreters typically charge higher hourly rates, especially for specialized assignments.
- Source: National Careers Service (UK)
3. New Zealand: New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary: NZD 50,000−70,000 (~30,000−42,000 USD)
- Hourly Rate: NZD 25−40 (~15−24 USD)
- Details: NZSL interpreters in New Zealand earn a median salary of around NZD $60,000 per year. Demand for interpreters is growing, particularly in education and healthcare settings.
- Source: Careers NZ
4. Australia: Australian Sign Language (Auslan) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary: AUD 60,000−85,000 (39,000−55,000 USD)
- Hourly Rate: AUD 30−50 (~20−33 USD)
- Details: Auslan interpreters in Australia earn a median salary of around AUD $70,000 per year. Freelance interpreters often charge higher hourly rates for specialized services.
- Source: PayScale Australia
5. France: French Sign Language (LSF) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary: €30,000 – €45,000 EUR (~32,000−32,000−48,000 USD)
- Hourly Rate: €20 – €35 EUR (~21−37 USD)
- Details: LSF interpreters in France earn a median salary of around €35,000 EUR per year. Many interpreters work freelance, charging hourly rates for assignments.
- Source: Indeed France
6. South Korea: Korean Sign Language (KSL) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary: KRW 30,000,000 – 50,000,000 (~22,000−37,000 USD)
- Hourly Rate: KRW 20,000 – 35,000 (~15−26 USD)
- Details: KSL interpreters in South Korea earn a median salary of around KRW 40,000,000 per year. The demand for interpreters is increasing, particularly in urban areas.
- Source: Saramin (South Korea)
7. Brazil: Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) Interpreters
- Yearly Salary: BRL 40,000 – 60,000 (~8,000−12,000 USD)
- Hourly Rate: BRL 30 – 50 (~6−10 USD)
- Details: Libras interpreters in Brazil earn a median salary of around BRL 50,000 per year. While salaries are lower compared to other countries, the profession is gaining recognition and support.
- Source: Catho Brazil
Factors Affecting Interpreter Salaries
Several factors influence how much sign language interpreters earn, including:
- Experience: More experienced interpreters typically earn higher salaries.
- Certification: Certified interpreters (e.g., RID NIC, NRCPD) often command higher rates.
- Specialization: Interpreters in high-demand fields like legal, medical, or educational interpreting may earn more.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas with greater demand for interpreters.
Conclusion
Sign language interpreting is a rewarding career that offers competitive salaries in many countries. While earnings vary depending on location, experience, and specialization, interpreters play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for the Deaf community. Whether you’re considering a career in interpreting or simply curious about the profession, we hope this breakdown provides valuable insights.
At SignLanguage.blog, we’re passionate about supporting the Deaf community and those who work to make the world more accessible. Stay tuned for more resources, tips, and stories about sign languages and interpreting!
