Sign Language Interpreter
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances. Sign language interpreters work in schools and courts, and for social service agencies, interpretation services, government services and television stations, or they may be self-employed. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu: Sign Language Interpreter - occupational profile and videos
- A day in the life of a sign language interpreter - University of Texas Medical Branch
- Is ASL Interpreting the Right Career for You? - from the Huffington Post
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
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Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Sign Language Interpreters Survey (2014) - from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (US)
- Sign Language Interpreter Salary (US) - from Sokanu
- Hourly Rate Compensation Study Summary (US) - from the Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC)
- Manitoba Association of Visual Language Interpreters
- National Association of the Deaf - Interpreting American Sign-Language
- Registered Interpreters for the Deaf
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD)
- Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)
- World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience: